Apr 9, 2020, 2:37 pm
Last edit by: hkcj
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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
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)
Jul 17, 2023, 1:55 am
#271
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
when you use an FTC as a form of payment, as is allowed now (which has only been possible since Covid), the value transfers into a brand new PNR, and so the validity is based on that. Same with ETC, which is also a form of payment. One year validity on a newly booked reservation has been the norm for roughly forever. Using an FFC (or ETC) as a form of payment is essentially no different than using a card - though the United payment methods obviously has a certain value, so more like a pre-paid card. Point is, money goes into the new PNR (or a portion thereof), and the rules of the new PNR apply.
Jul 17, 2023, 3:17 am
#272
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
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Posts: 15,058
Jul 17, 2023, 6:51 am
#273
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,640
Even UA policy hints at this in jetstream and CoC Rule 7b.
How long are tickets valid?
The original ticket-issue date always determines the validity/expiration of a wholly unused ticket. Even on exchanges, the original ticket-issue date still determines the ticket validity.
The original ticket-issue date always determines the validity/expiration of a wholly unused ticket. Even on exchanges, the original ticket-issue date still determines the ticket validity.
Jul 17, 2023, 12:47 pm
#274
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
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Posts: 66,859
However, if you use a FFC or multiple FFCs as a payment option, that is not true. This is considered a "new" purchase, new PNR, new purchase date, ....
Jul 20, 2023, 4:30 pm
#275
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: United Premier Silver, HH Diamond, Hertz President's Club
Posts: 10
Change flight - use TravelBank & Travel Credits?
I am trying to move a flight for myself, spouse and kid. There is a $550 fare difference to do this change. Currently we each have $100 in travel credit (from previous flight change), plus I have $250 in my TravelBank. But when I go to change the flight it says only Credit Cards can be used for payment. Is there a way around this so I can use all my credits? Will they do it over the phone? Will it work if I cancel original flight and book new?
Jul 20, 2023, 6:26 pm
#276
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
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Posts: 52,140
In general, credits can only be used for new bookings. Also note that you can only use one type of credit on a booking. There's a master thread with a lot more information on this as well.
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
Jul 20, 2023, 6:41 pm
#277
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,281
I am trying to move a flight for myself, spouse and kid. There is a $550 fare difference to do this change. Currently we each have $100 in travel credit (from previous flight change), plus I have $250 in my TravelBank. But when I go to change the flight it says only Credit Cards can be used for payment. Is there a way around this so I can use all my credits? Will they do it over the phone? Will it work if I cancel original flight and book new?
Jul 20, 2023, 8:50 pm
#278
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
I am trying to move a flight for myself, spouse and kid. There is a $550 fare difference to do this change. Currently we each have $100 in travel credit (from previous flight change), plus I have $250 in my TravelBank. But when I go to change the flight it says only Credit Cards can be used for payment. Is there a way around this so I can use all my credits? Will they do it over the phone? Will it work if I cancel original flight and book new?
Rather than change, you can cancel your current itinerary, then use the the new FFC, plus the additional ones you have, to cover most (though not all) of the new fare for the same flights you want to 'change' to. You'd start the reservation as new, then use all the FFCs as a form of payment (don't use the change flights tool). You'd basically use your existing fare, which would become new FFCs, plus the additional FFCs to cover much of the new fare, presumably with $250 in new money since the difference is $550. That is the way to spend the least amount of new money. You can not combine travelbank funds and FFCs (though could use the travelbank funds instead, though since that is only $250, you'd pay more money upfront now, then have the FFCs to use, valid from one year of date of issue (unless the 3x$100 FFCs are older ones grandfathered to the 'start travel by 12/23', in which case those would have to have at least one flight by 12/31 of this year.
Jul 22, 2023, 3:07 am
#279
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SBP
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 533
Quick clarification...
Flying MUC-SFO with my cousin. I used my miles to get him a seat in Polaris (paid cash for mine). They said there's a broken seat and since he was the last passenger whose upgrade cleared they had to move him to premium plus and sent him $2500 voucher.
He never flies and wants to email the voucher to me. Am I able to use it?
Flying MUC-SFO with my cousin. I used my miles to get him a seat in Polaris (paid cash for mine). They said there's a broken seat and since he was the last passenger whose upgrade cleared they had to move him to premium plus and sent him $2500 voucher.
He never flies and wants to email the voucher to me. Am I able to use it?
Jul 22, 2023, 8:33 am
#281
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Posts: 66,859
If an ETC (likely -- has a pin), yes.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 22, 2023 at 8:40 am Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Jul 22, 2023, 8:52 am
#282
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 31
This is good to know. I guess doing a dummy booking could be a way to extend the expiration of a travel credit? I plan to use all of my credit on a trip this fall. What happens if I cancel within the 24 hours? The January expiration date stays this same? Will the travel credit immediately show back up in my account. If the upgrade price at purchase from PP to Polaris is more than buying Polaris, I plan to cancel and book Polaris right away.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 22, 2023 at 11:54 am
Jul 22, 2023, 12:01 pm
#283
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
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Posts: 66,859
If you start with an ETC and cancel within 24 hours, it would be returned as an ETC (likely with a date change). The return will take days or more., it is not immediate likely FFC. Believe to require manual processing.
Jul 22, 2023, 12:52 pm
#284
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 31
Can travel credit be used to pay for an upgrade at purchase or to buy up from PP to Polaris at a later date? I read the information at the top of this thread but did not find the answer to this question.
Jul 22, 2023, 2:59 pm
#285
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Yes but --- requires an acknowledge agent and must entirely cover the cost -- not additional funding is allowed.