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
**************************************
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 4, 22, 7:37 pm
#31
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: 65,095
ETCs are now principally just service related issues.
....
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. ..
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. ..
If those flights were funded from non-refundable funds, they stay non-refundable
Jan 4, 22, 8:28 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,714
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!
Agents have sometimes honored requests to turn FFCs into ETCs, but its far from a given. Not a lot of reports more recently, but success seemed to be less common as time went on when there were. I wouldnt expect it.
i dont think it makes sense to get into too detailed a discussion on Amex credits here - thats going to get kicked back into the Amex thread, but Im sure youre aware that this isnt what the credit is meant for. If you want to use it for E+, that does seem to be eligible for the credit, so just use it for that (after you already have a ticket). IMO, what you are proposing is just too much work.
Jan 5, 22, 3:39 pm
#33
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CLE
Programs: UA Platinum, Starbucks Gold, PF Chang's Warrior, Wine Century 100
Posts: 1,076
United needs to extend the life of FFC's being issued here in 2022. I had to cancel a business trip today (Jan 5 2022) due to client's Omicron concerns and the FFC still has the begin travel by 12/31/2022 date on it.
Jan 5, 22, 4:18 pm
#34
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 8
I booked travel for a work trip through my organization's Concur platform (we use AmEx Global Business Travel). However, I do have control over my reservation through my MileagePlus account. The conference I was gonna attend has now been cancelled, so if my trip is cancelled through the booking platform will I still get the future travel credit or will that somehow go to my organization? Anyone know how that works?
Jan 6, 22, 1:34 am
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,714
If things are still in flux closer to the end of the year, I suspect they will extend again. But I dont see that happening anytime too soon - they will want these to be used by some point, and if things are more back to normal closer to then, they wont want to do it. I suspect if they extend again, it will be at least late summer or fall until they do it.
Jan 6, 22, 8:44 am
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 30,986
I booked travel for a work trip through my organization's Concur platform (we use AmEx Global Business Travel). However, I do have control over my reservation through my MileagePlus account. The conference I was gonna attend has now been cancelled, so if my trip is cancelled through the booking platform will I still get the future travel credit or will that somehow go to my organization? Anyone know how that works?
Jan 8, 22, 1:15 pm
#37
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 311
I just used an existing FFC to book a trip to australia for august 2022 as I saw PZ1 on one of the routes. it was an add-collect of ~$2k. I booked it through IAH, my reasoning being if covid gets worse again and/or australia doesn't open to foreigners they'll likely axe that route or have a big schedule change which would usually result in a refund. Let's say the schedule does change and as a result I say I don't want to fly anymore, in this case, is the prior FFC amount retained in there and then the add-collect refunded, the whole thing refunded, or the whole thing stays in the FFC?
Jan 8, 22, 3:10 pm
#38
Join Date: Nov 2020
Programs: United
Posts: 181
I just used an existing FFC to book a trip to australia for august 2022 as I saw PZ1 on one of the routes. it was an add-collect of ~$2k. I booked it through IAH, my reasoning being if covid gets worse again and/or australia doesn't open to foreigners they'll likely axe that route or have a big schedule change which would usually result in a refund. Let's say the schedule does change and as a result I say I don't want to fly anymore, in this case, is the prior FFC amount retained in there and then the add-collect refunded, the whole thing refunded, or the whole thing stays in the FFC?
Jan 8, 22, 8:58 pm
#39
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 311
Jan 9, 22, 7:18 am
#40
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: BWI
Programs: Everyone!
Posts: 1,024
I just had a leg of my itinerary cancelled and was forced to "change" to an alternative flight (30 minutes earlier, they cancelled previous ticket and issued new one). The plus is the forced "change" was $43 less each but unfortunately they gave me this difference in FFC instead of refund. And it has a "begin travel by date" of 12/31/22, unlikely for me to squeeze another trip in by then. I do feel the credit is an unexpected bonus for just a 30-minute change but now trying to figure how to make it useable. The convert to ETC I think has gone away, any other ideas?
Jan 9, 22, 9:45 am
#41
Join Date: Nov 2020
Programs: United
Posts: 181
I just had a leg of my itinerary cancelled and was forced to "change" to an alternative flight (30 minutes earlier, they cancelled previous ticket and issued new one). The plus is the forced "change" was $43 less each but unfortunately they gave me this difference in FFC instead of refund. And it has a "begin travel by date" of 12/31/22, unlikely for me to squeeze another trip in by then. I do feel the credit is an unexpected bonus for just a 30-minute change but now trying to figure how to make it useable. The convert to ETC I think has gone away, any other ideas?
Wait and if you do not use it ask for an extension by phone.
Hope they extend again.
Beg for a ETC
Buy another ticket for $99.00 using the FFC at the end of the year and cancel the $99 ticket hoping you get a new FFC good for 12 months.
Jan 10, 22, 1:58 pm
#42
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 28
Converting future flight credits to electronic certificate
I have 2 questions about converting future flight credit to electronic certificate.
We have booked a flight to Europe for this summer using 2 of the E certificates we got from last year. Due to family circumstances, we will not be able to go on this trip and I plan to cancel and use the credits for flights in Dec 2022. Is it possible to ask for E certificates instead of getting FFC? I tried cancelling online and it only offers me FFC. Since our son might not be able to travel with us in the near future, having the E certificate would offer us a lot more flexibility as I believe son's FFC cannot be transferred to me nor my husband?
Also if we book flights for Dec 2022 using either FFC or E certificate, what happens if we have to cancel again and want to book for 2023? Would UA extend the credits further?
Thank you,
Rebecca
We have booked a flight to Europe for this summer using 2 of the E certificates we got from last year. Due to family circumstances, we will not be able to go on this trip and I plan to cancel and use the credits for flights in Dec 2022. Is it possible to ask for E certificates instead of getting FFC? I tried cancelling online and it only offers me FFC. Since our son might not be able to travel with us in the near future, having the E certificate would offer us a lot more flexibility as I believe son's FFC cannot be transferred to me nor my husband?
Also if we book flights for Dec 2022 using either FFC or E certificate, what happens if we have to cancel again and want to book for 2023? Would UA extend the credits further?
Thank you,
Rebecca
Jan 10, 22, 2:07 pm
#43
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.034MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 51,814
You can ask, but I don't think UA is doing that any more.
Only if they offer a global extension. They won't do it as a one-off.
Only if they offer a global extension. They won't do it as a one-off.
Jan 10, 22, 2:09 pm
#44
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 28
Thank you for your response. I want to make sure I understand this. Did you mean I won't be able to use flights for 2023 if we cannot fly by Dec 2022? One-off means no repeat, right?
Jan 10, 22, 2:42 pm
#45
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.034MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 51,814
