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 27, 2023, 8:07 pm
#213
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SBP
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 533
2 Part Dumb Question...
Gate agent gave me an ETC for a VDB which she said would also be emailed to me.
1) The ETC doesn't show up in my account, but when I search for the pin number, it works just fine. It there a way to save it to my account rather than having to hang onto this boarding pass-like ETC that she gave me?
2) What email address would this have come from if United sent it to me?
She said they would email it to me (they did not). I also had quite a bit of IROPs yesterday and didn't receive emails about that...or any sort of apology compensation email either (I can't be certain they sent one, but I would think a LHR-SFO flight arriving 9+ hours later and having to divert to IAD would get one more often than not...especially in Polaris. I get TONS of spam mail (literally hundreds of emails a day) and try to block all the senders but I have inadvertently blocked people I didn't mean to in the past, so I'm trying to figure out if United is one of those people.
Gate agent gave me an ETC for a VDB which she said would also be emailed to me.
1) The ETC doesn't show up in my account, but when I search for the pin number, it works just fine. It there a way to save it to my account rather than having to hang onto this boarding pass-like ETC that she gave me?
2) What email address would this have come from if United sent it to me?
She said they would email it to me (they did not). I also had quite a bit of IROPs yesterday and didn't receive emails about that...or any sort of apology compensation email either (I can't be certain they sent one, but I would think a LHR-SFO flight arriving 9+ hours later and having to divert to IAD would get one more often than not...especially in Polaris. I get TONS of spam mail (literally hundreds of emails a day) and try to block all the senders but I have inadvertently blocked people I didn't mean to in the past, so I'm trying to figure out if United is one of those people.
Jun 27, 2023, 11:05 pm
#214
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
2 Part Dumb Question...
Gate agent gave me an ETC for a VDB which she said would also be emailed to me.
1) The ETC doesn't show up in my account, but when I search for the pin number, it works just fine. It there a way to save it to my account rather than having to hang onto this boarding pass-like ETC that she gave me?
2) What email address would this have come from if United sent it to me?
She said they would email it to me (they did not). I also had quite a bit of IROPs yesterday and didn't receive emails about that...or any sort of apology compensation email either (I can't be certain they sent one, but I would think a LHR-SFO flight arriving 9+ hours later and having to divert to IAD would get one more often than not...especially in Polaris. I get TONS of spam mail (literally hundreds of emails a day) and try to block all the senders but I have inadvertently blocked people I didn't mean to in the past, so I'm trying to figure out if United is one of those people.
Gate agent gave me an ETC for a VDB which she said would also be emailed to me.
1) The ETC doesn't show up in my account, but when I search for the pin number, it works just fine. It there a way to save it to my account rather than having to hang onto this boarding pass-like ETC that she gave me?
2) What email address would this have come from if United sent it to me?
She said they would email it to me (they did not). I also had quite a bit of IROPs yesterday and didn't receive emails about that...or any sort of apology compensation email either (I can't be certain they sent one, but I would think a LHR-SFO flight arriving 9+ hours later and having to divert to IAD would get one more often than not...especially in Polaris. I get TONS of spam mail (literally hundreds of emails a day) and try to block all the senders but I have inadvertently blocked people I didn't mean to in the past, so I'm trying to figure out if United is one of those people.
2. If it was emailed, would have gone to the email on file in the PNR you VDBd from. However, given everything going on with WX and cancels, delays, etc. on the east coast, would not be surprised if the systems are all mucked up and it a) either never went out by email or b) the backlog means it is just delayed a bit - could be hours or a few days. As a point of reference, back in the day, and maybe this has changed now, they used to advise up to 10 days for an ETC email to show up - though to be fair - usually showed up in hours or a couple of days max.
Jun 27, 2023, 11:10 pm
#215
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
2) What email address would this have come from if United sent it to me?
She said they would email it to me (they did not). I also had quite a bit of IROPs yesterday and didn't receive emails about that...or any sort of apology compensation email either (I can't be certain they sent one, but I would think a LHR-SFO flight arriving 9+ hours later and having to divert to IAD would get one more often than not...especially in Polaris. I get TONS of spam mail (literally hundreds of emails a day) and try to block all the senders but I have inadvertently blocked people I didn't mean to in the past, so I'm trying to figure out if United is one of those people.
She said they would email it to me (they did not). I also had quite a bit of IROPs yesterday and didn't receive emails about that...or any sort of apology compensation email either (I can't be certain they sent one, but I would think a LHR-SFO flight arriving 9+ hours later and having to divert to IAD would get one more often than not...especially in Polaris. I get TONS of spam mail (literally hundreds of emails a day) and try to block all the senders but I have inadvertently blocked people I didn't mean to in the past, so I'm trying to figure out if United is one of those people.
Commercial email is a very odd duck. I consistently get some kinds of email from United, and frequently miss other kinds of email from them. I suspect they're using two different mail relays, and one of them has received too many bounced messages from my domain and is therefore blocking me, and the other is not. It may not be anything that you've done -- it may be something that they've done on their own.
