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)
Sep 8, 2023, 12:38 pm
#361
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: 66,854
.... I have a future flight credit that was booked a while ago for a company that no longer exists but its in my name and in my account. If I re-book a flight will anyone be notified about it from the original booking? There was an email that wasn't mine on the original booking? ...
Recent related issue, UA Future Flight Credits for ex-employees
FFCs use is limited to the named traveler.
Sep 8, 2023, 12:46 pm
#362
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
The credit is your name and unless the ticket has an endorsement (possible for some large corporation, at least in the past) limiting use, it should be yours to use. The moral, ethical discussion and any extenuating circumstance are a separate issues.
Recent related issue, UA Future Flight Credits for ex-employees
FFCs use is limited to the named traveler.
Recent related issue, UA Future Flight Credits for ex-employees
FFCs use is limited to the named traveler.
Sep 8, 2023, 12:51 pm
#363
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: 66,854
Sep 11, 2023, 8:32 am
#364
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 172
I have a question about FFC. I booked a family group (Total 7) tickets early this year in July. Last month, the price dropped, and I rebooked all seven tickets. Now, I have 7 FFC ($31)for each passenger.
Today, I want to rebook them leaving from diff airport, and the additional cost is about $43 per person. I tried to rebook it, but it gave me no option to use the FFC. Is it possible to use FFC to rebook a flight that costs more than the original ticket?
If I cannot use the FFC to rebook, is it possible to cancel my current reservation? Will I review another FFC for each person for canceling the current flight? Could I rebook and use two FFCs per person then?
Today, I want to rebook them leaving from diff airport, and the additional cost is about $43 per person. I tried to rebook it, but it gave me no option to use the FFC. Is it possible to use FFC to rebook a flight that costs more than the original ticket?
If I cannot use the FFC to rebook, is it possible to cancel my current reservation? Will I review another FFC for each person for canceling the current flight? Could I rebook and use two FFCs per person then?
Sep 11, 2023, 8:41 am
#365
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
On the other hand, this should work fine.
Sep 11, 2023, 8:45 am
#366
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,536
If you are having FFC issues there are a couple of options
-- If the fare is eligible for farelock, do that and then have an agent apply the FFC. Note farelcok only works for al UA itins.
-- Request the FFC be converted to an ETC, YMMV
-- Try change flights before canceling, again YMMV
-- If using the app, try the online system. If using the online system, try the app
"Back to Business fares" FFCs can be problematic, in some cases they show but are greyed out online and most agents struggle to get the fare.
Interesting anecdote, I had farelocked a "Business Travel" trip pending confirmation of times and then tried to use a FFC to purchase. While it showed, it was greyed out. Call and the agent could not apply. End up getting the fare desk to handle. Recently flew the trip and the posted PQPs were higher then the base fare and the PQPs reported on the receipt. The posted PQPs were nearly the entire purchase cost. Not sure were in the process this occurred but suspect some the d=fare desk did caused this.
-- If the fare is eligible for farelock, do that and then have an agent apply the FFC. Note farelcok only works for al UA itins.
-- Request the FFC be converted to an ETC, YMMV
-- Try change flights before canceling, again YMMV
-- If using the app, try the online system. If using the online system, try the app
"Back to Business fares" FFCs can be problematic, in some cases they show but are greyed out online and most agents struggle to get the fare.
Interesting anecdote, I had farelocked a "Business Travel" trip pending confirmation of times and then tried to use a FFC to purchase. While it showed, it was greyed out. Call and the agent could not apply. End up getting the fare desk to handle. Recently flew the trip and the posted PQPs were higher then the base fare and the PQPs reported on the receipt. The posted PQPs were nearly the entire purchase cost. Not sure were in the process this occurred but suspect some the d=fare desk did caused this.
I had a farelock for domestic First class.
I had some Travel Bank and an ETC. "Converted" those to an FFC and then had to call to have the agent try to process.
LOVELY agent who informed me that you can't directly do an FFC with Farelock, but she was going to see if she could combine the FFC and then convert to ETC, but no guarantee. Took about 15-20 minutes, but she was able to do it.
So it seems you *can*, but no guarantee, use an FFC indirectly (via converting to ETC) for Farelock.
Sep 11, 2023, 8:56 am
#367
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 172
Ok, so I cannot pay for flight change with FFC. But I can altogether cancel my booking. I should receive 2nd FFC. Then I can make a new booking and pay for it with two FFCs then? Correct? Since it will be a total of 7 tickets and 14 FFC, is that going to be a problem? Plus I will need to pay for the extra with my cc too
Sep 11, 2023, 9:07 am
#368
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
Ok, so I cannot pay for flight change with FFC. But I can altogether cancel my booking. I should receive 2nd FFC. Then I can make a new booking and pay for it with two FFCs then? Correct? Since it will be a total of 7 tickets and 14 FFC, is that going to be a problem? Plus I will need to pay for the extra with my cc too
Paying the remainder with a credit card won’t be a problem.
Sep 11, 2023, 9:11 am
#369
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 172
Sep 11, 2023, 1:45 pm
#370
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 172
Just FYI, after the chat, UA was able to combine the FFC and ETC in one name, and I was able to rebook everyone with one large ETC.
What I do not understand is my ETC is from rebooking for a cheaper flight, should I receive FFC instead of ETC then?
