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)
Jan 31, 22, 5:29 pm
#91
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
If you cancel again, you will get an FFC that is good for 1 year from when you made this latest booking or 31 Dec 2022 -- which ever is later
Feb 3, 22, 2:45 pm
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 21,047
I have a shade over $2000 in FFC spread across two PNRs and four people (so eight FFC vouchers total) after having to cancel our trip to CUN this past November.
I found a really cheap fare PHX-DEN during spring break, and I tried to book it using the about half the amount across four FFC credits. It kept saying that the payment could not be processed. It also referenced calling the credit card company, which is strange since there would be $0 charged to any credit card. As I was struggling, the fare for the same flight went up $30/person
; however, there was an un-ticketed reservation in My Trip with a link to purchase the fare, except it lead nowhere. I gave up and went to bed.
I called UA this morning, and after an hour on hold, I got an agent who understood what I was trying to do. I gave him the PNR to the FFCs I wanted to use, confirmed that I would only be charged the original, cheaper fare
, and he said he'd be right back. 15 minutes later, I see an e-mail that my reservation has now been ticketed. The agent also told me that the rest of the money remaining in the FFC would be converted into a Travel Credit, and I would receive an e-mail with those details shortly. Sure enough, voucher for a Travel Credit that will expire one year from today.
What's even more interesting is that even though I didn't charge a penny to this new itinerary to my UA Explorer Visa, the agent said since I used it on the previous itinerary, the benefits of the card (two free checked bags and Group 2 boarding) is grandfathered into this itinerary.
I found a really cheap fare PHX-DEN during spring break, and I tried to book it using the about half the amount across four FFC credits. It kept saying that the payment could not be processed. It also referenced calling the credit card company, which is strange since there would be $0 charged to any credit card. As I was struggling, the fare for the same flight went up $30/person
; however, there was an un-ticketed reservation in My Trip with a link to purchase the fare, except it lead nowhere. I gave up and went to bed.I called UA this morning, and after an hour on hold, I got an agent who understood what I was trying to do. I gave him the PNR to the FFCs I wanted to use, confirmed that I would only be charged the original, cheaper fare
, and he said he'd be right back. 15 minutes later, I see an e-mail that my reservation has now been ticketed. The agent also told me that the rest of the money remaining in the FFC would be converted into a Travel Credit, and I would receive an e-mail with those details shortly. Sure enough, voucher for a Travel Credit that will expire one year from today.What's even more interesting is that even though I didn't charge a penny to this new itinerary to my UA Explorer Visa, the agent said since I used it on the previous itinerary, the benefits of the card (two free checked bags and Group 2 boarding) is grandfathered into this itinerary.
Last edited by pseudoswede; Feb 3, 22 at 2:53 pm
Feb 3, 22, 3:41 pm
#93
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Florida
Programs: UA 2MM, AA Platinum
Posts: 1,914
If I buy a refundable ticket priced at $500 and pay with $300 in a few ETCs I have plus $200 credit card for the remainder ...... what would happen if I cancelled that refundable ticket in the future?
- A single ETC for $300 would be issued, plus $200 refunded to me credit card?
- A single FFC for $300 would be issued, plus $200 refunded to me credit card?
- something else?
Thanks.
- A single ETC for $300 would be issued, plus $200 refunded to me credit card?
- A single FFC for $300 would be issued, plus $200 refunded to me credit card?
- something else?
Thanks.
Feb 3, 22, 4:35 pm
#94
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: South Coast NSW, Australia
Programs: UA and SQ; Hilton, Fairmont, Marriott, Rydges Priority
Posts: 280
My partner has a FFC that must be used from travel prior to 31st December 2022. It was a booking made in February 2020.
Health problems will unfortunately prevent her from ever travelling again.
Reading the above I assume we cannot use that FCC for other family members, whether here in Australia or the USA, travel on United and will have to kiss the $ goodbye.
Please confirm.
Health problems will unfortunately prevent her from ever travelling again.
Reading the above I assume we cannot use that FCC for other family members, whether here in Australia or the USA, travel on United and will have to kiss the $ goodbye.
Please confirm.
Feb 3, 22, 5:10 pm
#95
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
Consolidated "Refunds/Cancellations Due to Illness/Death" Thread [Merged]
A second alternative is to book the cheapest possible flight you can find (does not have to realistic -- a short sub$100 flight) and you will be issues credits (residual FFC) that can be used by anyone
Feb 3, 22, 6:48 pm
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
If a doctor is willing to confirm this, then a refund is possible
Consolidated "Refunds/Cancellations Due to Illness/Death" Thread [Merged]
A second alternative is to book the cheapest possible flight you can find (does not have to realistic -- a short sub$100 flight) and you will be issues credits (residual FFC) that can be used by anyone
Consolidated "Refunds/Cancellations Due to Illness/Death" Thread [Merged]
A second alternative is to book the cheapest possible flight you can find (does not have to realistic -- a short sub$100 flight) and you will be issues credits (residual FFC) that can be used by anyone
Feb 3, 22, 7:32 pm
#97
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
I have lost track of that, I though someone recently reported they stilled but it may have been an older one. The changes have been hard to stay up to date on.
