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 13, 2023, 10:06 pm
#106
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,032
Can the new reservation be of any amount or does it have to be larger than the original FFC for this to work?
Mar 23, 2023, 6:28 pm
#107
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
Mar 23, 2023, 6:32 pm
#108
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,032
Right, the unused balance would be on the original FFC, but when the new ticket is cancelled, will that create a new FFC with a new expiration date or does that go back to the original FFC?
Mar 23, 2023, 8:44 pm
#109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
I'm trying to remember when you cancel a ticket that used ETC after 24 hours, if it turns into FFC, which I think it does. It does not go back to ETC with new expiration.
Mar 24, 2023, 10:40 am
#110
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 694
I have a lot of FFC and ETCs and am trying to figure out what happens to them if I book a flight, and then cancel. I've scanned this thread, but obviously the Flyertalk search isn't the greatest.
Scenario 1: Use a FFC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC with a new expiration date, thereby extending the validity date of this FFC, or will I still need to book and travel by 12/31/23 after canceling?
Scenario 2: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC thereby extending the validity date of this ETC, or will I still need to book new travel by 12/31/23 after canceling? I understand that this ETC which previously was good for anyone, would only be good for the named passenger if now issued as a fresh FFC.
Scenario 3: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 2/1/24. I book this flight today and cancel this flight after 12/31/23. Is this money lost or will a new FFC be issued with a new expiration date (and thereby extending the validity date of this ETC? Obviously now tied to the flying passenger)
Scenario 1: Use a FFC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC with a new expiration date, thereby extending the validity date of this FFC, or will I still need to book and travel by 12/31/23 after canceling?
Scenario 2: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC thereby extending the validity date of this ETC, or will I still need to book new travel by 12/31/23 after canceling? I understand that this ETC which previously was good for anyone, would only be good for the named passenger if now issued as a fresh FFC.
Scenario 3: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 2/1/24. I book this flight today and cancel this flight after 12/31/23. Is this money lost or will a new FFC be issued with a new expiration date (and thereby extending the validity date of this ETC? Obviously now tied to the flying passenger)
Mar 24, 2023, 3:06 pm
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
As I understood it, anything that is booked using ETC or FFC after 24 hour cancellation policy gets reissued as FFC with new one-year expiration. I find ETC to be a bit more flexible for the travel I do than FFC so a bummer ETC get turned into FFC, but better than losing.
Mar 26, 2023, 3:28 pm
#112
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 4
Questions regarding United Airlines Future Flight Credit
I have a United Airlines Future Flight Credit for $1,400 that it currently says must begin travel by Dec 31, 2023. The Future Flight Credit was issued for ticket purchased on or before August 31, 2021 and because of that it can be used to book travel for anyone, including myself, friends, or family. My question is are there any options or methods for extending this credit (or in the alternative converting the credit into a different type of credit) if my travel (or friends/family travel) cannot begin by Dec 31, 2023?
Mar 26, 2023, 6:44 pm
#113
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
I have a lot of FFC and ETCs and am trying to figure out what happens to them if I book a flight, and then cancel. I've scanned this thread, but obviously the Flyertalk search isn't the greatest.
Scenario 1: Use a FFC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC with a new expiration date, thereby extending the validity date of this FFC, or will I still need to book and travel by 12/31/23 after canceling?
Scenario 2: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC thereby extending the validity date of this ETC, or will I still need to book new travel by 12/31/23 after canceling? I understand that this ETC which previously was good for anyone, would only be good for the named passenger if now issued as a fresh FFC.
Scenario 3: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 2/1/24. I book this flight today and cancel this flight after 12/31/23. Is this money lost or will a new FFC be issued with a new expiration date (and thereby extending the validity date of this ETC? Obviously now tied to the flying passenger)
Scenario 1: Use a FFC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC with a new expiration date, thereby extending the validity date of this FFC, or will I still need to book and travel by 12/31/23 after canceling?
Scenario 2: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 11/1/23. I book this flight today and cancel this flight right before the travel date, let's say on 10/31/23. Will I get a new FFC thereby extending the validity date of this ETC, or will I still need to book new travel by 12/31/23 after canceling? I understand that this ETC which previously was good for anyone, would only be good for the named passenger if now issued as a fresh FFC.
