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)
Mar 3, 2022, 8:38 am
#31
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 1
Name error when trying to use FFC
I have a FFC in my own name. When I try to use it as a payment method for myself on a new itinerary it gives me an error “Nane on flight credit must match name of traveler.” I booked both the original ticket and the new one while logged in to my MP account using the exact same name. I think it might have something to do with the way they handle the Jr. suffix. Any thoughts? My wife’s name is also on the credit but it seems to work fine for her. I called the premier line and the agents have been literally no help so far.
Last edited by C.D.H.; Mar 3, 2022 at 9:33 am
Mar 3, 2022, 8:54 am
#32
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: MSP/ORD
Programs: UA 1MM/GS, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 318
I have observed the same problem with a FFC that was created as a residual balance when I changed a ticket. I don't have a "Jr" suffix in my name, but I do have a middle initial that is potentially creating problems.
When I called United, they were able to book a reservation for me and apply the FFC. But I agree it is super annoying that I can't seem to use the FFC myself when making a reservation online.
When I called United, they were able to book a reservation for me and apply the FFC. But I agree it is super annoying that I can't seem to use the FFC myself when making a reservation online.
Mar 3, 2022, 11:12 am
#33
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Avis President's Circle
Posts: 408
I have a FFC in my own name. When I try to use it as a payment method for myself on a new itinerary it gives me an error “Nane on flight credit must match name of traveler.” I booked both the original ticket and the new one while logged in to my MP account using the exact same name. I think it might have something to do with the way they handle the Jr. suffix. Any thoughts? My wife’s name is also on the credit but it seems to work fine for her. I called the premier line and the agents have been literally no help so far.
Mar 26, 2022, 9:15 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: UA Mileage Plus
Posts: 300
FFC/ETC setup is terrible
Was just on the phone with United 1K trying to cancel 2 separate reservations and rebook a new one with future flight credit. They seem so confused as to where and how this can be done. I am not sure if the verbiage is too complicated but literally told them that I want to cancel a reservation and book a new one which is a few dollars cheaper. They finally hung up after and hour and 23 minutes.
I know this can be done since I have actually done it. There re just so many rules governing this, that even the 1K agents don't fully understand it. It's like you need a doctorate in their terrible refund process. Why did Untied have to make this so complicated?
I know this can be done since I have actually done it. There re just so many rules governing this, that even the 1K agents don't fully understand it. It's like you need a doctorate in their terrible refund process. Why did Untied have to make this so complicated?
Jan 1, 2023, 8:40 am
#35
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: Whoever Has the Best Bonus
Posts: 5,183
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
I have two FFC totaling $110 expiring Dec 31 this year due to the blanket extension. Interested in booking a $150 economy fare or $180 refundable fare for travel I'm July using this credit and the rest on credit card (since can't use travel bank, grr)
If I then end up not flying the new fare, will I get a new FFC that expires one year from the new booking/cancel date or will I get the old FFC back with the same expiration and a different new FFC for the rest? I would book the refundable fare if I could credit back the extra but from what I have read that is not how it would work.
thanks for any guidance!
If I then end up not flying the new fare, will I get a new FFC that expires one year from the new booking/cancel date or will I get the old FFC back with the same expiration and a different new FFC for the rest? I would book the refundable fare if I could credit back the extra but from what I have read that is not how it would work.
thanks for any guidance!
Jan 1, 2023, 3:40 pm
#37
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
ETC can (now) be used to purchase partner tickets on united.com but not on other sites. So if bookable on united,com, yes, but UA has limited access to partner flights if no UA flights are involved or no UA codeshares or JV partner.
Jan 1, 2023, 4:30 pm
#38
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,135
ok I see no TAP flights show up in May for NYC-OPO
Jan 2, 2023, 8:00 am
#39
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,281
Jan 6, 2023, 10:04 pm
#40
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NY Metro
Programs: SPG Titanium, United Premier 1K
Posts: 1,601
Is this possible with FFCs:
- Traveler 1 has a FFC
- Traveler 2 has their own FFC
- Traveler 3 does NOT have a FFC
Can you make 1 reservation for all 3 and use travelers 1 and 2's respective FFC for their booking, while paying cash for Traveler 3? The key is for everyone to be on 1 PNR for upgrade purposes (Traveler 3 has 1K status).
- Traveler 1 has a FFC
- Traveler 2 has their own FFC
- Traveler 3 does NOT have a FFC
Can you make 1 reservation for all 3 and use travelers 1 and 2's respective FFC for their booking, while paying cash for Traveler 3? The key is for everyone to be on 1 PNR for upgrade purposes (Traveler 3 has 1K status).
