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)
Aug 5, 2021, 5:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: CoUniHound 1K 1MM, AA EXP 2MM, DL Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,625
Understanding/Using UA Electronic Travel Certificate(ETC) & Future Flight Credit(FFC)
I have a FFC from a AUS-GRU trip I cancelled last month. I'm trying to apply it to a AUS-SJO trip, but the web site says its unable to apply the FFC and to contact support. Web glitch or have I run into a known restriction to FFCs? I'd like to have some knowledge of what might be happening before I start a call center odyssey.
TIA
TIA
Aug 5, 2021, 7:20 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,453
It's a known glitch. I've had to call to use mine. The last web support agent I spoke with says this is all she's doing, all day long. She told me "it's been escalated."
Sep 30, 2021, 5:08 am
#5
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
United Flight booking woes....
United Flight booking woes and United Future Flight Credit woes!
Booking [international] flights on united.com (a first for me in almost a year) is ONE HOT MESS!
- trying to find future flight credits; My Trips ---> View All Trips ---> Future Flight Credits ===> "Your future flight credits have moved. You can view them in My Account"
Well okay then...
- My Account ---> Confirmation #xxxxxxx Begin travel by 03/31/2022, Confirmation #xxxxxxx Begin travel by 03/31/2022, Confirmation #xxxxxxx Begin travel by 12/31/2022
Trying to apply Future Flight Credit fails on every credit: either because it states "Travel has to commence before 1/30/2021", or "Unable to apply Future Flight Credit" with no reason given
- Using the link USE FUTURE FLIGHT CREDIT errors out with a message; "Booking failed, see message below." But there IS NO message below.
- There's a mix & match of numerous incarnations of the flight booking tool. I counted at least 3 completely different versions.
- Trying to pay with a UNION PAY card, but it's not listed under payment types, with a blurb: "We're updating our payment system, if you don't see a saved payment type click here"
Clicking "Click Here" loads an older style booking/payment page, but the Union Pay card still doesn't show up. other saved cards are missing also. Adding a new card (Union Pay) doesn't work either.
What the heck has United IT been doing these last two years???They managed to mess it up even further....
Should I have maybe tried the mobile app instead?
Booking [international] flights on united.com (a first for me in almost a year) is ONE HOT MESS!
- trying to find future flight credits; My Trips ---> View All Trips ---> Future Flight Credits ===> "Your future flight credits have moved. You can view them in My Account"
Well okay then...
- My Account ---> Confirmation #xxxxxxx Begin travel by 03/31/2022, Confirmation #xxxxxxx Begin travel by 03/31/2022, Confirmation #xxxxxxx Begin travel by 12/31/2022
Trying to apply Future Flight Credit fails on every credit: either because it states "Travel has to commence before 1/30/2021", or "Unable to apply Future Flight Credit" with no reason given
- Using the link USE FUTURE FLIGHT CREDIT errors out with a message; "Booking failed, see message below." But there IS NO message below.
- There's a mix & match of numerous incarnations of the flight booking tool. I counted at least 3 completely different versions.
- Trying to pay with a UNION PAY card, but it's not listed under payment types, with a blurb: "We're updating our payment system, if you don't see a saved payment type click here"
Clicking "Click Here" loads an older style booking/payment page, but the Union Pay card still doesn't show up. other saved cards are missing also. Adding a new card (Union Pay) doesn't work either.
What the heck has United IT been doing these last two years???They managed to mess it up even further....
Should I have maybe tried the mobile app instead?
Sep 30, 2021, 12:28 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 518
At least for me, those "Confirmation #xxxxxxx Begin travel by 03/31/2022" were actually half-flown tickets. Although fully unused tickets were extended to 3/31/2022, I was told that half-flown tickets had to be used within 1 year from the outbound date, so my FFCs were actually expired even though they show up in the "wallet". Tried multiple times with customer service and reservation desk, same answer. If I try to use these online I got the same error message: "Travel has to commence before x/xx/2021"
Sep 30, 2021, 1:38 pm
#7
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: 66,850
The partially flown credits are more restrictive
The FFC system is in process of being revised, it is much better to use FFC as payment credits (an option at the payment points) and not try to rebook a credit. But if that does not work, call and the agent or web support can help. Some of these very old credits are confusing the system. Again UA is revising the system..
Is some case the mobile app is further along.
You may not be able to use the Chinese based card on the USA site.
The FFC system is in process of being revised, it is much better to use FFC as payment credits (an option at the payment points) and not try to rebook a credit. But if that does not work, call and the agent or web support can help. Some of these very old credits are confusing the system. Again UA is revising the system..
Is some case the mobile app is further along.
You may not be able to use the Chinese based card on the USA site.
Sep 30, 2021, 2:21 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
Cheers.
You mean, not anymore?
Is this new? The Union pay logo is still displayed, and I've successfully been using it for ~10+ years.
A workaround was to use PAYPAL with the Union Pay card being its payment method.
Is this new? The Union pay logo is still displayed, and I've successfully been using it for ~10+ years.
A workaround was to use PAYPAL with the Union Pay card being its payment method.
Sep 30, 2021, 7:13 pm
#9
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: 52,139
Oct 12, 2021, 11:11 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, BA Gold, SQ TPP
Posts: 1,487
Pay with Travel Credits not working?
Has anyone managed to make a reservation with a FFC lately? The website seems to be broken for me. It doesn't do anything when I put in the PNR and last name in the boxes (it neither accepts the FFC or gives an error) ...
Oct 12, 2021, 11:17 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,501
Is it an unused travel credit or a partially used travel credit?
There are different ways of going about using each.
There are different ways of going about using each.
Oct 12, 2021, 11:39 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, BA Gold, SQ TPP
Posts: 1,487
I've done it this way a couple of times before with success (the last time was a few weeks ago) but it seems not be work anymore.
Oct 13, 2021, 10:18 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: APC/SFO
Programs: UA 1K, B9, AA, DL, WN
Posts: 280
Haven't been able to use my FFC travel credit on the newly updated "pay" screen, or through rebooking within the "my account / travel credit" itself. It shows up in both places but also errors out in both places. It's a smallish ~$125 and valid through next year, so I wasn't in a hurry to call in for a booking. Hopefully the online redemption is resolved one of these days.