Apr 9, 2020, 2:37 pm
Last edit by: hkcj
***************************************
* In mid-2021, UA started a process that unify ETCs/FFCs and expand their usability, jointly they are called "travel credits"
* There are still a few differences - transferability and expiration are different
* Conversion of FFCs to ETCs are no longer an option
* See this UA announcement (27 Sept 2021) for some insight
**************************************
FFC -- Future flight Credit issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight
ETC -- A credit issued generally for a service related issue, broken seat, a significant delayed flight due to UA issues, ....
Refunds due to significant schedule changes or cancellations are different, see Schedule Change(Back to 2hrs)/Cancelation Refund,New DOT ruling,UA processing refunds
Can I convert a FFC to ETC? Can I get an ETC instead of FFC?
ETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades, bag fees
Comparison of TB, ETCs, & FFCs
Other useful threads
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
Future Flight Credits (FFC) Available on My Trips page?
Issues with UA's online rebooking: Missing flights, higher prices, changed cabin, ..
Is UA enforcing No Residual Value restriction found in some fare rules?
UA Electronic Travel Certificates (ETC): General Q&A, ... now 2 year life ...Closed
UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Codeshares/partner flights ...Closed
How to get residual value ("future flight credit") from non-refundable flight ...Closed
Archive:
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Future Flight Credit {Archive}
* In mid-2021, UA started a process that unify ETCs/FFCs and expand their usability, jointly they are called "travel credits"
* There are still a few differences - transferability and expiration are different
* Conversion of FFCs to ETCs are no longer an option
* See this UA announcement (27 Sept 2021) for some insight
**************************************
FFC -- Future flight Credit issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight
ETC -- A credit issued generally for a service related issue, broken seat, a significant delayed flight due to UA issues, ....
Refunds due to significant schedule changes or cancellations are different, see Schedule Change(Back to 2hrs)/Cancelation Refund,New DOT ruling,UA processing refunds
United travel credits
We have two types of travel credits, and both can easily be used to shop for flights and amenities on our website or app. Get to know future flight credits and travel certificates.
How do I redeem my travel credits? Can anyone use my credits?
To use travel credits with PlusPoints, you’ll need to book your ticket using your travel credit and then request a PlusPoints upgrade.Do travel credits expire?
We have two types of travel credits, and both can easily be used to shop for flights and amenities on our website or app. Get to know future flight credits and travel certificates.
How do I redeem my travel credits?
Shop for your flight as you normally would. Once you get to checkout, all unused travel credits that are connected to your MileagePlus account will automatically appear once you select “Travel Credits” as a payment option. All you have to do is select the checkbox next to the credit and it will automatically be applied to your reservation.
If you don’t see one of your travel credits listed, or don’t have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
If you don’t see one of your travel credits listed, or don’t have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
Who can actually use a travel credit varies based on credit type.
Future flight credits
Normally, a future flight credit is non-transferrable and therefore must be used by the same traveler it was issued to. However, all future flight credits that were issued for tickets purchased on or before August 31, 2021, can now be used to book travel for anyone, including yourself, friends, or family. If you have trouble using a future flight credit, please contact Reservations at 1-800-864-8331.
Future flight credits
Normally, a future flight credit is non-transferrable and therefore must be used by the same traveler it was issued to. However, all future flight credits that were issued for tickets purchased on or before August 31, 2021, can now be used to book travel for anyone, including yourself, friends, or family. If you have trouble using a future flight credit, please contact Reservations at 1-800-864-8331.
Travel certificates
These credits can be used by anyone.
What can I use my travel credits?These credits can be used by anyone.
- All travel credits can be used to buy tickets on United, United Express and partner-operated flights. You can also apply travel credits toward non-ticket items, like Economy Plus® seating, Basic Economy seat assignments and preferred seating.
(and pre-paid checked bags? never implemented)
To use travel credits with PlusPoints, you’ll need to book your ticket using your travel credit and then request a PlusPoints upgrade.
All travel credits do expire, but the expirations work differently for the two types of credits.
Future flight credits
Future flight credits have a “travel by” date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Please note, future flight credits issued on or before December 31, 2022, have had their “travel by” date extended to December 31, 2023.
Travel certificates
Travel certificates have a “book by” date as their expiration. Meaning, you must book your flight using this credit before the expiration date. In most cases, these credits expire up to one year after the date they were issued.
Please note, travel certificates set to expire on or before December 31, 2022, or issued before December 31, 2022, have had their “book by” date extended to December 31, 2023.
