emcampbe

There have been lots of changes over the last several months - mostly with UA being more flexible with the ability to use credits, including the ability to temporarily get an ETC instead of an FFC (2020 mostly), the ability to use FFCs in other people's names for those issued prior to 8/31/21, the ability to add FFCs as a form of payment (before this, you could only use them by going into the FFC/old PNR, and booking from within that), and combined with that last change, the ability to use multiple FFCs to cover a single new booking, as well as the ability to use ETCs on partners. In addition to extending all types of credits. However, AFAIK, there has never been the ability to combine multiple types of credits, like FFC and ETC, and don't recall seeing that reported here.

UA has 100% improved the ability to use all types of credits, and also improved the visibility of them (before the pandemic, there was no way to see anything other than canceled PNRs in one's account - if you had an ETC or other type of credit, and didn't have the Number/PIN, it was pretty difficult to even know what you had or be able to use it without keeping your own records of what you had, and if you didn't receive an ETC email - was almost impossible to track down at all). The interface, however, could use some improvement though - I think many people who have both ETCs and FFCs probably assume because they are both lumped in the generic 'credits' type, they can be combined. That last part unfortunately, is still not true. Ideally, they should probably separate into an FFC and ETC type, much like 'Travelbank' is separated from 'Credits', so that it's clearer you can only use one type. Not sure how much of a priority this would be though - I suspect that in the scheme of things, the amount of pax this might affect is probably pretty minimal.

nexusCFX

Are there any recent DPs on the expiration date on residual FFCs? Wondering if it's still a viable method to extend part of the FFC.

ExpatExp

A friend is a UK based traveller. In May 2020, when non-citizens could not enter the US directly from Europe, he had to cancel a purely domestic US itinerary. He accepted an ETC which he says will expire in May 2022.

Problem is, he hasn't been anywhere UA flies since then, and won't be anywhere UA flies before the ETC expires.

Is there any chance they would let him prolong the expiration date until he goes somewhere that UA flies?

paule123

I applied an FFC to a new ticket last night and the new FFC with the residual amount is showing a 12/31/2022 expiration date.

WineCountryUA

UA extending on an individual basis, unlikely. UA doing a system wide extension, perhaps

But in May 2022, purchase a future USA domestic flight with the ETC (anytime in the next 11 months) and wait a few days and then cancel. They will then get a credit for a trip starting by May 2023 (no change fees for domestic flights). This credit can be used for partner flights or flights originating from Europe.

ExpatExp

Excellent advice. Thank you.

IMissThe747

Looked at this thread, and I know the answer must be buried in here somewhere, but couldn't find it.

If I have a FFC for $1,600, can I use that to buy a ticket for $1,000, and later another ticket for $600? Or can I only get full value if I buy one ticket that is at least $1,600?

Thanks!

WineCountryUA

Yes, you can split the value to two tickets. After the first purchase, you will have a residual FFC that can be used to purchase more tickets.

monkeymommy

Question about FFC: I had to call United's agent in order to get our 2 business class tickets using FFC: Denver -> Lisbon outbound , return from Porto -> SFO in May. I tried to reserve on the website using our FFC but it would not go through and kept giving me an error. When I called, I told the agent I have specific flights that I would like to book (they all appeared on my result pages from the search). However the agent kept saying she could only book us on the Air Canada flights from Denver -> Toronto -> Lisbon, but not Swiss Air from Porto -> Zurich ->SFO. I explained to her that the Swiss flights kept coming up on my search so if I cannot use FFC to book, why did they keep coming up? Then her supervisor came on the phone and said "One of the flights has to be United"...but I thought FFC are usable on other Star Alliance airlines e.g. we are able to book on Air Canada. At the end she put us on Lufthansa flying Porto -> Frankfurt , then on UA Frankfurt -> SFO. We dislike the 6am flight out of Porto but it did not look like we had many other choices unless we were willing to pay a lot more $$ to cover the fare differences on other flights. So my question is why did the Swiss Air flights kept showing up on my search but it is not bookable? I started the search by using our FFC on my UA account so the system should know that I am using FFC? We would much rather be on Swiss since the flight time is better and we like this airline, although it does not look like we will be able to get on it. I am just curious how the system really works.

emcampbe

IMO, I would have started the search as a new search. You used to have to go into the original FFC to rebook, but not anymore. Now you can start your search as new, then use the credit as a payment method. The change took constantly has issues (higher pricing, lack of options that should show) compared to searching as new.

Perhaps making a change to the new itin via phone would work with a different agent?

iplaybass

The saga of the FFC from Italy 2020 continues... rebooked from STL-FCO a year later, $1600 less for 2. Refused credit, HUCA, got credit. Used credit to book SXM-STL one way, had $45 residual credit. Ended up canceling SXM-STL when it became impossible to get back on the same day, fare went into ETC. Used ETC this week to book STL-CDG this summer. Still have $45 FFC.

Better than I thought the outcome would be when we originally cancelled our initial booking (Jan 2020) due to COVID. We only stand to lose $45 each in United credit. And yes, Italy was worth it. UD LH 747 was fantastic, lounge in FRA was a good place to wait (good coffee) for the connecting flight, and... don't pay for the premium lounge in FCO. Food was good, but had to change terminals. UA 777 was comfy coming back. Hated EWR.

monkeymommy

Thank you for your reply. I had no clue that I could have started the search as a new search. I guess I could call and ask to see if I could switch. The whole experience was just frustrating, but at least I have learned a lesson and know how to deal with it better next time.

adventures_await

I have 2 business class United tickets to Italy. Because of Covid I have rescheduled my flight 4 times in the last 2 years. I am not reaching a use it or lose it expiration date. Italy is still in the middle of the Omicron surge and the US State Department has flagged it as Level 4: Do Not Travel. Does anybody know what United's policy is now? I don't think I will get the straight scoop if I call United.

Thanks.

WineCountryUA

Credits have been extended to 31 Dec 2022 (travel booked by)
It is possible UA may extend them again but not soon IMO

You can look up your particular travel credit at United Travel Credits - View Credits, Find Credits and How to Use FAQs

adventures_await

Thank you. I am currently booked for Italy so it is not telling me what happens of I need to rebook to later this year. I guess I will find out if/when I my trip gets closer and I will need to make the decision to rebook and they will tell me if I can.