Probably I'm reading too much into this, but what is the significance of "same/similar value" as opposed to the cheapest flight that will use up the TB funds? In other words, if I have $25 in TB (thank you, IHG) and want to use those TB funds for a $400 partner flight, why wouldn't I choose IAH-VCT for $78 rather than search for a $400 United flight to get the FFC? Thanks for any education.

Don't know what the OP intended. Perhaps "same/similar value" as the TB fund?

If I was trying to "convert" TB funds into an FFC, I wouldn't spend any more out of pocket than I needed in order to do so.

I'm doing it wrong; please help
 

The only good news is that UA 5024 Denver to Cheyenne is $60.10 on May 01. It seemed to be a good match for converting my $25 TB funds to FFC.

But I can't buy the ticket. I'm logged in (as evidenced by the ability to select TravelBank at the Checkout screen). I selected TravelBank, said I wanted to use the full $25, and entered my credit card and billing information in regions 3 and 4 (under region 2 TravelBank Cash, where I have a check mark next to the $25). But when I click Buy Now, the page immediately jumps so that "Please pay for the remaining value with a debit or credit card below to complete the purchase" is at the top of the screen. Any idea what I'm doing wrong? (I did deselect "Save credit card for onboard refreshment purchases" since I intend to cancel the ticket for a credit after a day. But if that's required, why am I allowed to deselect it?)

Thanks for any hints.

^ Have you tried the app? I don't even get an option for TB unless I am in the app :rolleyes:

No, I'm not an app person. I like a larger screen and a real keyboard. And I did have the TB option; it just didn't work--until later.

The problem has been solved. How? I wish I could tell you. I have three candidates.

First, I started from scratch. Well, not quite from scratch; I said I wanted to pay by credit card, which wiped out my previously entered information (but not the flight). Then I selected TravelBank again and proceeded as before.

Second, when I got to the phone number, I added dashes. Rather than 1234567890 (like the first time), I entered 123-456-7890. If that's what did it, shame on United for not saying how it wanted the phone number formatted.

Third, it was something else of which I am completely unaware.

Anyway, I now have a ticket and I'll cancel it the day after tomorrow, then make the codeshare reservation I really want.

What was your personal time ROI for $25 :D

Not enough, but you knew that. But that $25 was tax-free.

In my case I was referring to finding a similar value ticket as the one I was trying to book on AC which was about $135 being that I had $1k in TB funds at that time and obviously wasn't going to use it all for that.

Yes, of course if the amount of TB left is less than the ticket wanting to be purchased then you try to find a value of a ticket as close as possible to the remaining TB funds. I wouldn't either spend any more out of pocket than necessary.

Sorry, afraid not. From the Wikipost Q & A:

Quote:
3. Not for in-flight purchases, post-purchase E+ access or upgrades

Well, silly me. I was sitting on $25 in TB and it just didn't occur to me that someone would have more dollars in TB than the desired ticket. Thanks for the explanation and expanding my world view.

Just to provide an update. Requesting the refund on the website did not work for me. The refunds were already approved. It has now been 21 days since I canceled the reservation and the funds are not there. I am still told it can take up to 20 business days (so I guess I'm still within their acceptable timeframe).

I noticed that TB is no longer showing as an option online, after I did Farelock (it was showing before). I believe I just have to call in to use the TB funds to purchase the locked fare, correct?

No, can't be done directly, AFAIK.
You'll need to "convert" your Travel Bank to an FFC and then hope an agent will let you convert the FFC to an ETC and THEN you can use it for a farelock. The phone agents *may* be able to do this for you per this January 2024 DP:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35873740-post236.html

I thought I'd edited the Wiki for Both farelock and Travel Bank for this caveat, but either went mental or it got changed/removed.

Do you think there are any issues with this, in the event of a cancellation? It will be a nonrefundable reservation, so in either case (do this or purchase outside a farelock; just eat the farelock cost) it will go back in as a future travel certificate, right? (and not in the TB).

I’m pretty sure it goes back as an FFC