Where do I find my travel credit info?Future flight credits
Future flight credits have a “travel by” date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Please note, future flight credits issued on or before December 31, 2022, have had their “travel by” date extended to December 31, 2023.
Travel certificates
Travel certificates have a “book by” date as their expiration. Meaning, you must book your flight using this credit before the expiration date. In most cases, these credits expire up to one year after the date they were issued.
Please note, travel certificates set to expire on or before December 31, 2022, or issued before December 31, 2022, have had their “book by” date extended to December 31, 2023.
MileagePlus members can find a summary of their travel credits in their account. If you aren’t a member or can’t find your credit in your account, you can also use the lookup forms provided on this page to find your travel credit information, including the value and expiration date.
Can I use multiple credit info?Yes, you can use multiple credits of the same type in a single purchase. Future flight credits and travel certificates cannot be combined. {Although in Sept 2021 UA hinted this was coming}
What if I have a travel credit issues for a flight originally booked through a travel agent?You can still use your credit, but you’ll need to do it through the travel agency you used to book the original flight.
(ETC) Terms and conditionsCertificate terms and conditions
- Travel certificates are redeemable toward transportation on any flight operated by United Airlines, Inc., United Express, and partner airlines sold on United digital channels.
- You may redeem or view travel certificate details at united.com by clicking on Deals & Offers, Promotional certificates, and entering the promotion code and PIN in the offer code box. You can also call United at 800-UNITED-1 (800-864-8331). A fee may apply for redemption via telephone. You will be asked to enter the last name of the certificate recipient. Certificates may not be redeemed through a travel agency.
- The promotion code and PIN must be presented at time of ticket purchase and expire 24 months from original date of issue, unless otherwise noted.
- Travel certificates have no cash value.
- Travel certificates will not be honored in conjunction with prepaid tickets, fee-waived tickets, MileagePlus awards, tour packages or other service charges. You must pay for outstanding fees and ancillary purchases with a credit or debit card at time of purchase.
- If the face amount of a travel certificate exceeds the cost of the ticket for which it is surrendered, any residual amount will be applied to the same PIN for use toward another ticket until either the original issued amount is depleted, or the expiration date has been reached, whichever comes first.
- Travel certificates are not transferable and may not be sold, traded or bartered. However, the original recipient of a certificate may arrange travel for another person if done without selling or bartering the certificate. Any sale or barter of a certificate, or any offer to sell or enter into such a transaction, shall render a certificate null and void such that the certificate shall no longer be redeemable by any person, including the original recipient.
- Positive identification may be required when using a certificate toward the purchase of a ticket. United is not liable for loss, theft or unintended use of a certificate by a person other than the original recipient.
- United's Contract of Carriage applies to all travel on United Airlines and United Express.
You can not longer do either.
Occasionally, if there is an problem using your FFC, the agent will convert it to an ETC for immediate use. These are rare and at the agent;s discretion. Calling to ask converting an FFC to ETC for use by another traveler will likely not work -as the FFC was never intended for transfer
What if I only use part of the credit, what happens to the rest?Occasionally, if there is an problem using your FFC, the agent will convert it to an ETC for immediate use. These are rare and at the agent;s discretion. Calling to ask converting an FFC to ETC for use by another traveler will likely not work -as the FFC was never intended for transfer
For both FFCs/ETCs the remainder of the credit is available for future use
But these credits must be fully used before the use of a credit card payment
Can FFCs or ETCs be used to pay award fees?But these credits must be fully used before the use of a credit card payment
No
What happens if I cancel a ticket purchased with FFC or ETC in 24 hours?Payment goes back to original form of payment, Note this can take some time -- a week or more, especially for the ETC.
What happens if I cancel a ticket purchased with FFC or ETC after 24 hours?This becomes a new FFC (including the ETC value). This generally happens immediately.
ETCETCs can be used for internet access, E+, subscriptions, upgrades
Comparison of TB, ETCs, & FFCs
- They all have different pluses and minuses
- TB can only be used on an all UA operated itin but can be used to book anyone. Deposited TB funds have up to 5 year expiration (special promos are funds are much shorter) and need to be used for a booking before expiration but travel can be later (up to 11 months)
- ETCs can be used for any itin bookable by United and can be used by any traveler, Trips funded by ETC need to be booked by expiration but travel can be later (up to 11 months)
- FFCs can be use for any itin bookable by United but can only be used by the named traveler, Trips funded by ETC need to be started before expiration
- Only one of these can be used in a single booking, but multiple ETCs or Multiple FFCs can be used for a single booking
- TB and ETCs can be converted to FFCs. FFCs can not (in general) be converted to ETCs (but occasionally will be if a legitimate FFCs usage fails).