Feb 3, 22, 11:20 pm
#98
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
Programs: AA PPro/DL PLT, PPass, Marriott / Hilton Gold, JetBlue Mosaic, Hertz Presidents Circle, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,623
I booked two tickets using FFC for two of us. Cancelled the ticket after purchase, and to my surprise, now both FFC are under one of us instead of each one having its own. Cannot rebook as they are not under one of the passengers name. Any way to solve this issue?
Feb 4, 22, 4:27 pm
#99
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: BWI
Programs: Everyone!
Posts: 1,024
I have FFCs for spouse and I. Trying to use the value to prepay bags and/ or buy Economy Plus seat offers. In both cases there is no option to apply my FFC amounts. The United FAQ even says "You can also apply future flight credit toward some non-ticket items, like Economy Plus seating, Basic Economy seat assignments and preferred seating when booking your ticket". So are you not allowed to do this on an existing reservation?
Feb 4, 22, 5:52 pm
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
I have FFCs for spouse and I. Trying to use the value to prepay bags and/ or buy Economy Plus seat offers. In both cases there is no option to apply my FFC amounts. The United FAQ even says "You can also apply future flight credit toward some non-ticket items, like Economy Plus seating, Basic Economy seat assignments and preferred seating when booking your ticket". So are you not allowed to do this on an existing reservation?
the option to use it for other fees when buying your ticket is also relatively new - I think when they loosened ETC/FFC restrictions in the summer or fall last year. Before that, it could only be used for airfare.
Feb 6, 22, 2:00 pm
#101
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: BWI
Programs: Everyone!
Posts: 1,024
Just to update for the good of the group.....I called and said simply that I was trying to purchase one of the Economy Plus Packages with my FFC and was unable to complete it...........80 minutes of hold time later (to be fair, apparently this was complicated by (1) using the FFC and (2) a seat package offer price that was only available on the website)......they did do this for me by converting it into a travel credit, redeeming it, and then leaving the balance as a travel credit in my account. Very pleased overall.
Feb 6, 22, 8:38 pm
#102
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP, lowly UA 1K; Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold; National EC, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,207
So I have a ticket for me and my SO. I want to cancel and rebook (there is an oddity that is making a change hard).
Will I get one or two FFC? Will I be able to use the FFC for both of us on the same ticket in the future or do I need to split the tickets up? I had an issue before trying to use some type of credit she had previously when I was on the ticket.
On the website there is a warning "PlusPoints upgrades can't be combined with future flight credit when booking a flight". Does that mean I can't request a PP upgrade after I book any flight with a FFC or does it mean you can't transfer something confirmed or something else? I have a PP upgrade waitlisted for the current flight. If I cancel I would hope to get the PP back and then reapply for the new flight.
Will I get one or two FFC? Will I be able to use the FFC for both of us on the same ticket in the future or do I need to split the tickets up? I had an issue before trying to use some type of credit she had previously when I was on the ticket.
On the website there is a warning "PlusPoints upgrades can't be combined with future flight credit when booking a flight". Does that mean I can't request a PP upgrade after I book any flight with a FFC or does it mean you can't transfer something confirmed or something else? I have a PP upgrade waitlisted for the current flight. If I cancel I would hope to get the PP back and then reapply for the new flight.
Feb 6, 22, 9:03 pm
#103
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
On the website there is a warning "PlusPoints upgrades can't be combined with future flight credit when booking a flight". Does that mean I can't request a PP upgrade after I book any flight with a FFC or does it mean you can't transfer something confirmed or something else? I have a PP upgrade waitlisted for the current flight. If I cancel I would hope to get the PP back and then reapply for the new flight.
Feb 10, 22, 12:46 pm
#104
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: United
Posts: 44
Does UA Travel credit due date renews after cancellation?
I have travel credit issued thanks to a cancelled flight due to the new December rona
If i book a flight using travel credit and then cancel that flight , does the expiration date remain the same ? or does travel credit expiration date get extended?
If i book a flight using travel credit and then cancel that flight , does the expiration date remain the same ? or does travel credit expiration date get extended?
Feb 10, 22, 8:47 pm
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,019
That said, I have seen it go either way. Depends on how that gets cancelled and refunded and if you used multiple that then got combined and whether you paid with CC and ETC.
Best advise is probably ... doesn't hurt to try, but don't expect it to work. Remember these are book-by and not fly-by dates. Book-by date and then buying a refundable ticket 11 months out ... that is IMO the way to go if you can't use them before.
