Apr 9, 2020, 2:37 pm
Last edit by: hkcj
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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
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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)
Feb 25, 2023, 10:24 pm
#91
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,280
ETCs are purchase by certs, so buy a non-refundable ticket using it. You will then have 1 year from that date to begin travel by. Of course the value will then be restricted to whatever passenger's name the ticket is issued in, but does give you extra time to use the credit value up.
Feb 25, 2023, 11:24 pm
#92
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: 66,857
The ETC you have should not be expiring until at least 31 Dec 2023. ETCs can be used to purchase tickets for travel up to a year after their expiration. So, you could be still talking about trips as far out as 2024.
Mar 4, 2023, 9:32 am
#94
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 40
Can I use FFC to split payment on two different credit cards to meet MSR for both? This is a $10k trip with 3 passengers, booked via United .com, includes partner airlines. Would book cheaper journey on card 1 for same 3 passengers, wait 24 hours, cancel for FFC, then rebook actual itinerary for same 3 passengers with FFC and card 2? Any issues with this plan? Thanks!
If you rebook a new itinerary for the same 2 people, can you use BOTH of the FFCs on the same itinerary (ie presumably use full value if new flight is more expensive)? Thanks!
FFCs are per person. Canceling a 2-person PNR will give you credits for each person, and each original pax can only use their own credit.
that said, there were some reporting bugs where multiple pax PNRs being canceled had the full amount credited to only one of the travelers. Not sure if that has been fixed.
that said, there were some reporting bugs where multiple pax PNRs being canceled had the full amount credited to only one of the travelers. Not sure if that has been fixed.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 4, 2023 at 9:49 am Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Mar 4, 2023, 11:14 am
#95
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NY
Programs: AA, KLM, United, Amex, Chase, Hilton
Posts: 265
Travel bank + FFC
I want to book a flight for $340. I have:
- $260 in FFC. Exp on 12/31.
- $800 in Travel bank. Exp in 5 years.
I want to combine both but I know I can’t. I first want to use up the expiring FFC. So, if I book a flight for $80 using my TB and cancel it after 24 hours, will I get an FFC for $80?
- $260 in FFC. Exp on 12/31.
- $800 in Travel bank. Exp in 5 years.
I want to combine both but I know I can’t. I first want to use up the expiring FFC. So, if I book a flight for $80 using my TB and cancel it after 24 hours, will I get an FFC for $80?
Mar 4, 2023, 11:49 am
#96
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: 66,857
I want to book a flight for $340. I have:
- $260 in FFC. Exp on 12/31.
- $800 in Travel bank. Exp in 5 years.
I want to combine both but I know I can’t. I first want to use up the expiring FFC. So, if I book a flight for $80 using my TB and cancel it after 24 hours, will I get an FFC for $80?
- $260 in FFC. Exp on 12/31.
- $800 in Travel bank. Exp in 5 years.
I want to combine both but I know I can’t. I first want to use up the expiring FFC. So, if I book a flight for $80 using my TB and cancel it after 24 hours, will I get an FFC for $80?
Mar 5, 2023, 12:52 pm
#97
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 2
Multiple members on same ticket
Hello,
if I had an FFC issued on a cancellation where I was the adult, can I use the FFC to book flights for me and my kids on same PNR?
Is there any lag b/w when I cancel and FFC showing up on my account and using it right away?
Thanks for your help,
if I had an FFC issued on a cancellation where I was the adult, can I use the FFC to book flights for me and my kids on same PNR?
Is there any lag b/w when I cancel and FFC showing up on my account and using it right away?
Thanks for your help,
Mar 5, 2023, 1:56 pm
#98
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
No more than a few minutes.
Mar 5, 2023, 6:32 pm
#99
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,353
One timing gotcha to be aware of -- if you use the credits on a new trip, and cancel within 24 hours (meaning everything gets refunded to original form of payment), those credits do NOT appear right away -- it takes 2-3 days (or more) for the credits to appear. There may be some manual processing to separate "original form of payment" into the new cash/card payments and the original credits (which go back with their original expiration date in that case). I did that once to get a lower fare the next day, and ended up not using the credit for that trip (was able to use ot for a later trip to Hawaii, so it ended well!).
