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)
Feb 10, 22, 9:06 pm
#106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
FFCs expire based on original issue date - those issued prior to the end of 2021 were extended - they require the first departing flight by Dec. 31 2022. For tickets issued on/after 1/1/2022, the first flight needs to be scheduled within one year of date of issue. Note the pertinent date is of original ticket issue - not departure of first flight. So if you bought a ticket issued on Feb. 1 2022 for departure on April 1, then canceled, first rebooked flight would need to depart by Jan. 31 2023. Canceling and rebooking does not extend the date for this.
Feb 11, 22, 10:57 pm
#107
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 52
Issues with Flight Credit When Cancelling and Rebooking Fare
I booked 2 domestic tickets with cash on United Economy for my boyfriend and I. Boyfriend has Silver Plus. We saw that the price went down by $40 per person for the flight so we cancelled the flight for future flight credit. We were issued flight credit for each of us and rebooked at the cheaper fare using flight credit.
Then the hiccup begins..
When we rebook to the cheaper fare, the United ticketing system issued $80 in flight credit to my name instead of issuing $40 of flight credit to each of us. However, when I try to use the flight credit on my account and book a flight for myself, the system will not let me and says the credit can only be used for the person it is issued to. I am not able to use the flight credit for my boyfriend either.
Has anyone come across this issue? Seems like a programming bug.
Then the hiccup begins..
When we rebook to the cheaper fare, the United ticketing system issued $80 in flight credit to my name instead of issuing $40 of flight credit to each of us. However, when I try to use the flight credit on my account and book a flight for myself, the system will not let me and says the credit can only be used for the person it is issued to. I am not able to use the flight credit for my boyfriend either.
Has anyone come across this issue? Seems like a programming bug.
Feb 11, 22, 11:06 pm
#108
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,134
This happened to me.
Took 30 mins with a phone agent and another 20 mins with the web phone agent.
The issue for me was that even though the original ticket included non-UA flights essentially the FFC can only be used for UA flights. Rebooked today and have FFC left over..
The FFC is supposed to be available for preferred airlines like LH but it just was not working for me..
Good luck rebooking.
Took 30 mins with a phone agent and another 20 mins with the web phone agent.
The issue for me was that even though the original ticket included non-UA flights essentially the FFC can only be used for UA flights. Rebooked today and have FFC left over..
The FFC is supposed to be available for preferred airlines like LH but it just was not working for me..
Good luck rebooking.
Feb 11, 22, 11:50 pm
#109
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 230
when I try to use the flight credit on my account and book a flight for myself, the system will not let me and says the credit can only be used for the person it is issued to. I am not able to use the flight credit for my boyfriend either.
Has anyone come across this issue? Seems like a programming bug.
Has anyone come across this issue? Seems like a programming bug.
Feb 12, 22, 9:51 am
#110
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DUS
Programs: United-1K+2MM, Bonvoy-LifetimeGold,IHG-Diamond-Ambassador
Posts: 354
Issues with booking online with multiple Flight Credits
Again I tried to book a flight using my ffc's. During the payment on the bookingsite all my ffc's were shown, so I chose all of them and for the rest I put in my cc-data.
The correct prize were shown (fare+taxes etc. minus the ffc's) So I clicked and the site told me "your cc-bank can't be reached". I tried the old paymentsite but there
you can't put in the ffc's.
I called but the agent didn't even know that you can use multiple ffc's.
I always talking about ffc's I got for rebookings etc.
Does someone know this problem? That's the third time for me.
The correct prize were shown (fare+taxes etc. minus the ffc's) So I clicked and the site told me "your cc-bank can't be reached". I tried the old paymentsite but there
you can't put in the ffc's.
I called but the agent didn't even know that you can use multiple ffc's.
I always talking about ffc's I got for rebookings etc.
Does someone know this problem? That's the third time for me.
Feb 12, 22, 3:19 pm
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,720
This happened to me.
Took 30 mins with a phone agent and another 20 mins with the web phone agent.
The issue for me was that even though the original ticket included non-UA flights essentially the FFC can only be used for UA flights. Rebooked today and have FFC left over..