- FFCs or ETCs can not be deposited in TB.
Originally Posted by wiki
If you want to extend an FFC, the most reliable process is:
Purchasie a new non-refundable (non-BE) itin, for same passengers as the FFC. Do not use change of flight, start a new booking without using the FFC.
When you get to the payment page, then use the FFC as a form of payment
Wait a bit over 24 hours and then cancel.
You then will receive, essentially instantaneous, a new FFC with an expiration 1 year from the booking date.
The new FFC must be used for a trip starting before the new expiration
Deviations may not be successful
This will not work for FFC from a partial flown trip.
This works for extending ETC also except the ETC with be converted to a FFC and locked to the named passenger.
There is no guarantee this process will work in the future
Purchasie a new non-refundable (non-BE) itin, for same passengers as the FFC. Do not use change of flight, start a new booking without using the FFC.
When you get to the payment page, then use the FFC as a form of payment
Wait a bit over 24 hours and then cancel.
You then will receive, essentially instantaneous, a new FFC with an expiration 1 year from the booking date.
The new FFC must be used for a trip starting before the new expiration
Deviations may not be successful
This will not work for FFC from a partial flown trip.
This works for extending ETC also except the ETC with be converted to a FFC and locked to the named passenger.
There is no guarantee this process will work in the future
Extending a Credit/Travel/ETC Voucher by booking a refundable fare?
Now See All Your Electronic Travel Credit(s) (ETCs) on Your United.com Account!
Future Flight Credits (FFC) Available on My Trips page?
Issues with UA's online rebooking: Missing flights, higher prices, changed cabin, ..
Is UA enforcing No Residual Value restriction found in some fare rules?
Archive:
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Future Flight Credit {Archive}
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Jun 3, 2023, 10:54 am
#181
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 665
I booked a flight using FTC + credit card to cover the remaining balance.
I canceled within 24h, and expected to get the FTC back to use again immediately, but did not.
I called in and agent said it could take up to 5 business days to get it.
Is there any way to get the FTC back now? I need to book another flight.
I canceled within 24h, and expected to get the FTC back to use again immediately, but did not.
I called in and agent said it could take up to 5 business days to get it.
Is there any way to get the FTC back now? I need to book another flight.
Jun 3, 2023, 12:04 pm
#182
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
I booked a flight using FTC + credit card to cover the remaining balance.
I canceled within 24h, and expected to get the FTC back to use again immediately, but did not.
I called in and agent said it could take up to 5 business days to get it.
Is there any way to get the FTC back now? I need to book another flight.
I canceled within 24h, and expected to get the FTC back to use again immediately, but did not.
I called in and agent said it could take up to 5 business days to get it.
Is there any way to get the FTC back now? I need to book another flight.
It might have been faster to change the original flight or waited more than 24 hours and get a FFC. Those approaches would have been essentially immediate.
This cancel in 24 hours with ETC has always been a dark side of ETCs.
Jun 3, 2023, 12:55 pm
#183
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 665
ETC refunds are handled manually and will take a few days to refund, can be longer.
It might have been faster to change the original flight or waited more than 24 hours and get a FFC. Those approaches would have been essentially immediate.
This cancel in 24 hours with ETC has always been a dark side of ETCs.
It might have been faster to change the original flight or waited more than 24 hours and get a FFC. Those approaches would have been essentially immediate.
This cancel in 24 hours with ETC has always been a dark side of ETCs.
FFC+ credit card seems to cause a manual refund process also
Last edited by Travelchurner; Jun 3, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jun 3, 2023, 1:08 pm
#184
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
Jun 3, 2023, 4:46 pm
#185
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,165
I'm guessing the split tender transaction (within 24h) is certainly not helping -- since it has to be a split tender refund as well and likely requires some level of manual intervention...
Jun 3, 2023, 6:57 pm
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Anyway to get an FFC to show up in my account when it is not? A bit do a long story, but here goes:
Tried to use an FFC to pay for a small portion (~$20) of a long haul flight - basically, was trying to use it more than anything to finally clear all of my COVID related FFCs. This was the balance from a previously initiated by me flight cancelation and change to a new destination that was cheaper. Canceled this long-haul within 24 hours to take advantage of a fare drop on this flight (~$200, IIRC).
