Apr 9, 20, 3:37 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
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* 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
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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
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, youll 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 dont see one of your travel credits listed, or dont have a MileagePlus account, you can also look up your credit directly from checkout and apply it to your cart.
If you dont see one of your travel credits listed, or dont 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, youll 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 arent a member or cant 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 youll 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
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?
Archive:
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate & Future Flight Credit {Archive}
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Apr 8, 22, 9:43 am
#197
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
I don't know if it's because I have FFCs in Canadian Dollars while my TravelBank is in US Dollars. Is this messing up my account? I see my FFCs from my account, but if I search up a trip from the credit, I can't use up all of my three FFCs for one trip. I also can't seem to search an FFC manually. The screen just goes blank!
Using FFC by starting within the PNR, even when it was the only option, IME, was always problematic.
Apr 9, 22, 5:47 pm
#198
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 401
I have multiple FFCs that show "Travel by 12/31/22"
If I pay for an October ticket using the combined FFCs and then cancel, what happens? A new FFC issued with "Travel by 12/31/22"?
And does "Travel by ..." mean "Fly first leg by ...?"
Thanks!
If I pay for an October ticket using the combined FFCs and then cancel, what happens? A new FFC issued with "Travel by 12/31/22"?
And does "Travel by ..." mean "Fly first leg by ...?"
Thanks!
Apr 9, 22, 6:11 pm
#199
Join Date: Nov 2020
Programs: United
Posts: 181
I believe you will then get a record locator for the new flight. That will be your FFC moving forward. You will then have to "begin travel by" the date.
Apr 9, 22, 8:26 pm
#200
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Alaska 75K, Delta Silver, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 9,590
This can be problematic in some cases but on a purely domestic trip less so. The booking will need to be comparable with the original outbound fare rules and needs to be used within a year of the original booking. Partial flown flight credits are more restrictive.
The ratio of the PQPs of the original ticket should have a good indication of the residual value.
Do the rebooking with an agent, the change tool can mess this up.
The ratio of the PQPs of the original ticket should have a good indication of the residual value.
Do the rebooking with an agent, the change tool can mess this up.
Having just logged in again, it looks like I have been moved to other flights, almost completely full and auto-switched to really undesirable seats.
First question - am I ticketed? I am not sure but then I can switch seats. The credit card charge has been pending for at least 3 days now. I am just about ready to book elsewhere, as I am really not looking forward to fly UA right now. I just want to make sure UA does not charge me for anything, since I have not been "re-ticketed", in theory.
All flights are in a couple of weeks (this month).
Also, the app pulls up the trip without any warning msg, so it's really difficult to tell this trip has not been ticketed, it seems.
Apr 16, 22, 2:05 pm
#201
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Montral, Canada
Posts: 1,610
Just had a $125 TCVA pop up in my account that had been issued back in Feb 2019. I was pretty certain I had redeemed all my certs prior to COVID-19. Impressed with UA to restore and extend its validity until the end of the year.
Apr 20, 22, 2:16 pm
#202
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, AC 50K, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,622
Hopefully a simple question, but I can't find the answer at first glance. Can you mix and match currencies with future flight credits? Say I buy a flight that originates in Canada and therefore is priced in CAD, if I were to cancel it, is the FFC now locked to a future CAD denominated ticket or could I use it to purchase a future USD denominated itinerary?
Apr 20, 22, 2:27 pm
#203
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,545
Hopefully a simple question, but I can't find the answer at first glance. Can you mix and match currencies with future flight credits? Say I buy a flight that originates in Canada and therefore is priced in CAD, if I were to cancel it, is the FFC now locked to a future CAD denominated ticket or could I use it to purchase a future USD denominated itinerary?
Apr 23, 22, 9:58 am
#205
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,545
I'm still somewhat confused about UA's cancelation policy. So let's say I purchase a fare and cancel it; I know I'll get an FFC. Let's say I use that FFC to book another flight one month from now. Two months later, let's say the fare dropped in price. Can I cancel the fare again, get the full value and rebook at the lower price? I think there are no cancelation fees at the moment?
Apr 23, 22, 11:09 am
#206
Join Date: Nov 2020
Programs: United
Posts: 181
I'm still somewhat confused about UA's cancelation policy. So let's say I purchase a fare and cancel it; I know I'll get an FFC. Let's say I use that FFC to book another flight one month from now. Two months later, let's say the fare dropped in price. Can I cancel the fare again, get the full value and rebook at the lower price? I think there are no cancelation fees at the moment?
Apr 23, 22, 11:17 am
#207
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,117
I'm still somewhat confused about UA's cancelation policy. So let's say I purchase a fare and cancel it; I know I'll get an FFC. Let's say I use that FFC to book another flight one month from now. Two months later, let's say the fare dropped in price. Can I cancel the fare again, get the full value and rebook at the lower price?
The other option is for a $50 fee UA will refund a fare drop difference in the first 30 days after booking.
Apr 23, 22, 12:32 pm
#208
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,545
Yes, with one crucial caveat , you can not easily rebook the same flight, same cabin. Yiu have to do the UA 2-step --- use the FFC to rebook a different flight and then cancel again and rebook the original flight.
The other option is for a $50 fee UA will refund a fare drop difference in the first 30 days after booking.
The other option is for a $50 fee UA will refund a fare drop difference in the first 30 days after booking.
Apr 23, 22, 12:41 pm
#209
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.96MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,117
There have been many posted examples of this situation and needed workaround.
Apr 23, 22, 12:46 pm
#210
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,545
I'm sorry if I'm not on the same page as you. I don't understand what you meant by no fare differential refunded. Let's say a fare that I bought for $500 is now $480. I would call UA to cancel it, and they'll issue an FFC for $500. Why can't I pay $480 for the new fare with $20 remaining in the FFC?