Mar 7, 2023, 4:57 pm
#100
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 141
A quick question. I booked a flight for $600, confirmation code ABCDEF, and then subsequently cancelled this flight back to FFC.
Using the ABCDEF code, I then re-booked a new flight, amounting to $400. The same confirmation code was given for the itinerary. It seems the $200 residual credit is still locked up under that ABCDEF code, and I am seemingly unable to use this to book another flight. Every time I try to follow the link under the, "Use this credit to book your next flight", it just routes me back to the new itinerary I've booked. When I try to apply it at check-out, it just says, "We're not able to apply this credit here. Follow these steps to restart your booking and use this credit", then it directs me "to book new flights with credit, select "change flights" below".
Is there a way to access this residual credit in limbo? I phoned UA, and they said that I could use it after my itinerary was completed, which seems kind of silly. Is there some way to free this up for me earlier somehow?
Edit: just tried a chat agent - they are adamant there is no residual credit under that code. Sigh.
Using the ABCDEF code, I then re-booked a new flight, amounting to $400. The same confirmation code was given for the itinerary. It seems the $200 residual credit is still locked up under that ABCDEF code, and I am seemingly unable to use this to book another flight. Every time I try to follow the link under the, "Use this credit to book your next flight", it just routes me back to the new itinerary I've booked. When I try to apply it at check-out, it just says, "We're not able to apply this credit here. Follow these steps to restart your booking and use this credit", then it directs me "to book new flights with credit, select "change flights" below".
Is there a way to access this residual credit in limbo? I phoned UA, and they said that I could use it after my itinerary was completed, which seems kind of silly. Is there some way to free this up for me earlier somehow?
Edit: just tried a chat agent - they are adamant there is no residual credit under that code. Sigh.
Last edited by Denguin; Mar 7, 2023 at 5:38 pm
Mar 7, 2023, 5:55 pm
#101
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: 66,857
Mar 8, 2023, 12:28 am
#103
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1k aa exec plat
Posts: 1,842
If I understand your question as "Can I book a new trip for my kids and I on one new PNR, and apply the FFCs that each person has available to their respective tickets within that new PNR", the answer is Yes. When you get to the payment screen there should be a list of credits available for each person, and you can apply them to each.
One timing gotcha to be aware of -- if you use the credits on a new trip, and cancel within 24 hours (meaning everything gets refunded to original form of payment), those credits do NOT appear right away -- it takes 2-3 days (or more) for the credits to appear. There may be some manual processing to separate "original form of payment" into the new cash/card payments and the original credits (which go back with their original expiration date in that case). I did that once to get a lower fare the next day, and ended up not using the credit for that trip (was able to use ot for a later trip to Hawaii, so it ended well!).
One timing gotcha to be aware of -- if you use the credits on a new trip, and cancel within 24 hours (meaning everything gets refunded to original form of payment), those credits do NOT appear right away -- it takes 2-3 days (or more) for the credits to appear. There may be some manual processing to separate "original form of payment" into the new cash/card payments and the original credits (which go back with their original expiration date in that case). I did that once to get a lower fare the next day, and ended up not using the credit for that trip (was able to use ot for a later trip to Hawaii, so it ended well!).
Mar 10, 2023, 11:34 pm
#104
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,032
Have some FFCs expiring on Dec 31, 2023. Is it possible to extend these?
Say by booking a ticket above the value of the FFC, paying the difference in cash, and then cancelling the new ticket after 24 hours and getting new FFCs? Or will that just create two FFCs - one original one and a new one with the difference paid in cash?
Say by booking a ticket above the value of the FFC, paying the difference in cash, and then cancelling the new ticket after 24 hours and getting new FFCs? Or will that just create two FFCs - one original one and a new one with the difference paid in cash?
Mar 13, 2023, 9:27 pm
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Have some FFCs expiring on Dec 31, 2023. Is it possible to extend these?
Say by booking a ticket above the value of the FFC, paying the difference in cash, and then cancelling the new ticket after 24 hours and getting new FFCs? Or will that just create two FFCs - one original one and a new one with the difference paid in cash?
Say by booking a ticket above the value of the FFC, paying the difference in cash, and then cancelling the new ticket after 24 hours and getting new FFCs? Or will that just create two FFCs - one original one and a new one with the difference paid in cash?