Took a few days to get the bulk refunded to my CC (as expected), but FFC never showed up in my account. Last night, realized it wasn’t showing up in my account (nor my wife’s, which is the email where I sent the long-haul itinerary - that’s a different story that is probably irrelevant). Plugged in the PNR for my canceled long-haul flight, and it displayed fine, so seems it is useable. Tried also getting it to search by associated email - didn’t send it via mine, but did to my wife’s. Kind of makes sense - so I get that.
issue is that it won’t show up online in either of our accounts under travel certs. I do keep a spreadsheet of travel certs - exactly for this purpose (and for the days prior to us being able to see them in our accounts). And I know I can manually access it when I’m ready to use it. But wondering if there is anyway to actually have it show up in my account. If I call, can they add it? I was hoping searching for it while logged in might make it ‘stick’ to my account (like you can in the app for itineraries), but that wouldn’t work. Any way to make this happen?
Tried to use an FFC to pay for a small portion (~$20) of a long haul flight - basically, was trying to use it more than anything to finally clear all of my COVID related FFCs. This was the balance from a previously initiated by me flight cancelation and change to a new destination that was cheaper. Canceled this long-haul within 24 hours to take advantage of a fare drop on this flight (~$200, IIRC).
Took a few days to get the bulk refunded to my CC (as expected), but FFC never showed up in my account. Last night, realized it wasn’t showing up in my account (nor my wife’s, which is the email where I sent the long-haul itinerary - that’s a different story that is probably irrelevant). Plugged in the PNR for my canceled long-haul flight, and it displayed fine, so seems it is useable. Tried also getting it to search by associated email - didn’t send it via mine, but did to my wife’s. Kind of makes sense - so I get that.
issue is that it won’t show up online in either of our accounts under travel certs. I do keep a spreadsheet of travel certs - exactly for this purpose (and for the days prior to us being able to see them in our accounts). And I know I can manually access it when I’m ready to use it. But wondering if there is anyway to actually have it show up in my account. If I call, can they add it? I was hoping searching for it while logged in might make it ‘stick’ to my account (like you can in the app for itineraries), but that wouldn’t work. Any way to make this happen?
Jun 11, 2023, 1:15 pm
#187
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
Newbie questions from a former 1k, I've only maintained Silver for the last few years after these rules changed, and haven't flown much obviously. Tried to search but hard to get this specific.
I canceled a r/t for 2 people in February. IIRC, full ticket value was around $1,300 each. First time with any kind of personal UA credit in probably 4 years.
When I view the credit in my account, I see separate credits for each flight segment, totaling about $1,600...maybe I remembered the value above incorrectly or is it now $800 each and I lost some value?
Two questions:
- I see my name and my wife's on the credit. Are the 2 credits total for both of us or does she have the same amount...i.e. if I book a new flight for the two of us using the credit is it $1600 or $3200? Do we have to book separate tickets now to use the full credit amount for 2 people?
- Can I use a partial credit? For example, one segment is about $1,100. Can I book a flight for $500 and still have a $600 remainder, or if I use part do I lose the rest of the credit?
I know I can call UA -- and may have to when it comes time to book -- but wanted to make sure I had as much info as possible first. Thank you!
I canceled a r/t for 2 people in February. IIRC, full ticket value was around $1,300 each. First time with any kind of personal UA credit in probably 4 years.
When I view the credit in my account, I see separate credits for each flight segment, totaling about $1,600...maybe I remembered the value above incorrectly or is it now $800 each and I lost some value?
Two questions:
- I see my name and my wife's on the credit. Are the 2 credits total for both of us or does she have the same amount...i.e. if I book a new flight for the two of us using the credit is it $1600 or $3200? Do we have to book separate tickets now to use the full credit amount for 2 people?
- Can I use a partial credit? For example, one segment is about $1,100. Can I book a flight for $500 and still have a $600 remainder, or if I use part do I lose the rest of the credit?
I know I can call UA -- and may have to when it comes time to book -- but wanted to make sure I had as much info as possible first. Thank you!
Jun 11, 2023, 1:43 pm
#188
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
....
I canceled a r/t for 2 people in February. IIRC, full ticket value was around $1,300 each. First time with any kind of personal UA credit in probably 4 years.
When I view the credit in my account, I see separate credits for each flight segment, totaling about $1,600...maybe I remembered the value above incorrectly or is it now $800 each and I lost some value? ...