Jan 6, 2023, 11:23 pm
#41
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,281
Is this possible with FFCs:
- Traveler 1 has a FFC
- Traveler 2 has their own FFC
- Traveler 3 does NOT have a FFC
Can you make 1 reservation for all 3 and use travelers 1 and 2's respective FFC for their booking, while paying cash for Traveler 3? The key is for everyone to be on 1 PNR for upgrade purposes (Traveler 3 has 1K status).
- Traveler 1 has a FFC
- Traveler 2 has their own FFC
- Traveler 3 does NOT have a FFC
Can you make 1 reservation for all 3 and use travelers 1 and 2's respective FFC for their booking, while paying cash for Traveler 3? The key is for everyone to be on 1 PNR for upgrade purposes (Traveler 3 has 1K status).
Jan 13, 2023, 9:07 pm
#42
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Is this possible with FFCs:
- Traveler 1 has a FFC
- Traveler 2 has their own FFC
- Traveler 3 does NOT have a FFC
Can you make 1 reservation for all 3 and use travelers 1 and 2's respective FFC for their booking, while paying cash for Traveler 3? The key is for everyone to be on 1 PNR for upgrade purposes (Traveler 3 has 1K status).
- Traveler 1 has a FFC
- Traveler 2 has their own FFC
- Traveler 3 does NOT have a FFC
Can you make 1 reservation for all 3 and use travelers 1 and 2's respective FFC for their booking, while paying cash for Traveler 3? The key is for everyone to be on 1 PNR for upgrade purposes (Traveler 3 has 1K status).
- Traveler 1 use their own FFC that partially covers the new ticket price
- Traveler 2 use their own FFC that partially covers the new ticket price
- Traveler 3 use their own FFC that partially covers the new ticket price
- Traveler 4 without FFC
and use a single cc to cover the remaining amount for travelers 1,2,3 and the whole ticket for traveler 4 to put everyone on a single PNR?
Jan 15, 2023, 12:16 am
#43
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 49
Chase Travel - no fare difference
I booked a ticket from XXX-YYY using Chase Travel. I canceled that on united.com. (Interestingly, it doesn't show as canceled on the Chase Travel site but there's a button to cancel -- I assume I shouldn't click Chase's cancel button, right?)
My new ticket YYY-ZZZ costs less than the original ticket. united.com says I need to rebook through the travel agency, so I called Chase Travel to rebook and told them that. The Chase rep called United to verify that Chase still has control of the ticket.
Chase rep says I won't get a residual credit for the fare difference. When I called United Premier Desk and played dumb, they said the same thing and that they'd charge a $50 fee for taking over the ticket (though they offered to waive the $50). Is this accurate?
Any idea whether Capital One Travel is the same way?
My new ticket YYY-ZZZ costs less than the original ticket. united.com says I need to rebook through the travel agency, so I called Chase Travel to rebook and told them that. The Chase rep called United to verify that Chase still has control of the ticket.
Chase rep says I won't get a residual credit for the fare difference. When I called United Premier Desk and played dumb, they said the same thing and that they'd charge a $50 fee for taking over the ticket (though they offered to waive the $50). Is this accurate?
Any idea whether Capital One Travel is the same way?
Jan 15, 2023, 12:27 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,415
My new ticket YYY-ZZZ costs less than the original ticket. united.com says I need to rebook through the travel agency, so I called Chase Travel to rebook and told them that. The Chase rep called United to verify that Chase still has control of the ticket.
Chase rep says I won't get a residual credit for the fare difference. When I called United Premier Desk and played dumb, they said the same thing and that they'd charge a $50 fee for taking over the ticket (though they offered to waive the $50). Is this accurate?
Chase rep says I won't get a residual credit for the fare difference. When I called United Premier Desk and played dumb, they said the same thing and that they'd charge a $50 fee for taking over the ticket (though they offered to waive the $50). Is this accurate?
Any third-party travel agency is working under the same restrictions.
Jan 15, 2023, 1:32 pm
#45
formerly Sleepy_Sentry
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 614
I have an upcoming international trip (BER -> EWR -> RTB) on February 4 and need to cancel. The ticket is booked in normal economy (L / W fare classes). When I go to "view cancel options," I am presented with the option to request a future travel credit of 610 EUR.
I would like to do this, but have the following basic questions:
I would like to do this, but have the following basic questions:
- What is the deadline for requesting to cancel and receiving a FTC? Ideally I would like to wait as long as possible in case United makes a change to the itinerary and I can get a cash refund.
- Do I need to use the future travel credit all at once, or can I use it piece-by-piece?
- UA says change fees may apply when I use the FTC, but none are shown. How do I know what fees, if any, will be charged?