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)
Jan 1, 22, 8:38 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
Jan 1, 22, 9:15 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Posts: 18,545
Jan 3, 22, 2:34 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United Global Services and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 9,957
So I am slightly confused. I cancelled a flight as the price had come down. I received a FFC since there had apparently been a change in my itinerary. The requirement for no additional fees was I could not book to leave one day earlier or later and the same for the return.
I ended up making the booking to leave two days earlier.
They reissued the ticket with the same confirmation number. All good.
However, the residual is confusing me. It is a FFC. That is fine as I will be flying somewhere but it kept the same confirmation number as the original flight and the reticketed flight. That makes me slightly nervous.. It is showing up as a FFC in my account I am just nervous about the same confirmation number. Anybody else experienced this and had no issues?
I ended up making the booking to leave two days earlier.
They reissued the ticket with the same confirmation number. All good.
However, the residual is confusing me. It is a FFC. That is fine as I will be flying somewhere but it kept the same confirmation number as the original flight and the reticketed flight. That makes me slightly nervous.. It is showing up as a FFC in my account I am just nervous about the same confirmation number. Anybody else experienced this and had no issues?
Eventually canceled the ticket. UA.com shows that the same PNR only has $600 FFC. Am I supposed to get $730 FFC?
Do people make multiple changes but only get ONE FFC amount? Not combined amount?
Jan 3, 22, 5:21 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,602
Booked a ticket for $730. Made a change that resulted in $130 FFC under the same PNR. New fare was $600.
Eventually canceled the ticket. UA.com shows that the same PNR only has $600 FFC. Am I supposed to get $730 FFC?
Do people make multiple changes but only get ONE FFC amount? Not combined amount?
Eventually canceled the ticket. UA.com shows that the same PNR only has $600 FFC. Am I supposed to get $730 FFC?
Do people make multiple changes but only get ONE FFC amount? Not combined amount?
That is their procedure. So 2 will be issued, obviously - as they had to transact on 2 occasions, right?
Jan 3, 22, 6:40 am
#20
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United Global Services and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 9,957
Jan 3, 22, 6:47 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,602
Jan 3, 22, 7:58 am
#22
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United Global Services and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 9,957
Jan 3, 22, 3:56 pm
#23
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: American Gold, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 260
Tried searching a few pages back and didnt see. Can someone remind me, are ETCs TRAVEL by expiration date or BOOK by expiration date? Same with FFC?
Jan 4, 22, 12:27 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
FFCs are supposed to be begin travel by - typically that begin travel by date used to be 1 year from date of issue of the original itinerary, but those have been extended during the pandemic - and the ones issued prior to this year were all extended so the begin travel date is 12/31/22. However, while those are the published rules, I do wonder how the system would handle someone trying to enter them in the payment page, since you can do that now, for a travel date later than that. The schedule isnt open past that date yet (I dont think), so I dont know that there has been real world experience, but would be interesting to figure that out. Wonder if this will be tried a lot more closer to the fall of 22 and beyond.
Jan 4, 22, 11:28 am
#25
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: United 1K, Frontier 100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond/ Ambassador/ Milestoner
Posts: 526
I want to use an FFC with Plus Points to upgrade into business.
Trouble is that when I go in thru the FFC re-book option, I am not allowed to chose 'upgrade with points'. So, if I am looking to upgrade with PPs, is it the same thing if I buy the fare and then go back in and apply points, or should I make sure to apply the PPs at the time of booking?
Will it even allow me to go in afterwards and apply points?
Trouble is that when I go in thru the FFC re-book option, I am not allowed to chose 'upgrade with points'. So, if I am looking to upgrade with PPs, is it the same thing if I buy the fare and then go back in and apply points, or should I make sure to apply the PPs at the time of booking?
Will it even allow me to go in afterwards and apply points?
Jan 4, 22, 11:51 am
#26
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
Doing afterwards should work fine and is the only choice in this situation.
Jan 4, 22, 1:05 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
Jan 4, 22, 1:14 pm
#28
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
Doing the Advance Search upgrade option was one of those things that prevented applying ETCs in the past, have not tried it with the FFC option.
Jan 4, 22, 1:33 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: United 1K, Frontier 100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond/ Ambassador/ Milestoner
Posts: 526
Just tried applying it during 'payment'. It does not work. I tried three FFCs. One gave an error message that I needed to call. The other two just cycled back to the same travel credit payment screen.
Jan 4, 22, 4:26 pm
#30
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 68
How to intentionally get ETC rather than FCC?
Hoping for a helping hand here. ETCs are far more useful to me than FCCs (24 vs 12 mos; can be used for me + any companions; can be used for Econ+ seat selection).
Have multiple Amex cards with airline credits, and looking to convert those to ETCs (rather than using more restrictive Travel Bank or FCCs, since I almost always book United using miles not cash). I don't love Travel Bank because I can only use it on fares, and not on Econ+, and FCCs don't last very long. So intentionally converting my Amex airline credits to ETCs will allow me 24mos to use those for Econ+ upgrades rather than only being able to do so during current calendar year using the Amex airline credits themselves. Just trying to buy myself some more time and extend my ability to get Econ+ from 12 to 24 mos.
What's the best way to do this, as I'm not sure how United decides to issue an ETC vs FCC? Don't want to accidentally trigger a FCC when my goal is to end up with ETC. I was thinking I could book a refundable ticket that has high probability of being cancelled by United due to inclement weather. Live in Denver and we have plenty of winter storms where I could foresee an opportunity do this.
Would this work? Other options? As I understand it, if I book a refundable flight and cancel it myself (whether within 24 hr window, or outside of it) then I will end up with FCC, and I'd rather just hang on to the Amex airline credit on the card itself than be stuck with a more difficult to use FCC.
Thanks for ideas!
Have multiple Amex cards with airline credits, and looking to convert those to ETCs (rather than using more restrictive Travel Bank or FCCs, since I almost always book United using miles not cash). I don't love Travel Bank because I can only use it on fares, and not on Econ+, and FCCs don't last very long. So intentionally converting my Amex airline credits to ETCs will allow me 24mos to use those for Econ+ upgrades rather than only being able to do so during current calendar year using the Amex airline credits themselves. Just trying to buy myself some more time and extend my ability to get Econ+ from 12 to 24 mos.
What's the best way to do this, as I'm not sure how United decides to issue an ETC vs FCC? Don't want to accidentally trigger a FCC when my goal is to end up with ETC. I was thinking I could book a refundable ticket that has high probability of being cancelled by United due to inclement weather. Live in Denver and we have plenty of winter storms where I could foresee an opportunity do this.
Would this work? Other options? As I understand it, if I book a refundable flight and cancel it myself (whether within 24 hr window, or outside of it) then I will end up with FCC, and I'd rather just hang on to the Amex airline credit on the card itself than be stuck with a more difficult to use FCC.
Thanks for ideas!