I canceled a r/t for 2 people in February. IIRC, full ticket value was around $1,300 each. First time with any kind of personal UA credit in probably 4 years.
When I view the credit in my account, I see separate credits for each flight segment, totaling about $1,600...maybe I remembered the value above incorrectly or is it now $800 each and I lost some value? ...
....
- I see my name and my wife's on the credit. Are the 2 credits total for both of us or does she have the same amount...i.e. if I book a new flight for the two of us using the credit is it $1600 or $3200? Do we have to book separate tickets now to use the full credit amount for 2 people? ....
- I see my name and my wife's on the credit. Are the 2 credits total for both of us or does she have the same amount...i.e. if I book a new flight for the two of us using the credit is it $1600 or $3200? Do we have to book separate tickets now to use the full credit amount for 2 people? ....
Yes If purchased from UA and the credit is with UA.
Jun 11, 2023, 2:15 pm
#189
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
Editing this -- I went back and checked original flight value, think I have it figured out now. Thanks for your help!
Jun 11, 2023, 2:48 pm
#190
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 2
I have a $200 Travel Certificate in my United account that I got as a compensation when there was an issue in my flight experience.
I have an upcoming international award economy flight later this month. Can I use the certificate to pay a part of the seat upgrading fee to Premium economy?
I have an upcoming international award economy flight later this month. Can I use the certificate to pay a part of the seat upgrading fee to Premium economy?
Jun 11, 2023, 3:29 pm
#191
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Gold), Caesars Diamond
Posts: 1,402
I have a $200 Travel Certificate in my United account that I got as a compensation when there was an issue in my flight experience.
I have an upcoming international award economy flight later this month. Can I use the certificate to pay a part of the seat upgrading fee to Premium economy?
I have an upcoming international award economy flight later this month. Can I use the certificate to pay a part of the seat upgrading fee to Premium economy?
https://www.united.com/en/US/fly/travel/credit.html
You can also apply future flight credits toward some non-ticket items, like Economy Plus® seating. If you choose to apply your credits towards non-ticket items, you’ll need to do that when booking your ticket as you can’t apply future flight credits after your initial ticket purchase.
Jun 12, 2023, 7:46 am
#192
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 48
I am a little confused about FFC expiration... It is my understanding that if I were to cancel voluntarily a non-refundable economy flight, I will get FFC for the amount. The wiki states this:
So, if were to book a flight when the schedule opens, like almost a year in advance, and then cancel the flight a few days before take off, does this mean that I would only have roughly a month left to fly and use the credit (e.g. travel by one year after the original ticket issue date)?
Future flight credits
Future flight credits have a “travel by” date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Future flight credits have a “travel by” date as their expiration. This means the itinerary you apply a future flight credit toward must begin travel before the expiration date. In most cases, this date is one year after your original ticket was issued.
Jun 12, 2023, 11:35 am
#193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
I am a little confused about FFC expiration... It is my understanding that if I were to cancel voluntarily a non-refundable economy flight, I will get FFC for the amount. The wiki states this:
So, if were to book a flight when the schedule opens, like almost a year in advance, and then cancel the flight a few days before take off, does this mean that I would only have roughly a month left to fly and use the credit (e.g. travel by one year after the original ticket issue date)?
So, if were to book a flight when the schedule opens, like almost a year in advance, and then cancel the flight a few days before take off, does this mean that I would only have roughly a month left to fly and use the credit (e.g. travel by one year after the original ticket issue date)?
Jun 12, 2023, 11:43 am
#194
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 48
Ugh, there is then zero incentive of booking tickets in advance other than loaning United some money interest free... But now changes are free, what if on May 10th 2024 I would change the flight booked today to another flight way into the future (2025)? Would that be allowed? And what would happen if I wanted to cancel that flight two years from now, would I still get FFCs with today's expiration, or May 10th 2024 expiration?
Jun 12, 2023, 11:55 am
#195
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SEA/NYC/IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 1,928
Ugh, there is then zero incentive of booking tickets in advance other than loaning United some money interest free... But now changes are free, what if on May 10th 2024 I would change the flight booked today to another flight way into the future (2025)? Would that be allowed? And what would happen if I wanted to cancel that flight two years from now, would I still get FFCs with today's expiration, or May 10th 2024 expiration?
If you have a predictable flight schedule, you can effectively lock in low airfare prices indefinitely and just keep rolling FFC/ETCs into the next set of flight changes you need to make (or to future bookings).