Jul 1, 2023, 11:28 pm
#216
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: LAX/ONT
Programs: AS 100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott G, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 518
I’m still confused about the future flight credit and electronic travel certificate.
my flight had a mechanical cancellation, but I used some future flight credit and $30 credit card to change another reservation. That reservation was using future flight credit too, which from my travel bank originally. The refund to original payment doesn’t seem to differ from a voluntary cancellation. Regardless, what’s my best option so I have the max amount of time to use them?
Agent also said I can request to convert FFC to ETC due to my father leaving the country, where there’s virtually no united, so that I can use his ticket value.
the future flight credit was is only two months old, and from my travel bank originally.
Edit, my guess is to request an ETC which valid for 24 months from issue?
my flight had a mechanical cancellation, but I used some future flight credit and $30 credit card to change another reservation. That reservation was using future flight credit too, which from my travel bank originally. The refund to original payment doesn’t seem to differ from a voluntary cancellation. Regardless, what’s my best option so I have the max amount of time to use them?
Agent also said I can request to convert FFC to ETC due to my father leaving the country, where there’s virtually no united, so that I can use his ticket value.
the future flight credit was is only two months old, and from my travel bank originally.
Edit, my guess is to request an ETC which valid for 24 months from issue?
Last edited by simonsuo; Jul 1, 2023 at 11:34 pm
Jul 1, 2023, 11:47 pm
#217
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’m still confused about the future flight credit and electronic travel certificate.
my flight had a mechanical cancellation, but I used some future flight credit to book it. The refund to original payment doesn’t seem to differ from a voluntary cancellation. Regardless, what’s my best option so I have the max amount of time to use them? ....
my flight had a mechanical cancellation, but I used some future flight credit to book it. The refund to original payment doesn’t seem to differ from a voluntary cancellation. Regardless, what’s my best option so I have the max amount of time to use them? ....
For now and this could change, you can purchase a flight and paid at the end with a FFC (important, don't start with the FFC at the beginning), wait at least 24 hours and then cancel. You will get a new FFC with a new 1 year expiration. Presently there is no limitation on this.
Important thing, FFC can only be used for the named passenger,
During COVID they were extended to 2 years but there are back to 1 year (assuming you are able to get an ETC)
Jul 4, 2023, 12:01 pm
#219
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,064
Jul 4, 2023, 1:44 pm
#220
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
it’s ETCs that used to be restricted to UA/UAX only, but now can be used on partners. TravelBank remains the only ‘UA currency’ that requires an all UA/UAX itinerary.
Jul 4, 2023, 5:35 pm
#221
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,824
FFC Expiration Dates moved back from 2024 to 2023 after partial use
I have a FFC that showed expiration date (Begin travel by) 5/31/2024, but after I use part of it today, the expiration date became 12/31/2023 (Confirmation IP94__ below)
A similar situation occurred with a previous FFC, that originally showed expiration date 4/18/2024, after partial use it became 12/31/2023. Although I have already used its values.(Confirmation GJHN__ below)
What is going on?
GJHN__originally expires 4/18/2024
GJHN__, after partial use, expiration date moved earlier to 12/31/2023
I9P4__ had expiration date 5/31/2024
After partial use, I9P4__ expiration date moved earlier to 12/31/2023
A similar situation occurred with a previous FFC, that originally showed expiration date 4/18/2024, after partial use it became 12/31/2023. Although I have already used its values.(Confirmation GJHN__ below)
What is going on?
GJHN__originally expires 4/18/2024
GJHN__, after partial use, expiration date moved earlier to 12/31/2023
I9P4__ had expiration date 5/31/2024
After partial use, I9P4__ expiration date moved earlier to 12/31/2023
Jul 4, 2023, 5:43 pm
#222
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,064
I have a FFC that showed expiration date (Begin travel by) 5/31/2024, but after I use part of it today, the expiration date became 12/31/2023 (Confirmation IP94__ below)
A similar situation occurred with a previous FFC, that originally showed expiration date 4/18/2024, after partial use it became 12/31/2023. Although I have already used its values.(Confirmation GJHN__ below)
What is going on?
A similar situation occurred with a previous FFC, that originally showed expiration date 4/18/2024, after partial use it became 12/31/2023. Although I have already used its values.(Confirmation GJHN__ below)
What is going on?
Jul 4, 2023, 5:48 pm
#223
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,824
Not sure what do you mean by "correct"? Please look at the four screen shots. In both cases the credit after ticket cancelation in spring 2023 (April and May, respectively) had expiration dates one year from purchase, in spring 2024. After partial use of the credits, both have expiration date at end of 2023.
Jul 4, 2023, 5:51 pm
#224
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,064
Not sure what do you mean by "correct"? Please look at the four screen shots. In both cases the credit after ticket cancelation in spring 2023 (April and May, respectively) had expiration dates one year from purchase, in spring 2024. After partial use of the credits, both have expiration date at end of 2023.
Jul 4, 2023, 5:55 pm
#225
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,824