Sep 11, 2023, 2:04 pm
#371
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: 66,854
Sep 18, 2023, 11:50 am
#373
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: 66,854
Sep 18, 2023, 12:03 pm
#374
Join Date: Jan 2023
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 114
With respect to questions/speculations upthread about using FFCs to purchase BE tix, I'll pass along a current DP:
My wife and I each had $2,008 FFCs with Dec 31 expiration dates from a cancelled trip (same PNR). Using the FFCs as payment, I first purchased two $54 BE tickets just to see if it would affect the expiration date of the remaining balance of the FFCs. It did not. I then cancelled the BE tickets. The cancellation resulted in the immediate issuance of new FFCs for $54 with a new expiration date of 9/16/24. This was all within a matter of a few minutes. I then used what were now two FFCs each to purchase new $2000 tickets. I waited ~36 hours, then cancelled, resulting in new FFCs for $2000 each good through 9/16/24. So:
1. Yes, you can use FFCs to purchase BE fares.
2. If you use an FFC to book a BE fare, you can cancel the BE fare within 24 hours (keep in mind that for BE fares, there are no changes or cancellations once past 24 hours), and the full value of the BE fare gets reissued as a new FFC with new expiration date 12 months from date the BE ticket was issued. In addition, in contrast to the general case for non-BE tickets of waiting >24 hours before cancelling, this processes immediately, which could be useful in the case of not wanting to wait (24+ hours) to go ahead with the purchase a particular flight that is beyond the expiration date of the original FFC.
3. If you use an expiring FFC to purchase a non-BE ticket, as detailed by others in earlier posts, wait 24-48 hours before cancelling to get a new FFC with a new 12 month clock. (Otherwise the cancellation will likely result in credits going back to original payment/FFC.)
My wife and I each had $2,008 FFCs with Dec 31 expiration dates from a cancelled trip (same PNR). Using the FFCs as payment, I first purchased two $54 BE tickets just to see if it would affect the expiration date of the remaining balance of the FFCs. It did not. I then cancelled the BE tickets. The cancellation resulted in the immediate issuance of new FFCs for $54 with a new expiration date of 9/16/24. This was all within a matter of a few minutes. I then used what were now two FFCs each to purchase new $2000 tickets. I waited ~36 hours, then cancelled, resulting in new FFCs for $2000 each good through 9/16/24. So:
1. Yes, you can use FFCs to purchase BE fares.
2. If you use an FFC to book a BE fare, you can cancel the BE fare within 24 hours (keep in mind that for BE fares, there are no changes or cancellations once past 24 hours), and the full value of the BE fare gets reissued as a new FFC with new expiration date 12 months from date the BE ticket was issued. In addition, in contrast to the general case for non-BE tickets of waiting >24 hours before cancelling, this processes immediately, which could be useful in the case of not wanting to wait (24+ hours) to go ahead with the purchase a particular flight that is beyond the expiration date of the original FFC.
3. If you use an expiring FFC to purchase a non-BE ticket, as detailed by others in earlier posts, wait 24-48 hours before cancelling to get a new FFC with a new 12 month clock. (Otherwise the cancellation will likely result in credits going back to original payment/FFC.)
Sep 18, 2023, 7:26 pm
#375
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,888
With respect to questions/speculations upthread about using FFCs to purchase BE tix, I'll pass along a current DP:
My wife and I each had $2,008 FFCs with Dec 31 expiration dates from a cancelled trip (same PNR). Using the FFCs as payment, I first purchased two $54 BE tickets just to see if it would affect the expiration date of the remaining balance of the FFCs. It did not. I then cancelled the BE tickets. The cancellation resulted in the immediate issuance of new FFCs for $54 with a new expiration date of 9/16/24. This was all within a matter of a few minutes. I then used what were now two FFCs each to purchase new $2000 tickets. I waited ~36 hours, then cancelled, resulting in new FFCs for $2000 each good through 9/16/24. So:
1. Yes, you can use FFCs to purchase BE fares.
2. If you use an FFC to book a BE fare, you can cancel the BE fare within 24 hours (keep in mind that for BE fares, there are no changes or cancellations once past 24 hours), and the full value of the BE fare gets reissued as a new FFC with new expiration date 12 months from date the BE ticket was issued. In addition, in contrast to the general case for non-BE tickets of waiting >24 hours before cancelling, this processes immediately, which could be useful in the case of not wanting to wait (24+ hours) to go ahead with the purchase a particular flight that is beyond the expiration date of the original FFC.
3. If you use an expiring FFC to purchase a non-BE ticket, as detailed by others in earlier posts, wait 24-48 hours before cancelling to get a new FFC with a new 12 month clock. (Otherwise the cancellation will likely result in credits going back to original payment/FFC.)
My wife and I each had $2,008 FFCs with Dec 31 expiration dates from a cancelled trip (same PNR). Using the FFCs as payment, I first purchased two $54 BE tickets just to see if it would affect the expiration date of the remaining balance of the FFCs. It did not. I then cancelled the BE tickets. The cancellation resulted in the immediate issuance of new FFCs for $54 with a new expiration date of 9/16/24. This was all within a matter of a few minutes. I then used what were now two FFCs each to purchase new $2000 tickets. I waited ~36 hours, then cancelled, resulting in new FFCs for $2000 each good through 9/16/24. So:
1. Yes, you can use FFCs to purchase BE fares.
2. If you use an FFC to book a BE fare, you can cancel the BE fare within 24 hours (keep in mind that for BE fares, there are no changes or cancellations once past 24 hours), and the full value of the BE fare gets reissued as a new FFC with new expiration date 12 months from date the BE ticket was issued. In addition, in contrast to the general case for non-BE tickets of waiting >24 hours before cancelling, this processes immediately, which could be useful in the case of not wanting to wait (24+ hours) to go ahead with the purchase a particular flight that is beyond the expiration date of the original FFC.
3. If you use an expiring FFC to purchase a non-BE ticket, as detailed by others in earlier posts, wait 24-48 hours before cancelling to get a new FFC with a new 12 month clock. (Otherwise the cancellation will likely result in credits going back to original payment/FFC.)