Scenario 3: Use a ETC that expires on 12/31/23 for a flight on 2/1/24. I book this flight today and cancel this flight after 12/31/23. Is this money lost or will a new FFC be issued with a new expiration date (and thereby extending the validity date of this ETC? Obviously now tied to the flying passenger)
- FFC will require the first flight to be scheduled on or before 12/31 - ETC just requires the booking to be made by that date, with travel date limited only by the flight schedule open for booking on date you are purchasing (I forget exactly but something like 330 days).
- FFC, in order to be extended, will need to be booked as a new reservation, using the credit as a method of payment. The only way pre-COVID to use an FFC was to change the existing PNR - you can still do it this way, but if you do, you’ll retain the same PNR if you cancel, with the same date restrictions - that’s why you must book as a new reservation, then use the FFC (old PNR) as the method of payment
- After booking flights, you need to wait 24 hours to cancel, otherwise the payment will be refunded back to where it came from. It will a) require manual processing so will take a few days or longer to get back, and b) also likely retain original travel date restrictions. After 24 hours, it becomes non-refundable so the FFC is now the new PNR, which is valid until a year after you book originally on that new PNR.
I have a United Airlines Future Flight Credit for $1,400 that it currently says must begin travel by Dec 31, 2023. The Future Flight Credit was issued for ticket purchased on or before August 31, 2021 and because of that it can be used to book travel for anyone, including myself, friends, or family. My question is are there any options or methods for extending this credit (or in the alternative converting the credit into a different type of credit) if my travel (or friends/family travel) cannot begin by Dec 31, 2023?
Mar 26, 2023, 6:56 pm
#114
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,281
I have a United Airlines Future Flight Credit for $1,400 that it currently says must begin travel by Dec 31, 2023. The Future Flight Credit was issued for ticket purchased on or before August 31, 2021 and because of that it can be used to book travel for anyone, including myself, friends, or family. My question is are there any options or methods for extending this credit (or in the alternative converting the credit into a different type of credit) if my travel (or friends/family travel) cannot begin by Dec 31, 2023?
Mar 27, 2023, 6:59 am
#115
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 694
in either of your scenarios, you’d get a new FFC (valid only for same traveller(s) as you are booking under), and the expiry date for that, regardless of date you book for, is 1 year after issue date. so date of travel doesn’t matter. However, a couple of notes:
- FFC will require the first flight to be scheduled on or before 12/31 - ETC just requires the booking to be made by that date, with travel date limited only by the flight schedule open for booking on date you are purchasing (I forget exactly but something like 330 days).
- FFC, in order to be extended, will need to be booked as a new reservation, using the credit as a method of payment. The only way pre-COVID to use an FFC was to change the existing PNR - you can still do it this way, but if you do, you’ll retain the same PNR if you cancel, with the same date restrictions - that’s why you must book as a new reservation, then use the FFC (old PNR) as the method of payment
- After booking flights, you need to wait 24 hours to cancel, otherwise the payment will be refunded back to where it came from. It will a) require manual processing so will take a few days or longer to get back, and b) also likely retain original travel date restrictions. After 24 hours, it becomes non-refundable so the FFC is now the new PNR, which is valid until a year after you book originally on that new PNR.
The thing you can do is book a trip using the credit, then wait 24 hours and cancel, and that booking will become an FFC valid for a year after booking date. Same deal as above - it will also have the restriction to only be useable by passengers booked for, unless you can convince an agent to convert to an ETC. while theoretically possible, certainly not SOP and I would not expect this would be a given.
- FFC will require the first flight to be scheduled on or before 12/31 - ETC just requires the booking to be made by that date, with travel date limited only by the flight schedule open for booking on date you are purchasing (I forget exactly but something like 330 days).
- FFC, in order to be extended, will need to be booked as a new reservation, using the credit as a method of payment. The only way pre-COVID to use an FFC was to change the existing PNR - you can still do it this way, but if you do, you’ll retain the same PNR if you cancel, with the same date restrictions - that’s why you must book as a new reservation, then use the FFC (old PNR) as the method of payment
- After booking flights, you need to wait 24 hours to cancel, otherwise the payment will be refunded back to where it came from. It will a) require manual processing so will take a few days or longer to get back, and b) also likely retain original travel date restrictions. After 24 hours, it becomes non-refundable so the FFC is now the new PNR, which is valid until a year after you book originally on that new PNR.