The FFC is supposed to be available for preferred airlines like LH but it just was not working for me..
Good luck rebooking.
Took 30 mins with a phone agent and another 20 mins with the web phone agent.
The issue for me was that even though the original ticket included non-UA flights essentially the FFC can only be used for UA flights. Rebooked today and have FFC left over..
The FFC is supposed to be available for preferred airlines like LH but it just was not working for me..
Good luck rebooking.
i suspect you ran into a bug for whatever reason, but UA/UAX only was always for ETC (no longer) and TravelBank, but absolutely not FFCs.
Feb 13, 22, 9:51 am
#112
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: DUS
Programs: United-1K+2MM, Bonvoy-LifetimeGold,IHG-Diamond-Ambassador
Posts: 354
With FFC's alone or with card alone the booking works.
Feb 13, 22, 10:41 pm
#113
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Singapore, Vancouver
Programs: UA/Premier 1K, Bonvoy/Titanium
Posts: 215
Had an odd one yesterday. I've had a FFC in my account since the 2020s -- reflected in my account as US$900+ ever since they started showing up on united.com. This amount is reflected on My United under Travel Credits, and also appears in the Checkout Page as a travel credit. If I select the credit it is applied to the fare as US$900+.
Tried to book a trip with this yesterday. The website errored out (not unusual given Singapore POS) so I held the itinerary using the "pay in person" option which I was previously told to do. Called 1K desk which saw and acknowledged the US$900+ credit but priced out the itinerary differently from what was on my new PNR (US$1000+ vs US$800+). Agent couldn't take the FFC on the old PNR and apply it to the new PNR so I suggested converting to ETC and applying it that way.
Here's where it gets weird. Agent calls supervisor to convert to ETC and is told the FFC value is in fact US$325. Said something about ticket being partially used. Quite a shock -- shouldn't this have been factored into the FFC value shown on the website?
Was told the conversion cannot be reversed and that original flight was >12 months back so can't rebook the same origin and destination without repricing. Told to contact customer care, agent agreed it was odd since he was prepared to process US$900+ FFC on the US$1000+ fare.
I wrote to 1K Voice but wanted to ask if FTers here have encountered similar situations where FFC dollar values are appearing wrongly on united.com... And I guess fair warning that what you see might not be what you apparently have!
Tried to book a trip with this yesterday. The website errored out (not unusual given Singapore POS) so I held the itinerary using the "pay in person" option which I was previously told to do. Called 1K desk which saw and acknowledged the US$900+ credit but priced out the itinerary differently from what was on my new PNR (US$1000+ vs US$800+). Agent couldn't take the FFC on the old PNR and apply it to the new PNR so I suggested converting to ETC and applying it that way.
Here's where it gets weird. Agent calls supervisor to convert to ETC and is told the FFC value is in fact US$325. Said something about ticket being partially used. Quite a shock -- shouldn't this have been factored into the FFC value shown on the website?
Was told the conversion cannot be reversed and that original flight was >12 months back so can't rebook the same origin and destination without repricing. Told to contact customer care, agent agreed it was odd since he was prepared to process US$900+ FFC on the US$1000+ fare.
I wrote to 1K Voice but wanted to ask if FTers here have encountered similar situations where FFC dollar values are appearing wrongly on united.com... And I guess fair warning that what you see might not be what you apparently have!
Feb 13, 22, 11:39 pm
#114
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
What was the original cost of the ticket? Was it international? What was flown and was not?
Feb 14, 22, 5:39 am
#115
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Singapore, Vancouver
Programs: UA/Premier 1K, Bonvoy/Titanium
Posts: 215
Frankly I don't quite know. It might be. Quite sure it was international since I had several FFCs from when all the Asia flights cancelled. I just don't know which one this is and its now gone from My United so I can't check. I just found it odd and very disconcerting that (i) the value indicated on united.com is different from the alleged value by a factor of 3x, it's not a currency conversion issue; and (ii) the agent was prepared to apply the value indicated on united.com to the ticket, and would have if there was no need to convert it to an ETC.
