Apr 9, 20, 3:37 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
***************************************
* 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)
Sep 19, 23, 7:57 pm
#901
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,782
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 20, 23, 2:44 am
#902
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,495
I have an FFC for 2 pax, in GBP (almost 6k) which I have been trying and failing to use since it was issued. Simply no US bound travel for me at the moment. Attempting to use eastwards from Europe on *A partners only is impossible (using an FFC required at least one UA flight on the ticket). The FFC expires at the end of this year.
Reading through the thread, I understand how to get a new FFC issued.
But what happens if I am "unlucky" enough to suffer a significant schedule change? If I opt for a refund, does it go to back to an FFC, or cash? If cash......are there any particular routes that might maximise the chances of a fatal schedule change?
Reading through the thread, I understand how to get a new FFC issued.
But what happens if I am "unlucky" enough to suffer a significant schedule change? If I opt for a refund, does it go to back to an FFC, or cash? If cash......are there any particular routes that might maximise the chances of a fatal schedule change?
Sep 20, 23, 3:11 am
#903
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
Would it be so easy. The farther in the future you book the better the chance of a schedule change.
Sep 20, 23, 7:18 am
#904
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,495
I think, perhaps, I'll try and ask for conversion to an ETC. I see above that someone has also had problems booking partner flights and was offered conversion to an ETC.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 20, 23 at 10:12 am Reason: repaired quote
Sep 20, 23, 10:14 am
#905
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
Sep 20, 23, 1:36 pm
#906
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,495
Sep 20, 23, 3:23 pm
#907
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
Generallu all booking by UA require one UA segment or UA codeshare or sometimes a Joint Venture segment (such as TATL with LH). Without one of those UA may not allow purchase on UA ticker stock or use of FFC or ETC.
Sep 20, 23, 8:44 pm
#908
Join Date: Jan 2023
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 106
thank you! I was just thinking about this and searched for this thread. I have a few ETCs and a few FFCs all with 12/31 expiration. Im going to see if I can get as many of these combined to make one reservation and then cancel that to extend for another year. I hope it will all work out. I think I have about $1750 worth that Id like to preserve
Sep 21, 23, 10:39 pm
#909
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,705
Can convert those to FFC but being in Asia, cant find any flights intraAsia or Asia to Europe on United.com
Am I just out of luck then?
Any way to utilize those FFCs?
thanks!
Sep 23, 23, 4:56 pm
#910
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,019
I have the same problem as the user above...not going to be flying in/out of USA but have some Travelbank dollars.
Can convert those to FFC but being in Asia, cant find any flights intraAsia or Asia to Europe on United.com
Am I just out of luck then?
Any way to utilize those FFCs?
thanks!
Can convert those to FFC but being in Asia, cant find any flights intraAsia or Asia to Europe on United.com
Am I just out of luck then?
Any way to utilize those FFCs?
thanks!
Sep 26, 23, 9:45 am
#911
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: WAW
Programs: LH FTL, AY+ Gold, BAEC Silver, AF FB
Posts: 111
Hi everyone! Hoping to tap into the vast pool of knowledge.
I still have two future flight credits for +1 and myself worth c. 500EUR each from the deepest Covid times (purchased Aug 2021). They expire 31 Dec 2023 with no plans nor time on our side to make use of them before. Since the FAQs on UA's webpage mainly address travel but not flight credits, I'm a bit puzzled on my options to use them or get my cash back. So my questions:
1. If I buy a full flex / refundable ticket with these credits and then cancel the ticket, what happens? Do i get the cash? Does it turn into a flight credit again? And if the latter, what's the new expiry date?
2. Are flight credits indeed transferable and I could book trips for others, i.e. sell the credits?
3. Is there any way to use them for non-UA flights such as LH-only flights within Europe?
Any other reasonable suggestions on what to do with them is more than welcome! Thanks in advance!
I still have two future flight credits for +1 and myself worth c. 500EUR each from the deepest Covid times (purchased Aug 2021). They expire 31 Dec 2023 with no plans nor time on our side to make use of them before. Since the FAQs on UA's webpage mainly address travel but not flight credits, I'm a bit puzzled on my options to use them or get my cash back. So my questions:
1. If I buy a full flex / refundable ticket with these credits and then cancel the ticket, what happens? Do i get the cash? Does it turn into a flight credit again? And if the latter, what's the new expiry date?
2. Are flight credits indeed transferable and I could book trips for others, i.e. sell the credits?
3. Is there any way to use them for non-UA flights such as LH-only flights within Europe?
Any other reasonable suggestions on what to do with them is more than welcome! Thanks in advance!
Sep 26, 23, 6:19 pm
#912
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 39
FFC expiration + Chase Travel
I have two FFCs:
FFC #1: $150 for a ticket issued by Chase Travel. united.com says I must finish travel by Dec. 31, 2023
FFC #2: $100 for a ticket issued on united.com. united.com says I must finish travel by Mar. 31, 2024
Here are my questions.
1. I want to book a ticket worth $200. Can I somehow combine these FFCs to do so while preserving the $50 residual value?
2. Is there a way to make FFC #1 not lose the residual value, e.g. by having United take control?
3. Is there a way to extend the life of either or both of these FFCs, e.g. by booking and canceling a ticket in the future? I would love to get Chase Travel out of the picture and deal with the Premier Desk directly, if possible.
Thanks!
FFC #1: $150 for a ticket issued by Chase Travel. united.com says I must finish travel by Dec. 31, 2023
FFC #2: $100 for a ticket issued on united.com. united.com says I must finish travel by Mar. 31, 2024
Here are my questions.
1. I want to book a ticket worth $200. Can I somehow combine these FFCs to do so while preserving the $50 residual value?
2. Is there a way to make FFC #1 not lose the residual value, e.g. by having United take control?
3. Is there a way to extend the life of either or both of these FFCs, e.g. by booking and canceling a ticket in the future? I would love to get Chase Travel out of the picture and deal with the Premier Desk directly, if possible.
Thanks!
Sep 27, 23, 12:53 am
#913
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Alaska 75K, Delta Silver, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 9,590
Roundtrip from US to Europe and back. Outbound flight to Europe completed in July, return flight from Europe scheduled for November. I moved the origin of the return flight from LHR to BRU, and in the process received a credit balance. However, I am unable to see this balance in my future flight credit section of the account. Anyone may have insight as to why? Thanks!
Sep 27, 23, 6:29 am
#914
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,019
Roundtrip from US to Europe and back. Outbound flight to Europe completed in July, return flight from Europe scheduled for November. I moved the origin of the return flight from LHR to BRU, and in the process received a credit balance. However, I am unable to see this balance in my future flight credit section of the account. Anyone may have insight as to why? Thanks!
Sep 28, 23, 6:33 pm
#915
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: UA 1K, AS G75K
Posts: 1,723
Trying to figure out a situation to use an expiring FFC. Original trip was CDG-(EWR)-YUL, and was cancelled back in July 2022; terms state it's valid until Dec 31, 2023.
Unlike other FFCs though, the option to apply it at checkout is greyed out. When I try to use it using the "Change Flights" link on my reservation, prices shoot up dramatically ($90 -> $800 for SFO-LAX)
Hoping there's some advice before I call, so I know what to expect.
Unlike other FFCs though, the option to apply it at checkout is greyed out. When I try to use it using the "Change Flights" link on my reservation, prices shoot up dramatically ($90 -> $800 for SFO-LAX)
Hoping there's some advice before I call, so I know what to expect.