The thing you can do is book a trip using the credit, then wait 24 hours and cancel, and that booking will become an FFC valid for a year after booking date. Same deal as above - it will also have the restriction to only be useable by passengers booked for, unless you can convince an agent to convert to an ETC. while theoretically possible, certainly not SOP and I would not expect this would be a given.
Mar 27, 2023, 9:50 am
#116
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,281
At least until United gets tired of people doing this and either reimplements change fees, or more likely just starts carrying forward/enforcing the original issue information with these credits.
Mar 27, 2023, 9:29 pm
#117
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
im not sure how they could do it except the way they did pre-COVID, which is to make you rebook the new itinerary within the existing PNR. Once it’s a new booking, and the form of payment is used, there is no way to have that information with a fresh PNR.
Mar 28, 2023, 12:01 am
#118
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,281
Sure there is. The credits database already keeps track of all the original issue information so they can trace the value back to its origin if necessary. It would just be matter of pulling that information into the new PNR/ticket instead when the credit is redeemed.
Mar 28, 2023, 9:27 pm
#119
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Understood, but definitely more complicated than that. What happens, for example, when 1/2 of the ticket was paid for with an FFC with an expiry date of X, and the other half via CC so would be valid until date Y. These are complications that would make life very difficult for pax and probably as much if not more so for UA - it’s probably way more complication than it’s worth. the old system would be way easier on everyone.
Mar 31, 2023, 8:07 pm
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,405
in either of your scenarios, you’d get a new FFC (valid only for same traveller(s) as you are booking under), and the expiry date for that, regardless of date you book for, is 1 year after issue date. so date of travel doesn’t matter. However, a couple of notes:
- FFC will require the first flight to be scheduled on or before 12/31 - ETC just requires the booking to be made by that date, with travel date limited only by the flight schedule open for booking on date you are purchasing (I forget exactly but something like 330 days).
- FFC, in order to be extended, will need to be booked as a new reservation, using the credit as a method of payment. The only way pre-COVID to use an FFC was to change the existing PNR - you can still do it this way, but if you do, you’ll retain the same PNR if you cancel, with the same date restrictions - that’s why you must book as a new reservation, then use the FFC (old PNR) as the method of payment
- After booking flights, you need to wait 24 hours to cancel, otherwise the payment will be refunded back to where it came from. It will a) require manual processing so will take a few days or longer to get back, and b) also likely retain original travel date restrictions. After 24 hours, it becomes non-refundable so the FFC is now the new PNR, which is valid until a year after you book originally on that new PNR.
The thing you can do is book a trip using the credit, then wait 24 hours and cancel, and that booking will become an FFC valid for a year after booking date. Same deal as above - it will also have the restriction to only be useable by passengers booked for, unless you can convince an agent to convert to an ETC. while theoretically possible, certainly not SOP and I would not expect this would be a given.
- FFC will require the first flight to be scheduled on or before 12/31 - ETC just requires the booking to be made by that date, with travel date limited only by the flight schedule open for booking on date you are purchasing (I forget exactly but something like 330 days).
- FFC, in order to be extended, will need to be booked as a new reservation, using the credit as a method of payment. The only way pre-COVID to use an FFC was to change the existing PNR - you can still do it this way, but if you do, you’ll retain the same PNR if you cancel, with the same date restrictions - that’s why you must book as a new reservation, then use the FFC (old PNR) as the method of payment
- After booking flights, you need to wait 24 hours to cancel, otherwise the payment will be refunded back to where it came from. It will a) require manual processing so will take a few days or longer to get back, and b) also likely retain original travel date restrictions. After 24 hours, it becomes non-refundable so the FFC is now the new PNR, which is valid until a year after you book originally on that new PNR.
The thing you can do is book a trip using the credit, then wait 24 hours and cancel, and that booking will become an FFC valid for a year after booking date. Same deal as above - it will also have the restriction to only be useable by passengers booked for, unless you can convince an agent to convert to an ETC. while theoretically possible, certainly not SOP and I would not expect this would be a given.
Did I do something wrong? I've since made another new booking that I likely won't be able to fly and while I COULD find some random itinerary to waste it on before the end of the year, I'd prefer to extend it if I could.