Feb 14, 22, 11:50 am
#116
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
Frankly I don't quite know. It might be. Quite sure it was international since I had several FFCs from when all the Asia flights cancelled. I just don't know which one this is and its now gone from My United so I can't check. I just found it odd and very disconcerting that (i) the value indicated on united.com is different from the alleged value by a factor of 3x, it's not a currency conversion issue; and (ii) the agent was prepared to apply the value indicated on united.com to the ticket, and would have if there was no need to convert it to an ETC.
Confusing, yes. Misleading, perhaps. But not really possible to put a simple value on the ticket. This is due to the partial flown nature. Perhaps no value would be better -- call UA.
Realize folks had a lot of cancelled plans and many may have not realized partial flown trips were going to be handled differential than unflown trips (but that has always been true)
Feb 14, 22, 12:13 pm
#117
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Singapore, Vancouver
Programs: UA/Premier 1K, Bonvoy/Titanium
Posts: 215
The problem is the value of an unflown segment depends. Was it a voluntary or a UA cancellation? if voluntary, you are still bound by the original fares (but not if UA cancelled or whole ticket unflown), And if voluntary, how you change the ticket will affect the residual value. Determing the residual vlaue can be difficult and most frontline agents will need to turn to the rate desk to get an answer.
Confusing, yes. Misleading, perhaps. But not really possible to put a simple value on the ticket. This is due to the partial flown nature. Perhaps no value would be better -- call UA.
Realize folks had a lot of cancelled plans and many may have not realized partial flown trips were going to be handled differential than unflown trips (but that has always been true)
Confusing, yes. Misleading, perhaps. But not really possible to put a simple value on the ticket. This is due to the partial flown nature. Perhaps no value would be better -- call UA.
Realize folks had a lot of cancelled plans and many may have not realized partial flown trips were going to be handled differential than unflown trips (but that has always been true)
Feb 14, 22, 12:27 pm
#118
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
Unfortunately with a lack of travel records this may be hard to resolve.
Not really for a partial flown trip as the value depends on how you plan to modify the original trip. Note that is a problem of partial flown trips and not wholly unflown trips.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 14, 22 at 1:01 pm Reason: more
Feb 14, 22, 1:07 pm
#119
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: United MileagePlus, Southwest RapidRewards
Posts: 54
Are my ETCs / FFCs worthless?
I have two FFCs - $47 and $16. I have an ETC for $46. Was on the horn with United the other day and the person at the premier desk said that the amount of the FFC/ETC has to cover the full amount of a purchase - otherwise it cannot be applied. For example, I couldn't use any of these vouchers to buy an E+ seat for my son (I only get +1 as UAG) as the cost was $65.
If this is true - these are essentially worthless as I will never have small enough purchases from United to cover those values.
I have two FFCs - $47 and $16. I have an ETC for $46. Was on the horn with United the other day and the person at the premier desk said that the amount of the FFC/ETC has to cover the full amount of a purchase - otherwise it cannot be applied. For example, I couldn't use any of these vouchers to buy an E+ seat for my son (I only get +1 as UAG) as the cost was $65.
If this is true - these are essentially worthless as I will never have small enough purchases from United to cover those values.
Feb 15, 22, 12:38 pm
#120
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA GS | Marriott Titanium / LT Platinum
Posts: 449
Are my ETCs / FFCs worthless?
I have two FFCs - $47 and $16. I have an ETC for $46. Was on the horn with United the other day and the person at the premier desk said that the amount of the FFC/ETC has to cover the full amount of a purchase - otherwise it cannot be applied. For example, I couldn't use any of these vouchers to buy an E+ seat for my son (I only get +1 as UAG) as the cost was $65.
If this is true - these are essentially worthless as I will never have small enough purchases from United to cover those values.
I have two FFCs - $47 and $16. I have an ETC for $46. Was on the horn with United the other day and the person at the premier desk said that the amount of the FFC/ETC has to cover the full amount of a purchase - otherwise it cannot be applied. For example, I couldn't use any of these vouchers to buy an E+ seat for my son (I only get +1 as UAG) as the cost was $65.
If this is true - these are essentially worthless as I will never have small enough purchases from United to cover those values.
