Miles4Migrants can use your travel credit to book flights for refugees, asylees, asylum-seekers, and their immediate family members who have legal approval to travel but cannot afford airfare. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. Airline travel credits have become increasingly common in recent times due to more generous cancellation and change policies, in addition to the disruptions in air travel. If you already took the FFC, the website says they are working on the ability to turn that into an ETC. Since the ETC becomes effective on the date you cancel, rather than the original date of booking, you have more time to rebook if you wait to cancel the ETC until right before the originally scheduled flight. If United canceled your original flight and the airline still offers service between the same cities on your new travel date, a reservations agent may be able to reissue your award in the originally ticketed cabin at the original rate. Some credits are only valid for certain flights or routes, so if your flight doesnt qualify, you wont be able to use the credit. In this case, youll receive future flight credit valid for later travel. Your United funds can be used for any class of service, no matter which cabin youd initially booked. How To Convert Future Flight Credit To Travel Certificate. Flights purchased with future flight credit must be flown by the expiry date. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). If youre not a member, head to Uniteds site and enter your confirmation number or PIN to check your travel credit. A fee may apply for redemption via telephone. Earn $1 in TravelBank cash every time you spend it on anything else. Were not shills. When you volunteer for a bump: Airlines overbook their seats to maximize efficiency. A fee may apply for redemption via telephone. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Finally, be sure to read the terms and conditions associated with the travel certificate before exchanging your credit for one. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Learn more. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-106296610', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight departed (rebook or get flight credit,) So for the time-being we pushed it out to August. The agent will tell you they are sending an email with the electronic travel certificate. Travel certificates arent transferable and cannot be sold, but they can be used by anyone as long as the travel is booked by the original certificate holder. Since I'm not able to fly for a while (new baby coming), was wondering if I can just change it to a travel certificate so my family can use it. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. Can you use Travel Bank to upgrade seats? Flights right now are generally much less than what we originally paid so while planning a replacement flight I added extras (like choosing my seat and prepaying for checked luggage) to bring the cost to what I originally paid in order to get the full value of the FFC. This compensation comes from two main sources. The company has partnered with United Travel Credit to offer rewards for loyal travelers. Simply add money to your account and then use TravelBank Cash as payment on united.com or the United mobile app. After reading this guide, youll walk away with a better understanding of Uniteds various flight credits, and how you can redeem them when booking a flight. I had the same question, then I came across the below value comparison which helped me a lot. Related: Hotel and airline elite status extensions stretching into 2023. United Airlines issues future flight credits and electronic travel certificates. and our Should I convert it now? Your first instinct may be to cancel and redeposit the award, for added flexibility, but if you had been able to lock in a lower-rate award with your original booking, it may be advantageous to call in and request an agents help in making the change. Just be sure to have the persons name and contact information when youre ready to book the flight. Future flight credits expire 12 months after the date theyre issued, so be sure to note the expiry date so you dont lose your funds. Notably, you cannot use travel certificates in conjunction with MileagePlus awards or tour packages. Apply these funds when purchasing a flight, though youll want to be aware of any limitations before you book. Choose your flights and enter your contact information. First, youll need to log in to your account using the Sign In button in the top right corner of the United homepage. Future flight credit (Offers flexibility to book travel on partner airlines, but current ticket restrictions will apply) Validity: Travel must commence within 12 months from original ticket issue date Travelers: Must book travel for same travelers on existing ticket Your guide to travel cancellation refunds and vouchers. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. You can also call United at 800-UNITED-1 (800-864-8331). The Science of Sound. To convert your United Future Flight Credit to a Travel Certificate, simply log into your account on united.com and navigate to the "My Profile" section. As the pandemic has gone on, many airlines have extended the expiration dates on vouchers to give flyers more leeway. Navigating Uniteds various travel credits and policies can seem daunting, and perhaps needlessly complex. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Redeem your certificate On the united.com home page, enter the origin, destination and travel dates. Copyright 2021 United Airlines, Inc.All rights reserved. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Travel must be booked by the expiry date, so keep track of that all-important date. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use How do I effectively communicate with an airline? Please complete the refund request form. Check here before booking an award fare. When the change to allow family members to book, the agent was able to convert to ETC! Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, No annual fee: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Luxury perks: The Platinum Card from American Express, Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, About the author: Carissa Rawson is a freelance award travel and personal finance writer. A moderated subreddit for discussion of the airline and its issues/stories. Note: If your voucher/credit is not on this list, please do not message us asking if we can accept it. Meanwhile, if you are the one making the choice not to travel, youll most likely end up with what the airline calls a future flight credit, or an Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC), which are two different instruments. Future flight credit holders can use their credit to book a flight with one of United's partner airlines, while travel certificate holders are limited to United flights only. Learn more: Your guide to travel cancellation refunds and vouchers. However, if your credit was issued for a flight purchased on or before Aug. 31, 2021, your future flight credit can be used by anyone. 2) Provide your confirmation number and the first four digits of your credit card number. 1) Canceled ticket credit / future flight credit (FFC) -- this is where the flight is canceled but the ticket is left open. Something went wrong. Whether it was a vacation youd been dreaming about for months or a visit to hug your family members, we know how frustrating that moment of cancellation is. These have the same limitations as future flight credits. After you successfully enter an ETC, including the year issued, 10-digit PIN code and the recipients last name, youll see the amount deducted from your flight total. So how do we make money? United customers who have experienced various service lapses are likely already familiar with ETCs. The airline has since made that process a bit more complicated, but you may still be eligible for a certificate instead of a future travel credit. However, United is allowing credits issued for tickets purchased on or before Aug. 31, 2021, to be used to book travel for others. Unfortunately, I havent had success redeeming future travel credits for revenue tickets online you can always give reservations a call at (800) 864-8331 to rebook if you receive an error, such as the one Ive repeatedly encountered below. United is not liable for loss, theft or unintended use of a certificate by a person other than the original recipient. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Using your credits is easy Step 1: Find your credits and view your credits in your MileagePlus account, or look them up below. The policy is valid for all current travel credits and new ones issued on or after April 1st. Its also possible to boost your balance with the since-discontinued United TravelBank Card. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. If youre looking to use your United travel funds, You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. IRS Determination Letter and tax filing, frequent flyer miles, credit card points, cash and crypto can also help people start a new beginning in a new home, frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and cash. That one can be used by and for anyone. Our opinions are our own. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. One exception is for travel certificates that were set to expire or were issued before Dec. 31, 2022. Was wondering if anyone has heard if it's possible to convert a United Airlines flight credit to travel certificate when booked on OTA. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If its a return flight, your departing flight must occur by the expiry date. As we noted above, how many youll be able to add to your booking will depend on the type you hold. United Airlines issues two types of travel credits, future flight credits and travel certificates, depending on the reason for issuance. This is most likely because when you cancel a flight, these add-ons are reimbursed to your original mode of payment. TravelBank cash. Global Premier Upgrades and Regional Premier Upgrades cant be combined with travel certificates when youre booking a flight. I was under the impression I already had a certificate, apparently this is not the case. Update: was able to convert my FCC to ETC. Can you use miles for someone else? You should see a list of all of your cu. Updated September 22, 2022. You can either apply your travel credits or your TravelBank cash to your flight costs. Airline, Airport, and Travel Abbreviations. So if you dont plan on using yours right away, make sure to keep it in a safe place where youll remember it! There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. But can you combine United future flight credits? When Should You Apply For A Travel Rewards Credit Card. EDIT: you cant convert it to a certificate, but you can use it to book for someone else - youll have to know the flights and persons you want to book for when you try to do that though. These can be used for flights on United and partner-operated flights. Heathrow connection time/British Airways vs American? Electronic travel certificates: These are valid for up to 24 months after they were issued. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-106230042', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise has canceled. These instructions can help you apply your unused travel funds to a future flight. Both types of credits can be used to book new travel, but there are some important nuances to note. I understood the future flight credit was my only option expiring one year after I booked the flight. Arrive terminal 3 depart terminal 5 next day. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. Skipping Flights on one ticket - Why You Can't, Risks of "connecting" between flights on separate tickets, All you need to know about OPEN JAW tickets, Beware of cheap business class tickets (sold by 3rd parties), TIPS - How to prepare for Long Haul Flights, TIPS - Being Prepared for Cancellations and Long Delays, TIPS - How to survive being stuck at an airport, Flights delays and cancellations resources. United has three primary options for its travel funds, including future flight credits, travel certificates for canceled flights and purchased TravelBank cash. What can be done with United travel funds? *Does not include free travel authorization certificates. I booked a flight on 2/13 for a 3/17 flight to Europe. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Buy now or later? However, there is a limit of $5,000 per day on TravelBank purchases and theyre all nonrefundable. Using the United app or United.com, customers with an electronic travel certificate (ETC) or a future flight credit (FFC), can enjoy more options and flexibility than ever including the ability to: United Airlines passengers now have until the end of 2022 to use travel credits that may predate the pandemic. Please note, future flight credits issued on or before December 31, 2022, have had their "travel by" date extended to December 31, 2023. Miles4Migrants is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity formed in September 2016. Unfortunately, you can only pay the cost and taxes for a new flight using the money in your Travel Bank. Travel certificates are not transferable and may not be sold, traded or bartered. The airline has since made that process a bit more complicated, but you may still be eligible for a certificate . On the other hand, there's some possibility the airlines will get DOT to give an exemption, so take action as soon as any flight is canceled or changed (maybe even today, if that's already happened). Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. The flight credit was extended till Dec 31, 2022. Whatever value remains can be used to book later flights, as long as they are used within the timeframe allowed. Next, check to see if the credit can be used for the flight youre trying to book. Electronic travel certificate (Offers the most flexibility for domestic travel and international travel on United), - Validity: Can be applied to book a new ticket up to 12 months from today, for travel up to 24 months from today, - Travelers: Can rebook new tickets for any travelers, - Airline eligibility: United and United Express flights only, - Usage: Must book directly with United (not valid for use at third-party travel agencies), Future flight credit (Offers flexibility to book travel on partner airlines, but current ticket restrictions will apply), - Validity: Travel must commence within 12 months from original ticket issue date, - Travelers: Must book travel for same travelers on existing ticket, - Airline eligibility: Any flight operated or marketed by United, including codeshare and Star Alliance flights, - Usage: Can rebook flight directly with United, or can rebook through original third-party travel agency. How To Find The Cheapest Travel Insurance, Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Review. Future flight credits must be used by the person on the original ticket. United TravelBank makes it easy to manage your travel budget from your MileagePlus account. The new functionality goes into effect for MileagePlus members this week. Future flight credits are not transferable and can only be used for the person the future flight credit was issued to. But they haven't . ETCs can be used multiple times if the flight costs less than the value of the certificate, the balance will remain on your account. In fact, to prevent someone from altering the name on a ticket, airlines need you to provide identifying information like your birthdate. On the next page, look for the section labeled Future Travel Credits. Here, you will see all of your future flight credits that are available for use. Generally, it doesnt make sense to tie up funds without some sort of additional return, but United does occasionally offer incentives for customers to add funds to their TravelBank, in the form of a percentage bonus or fixed mileage earnings, such as 5 miles for every dollar spent. Also, United just extended the future flight credit out to 24 months from date of issue, so even if they don't cancel any of the flights and you are forced to cancel yourself and take a credit, it's valid for two years with no change fees. 3. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards, Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. She worked as a reporter for The Points Guy prior to becoming a freelance writer. Cookie Notice I feel like these two paragraphs directly contradict each other unless there are different time frames for each of these: "Future flight credit issued for tickets purchased on or before August 31, 2021, can now be used to book travel for anyone, including yourself, friends, or family. Good news: there is! Air Canada Travel Voucher (with 15 digit code and 4 digit PIN), ACCredit (with 15 digit code and 4 digit PIN), eCoupons (with 15 digit code and 4 digit PIN), Electronic Travel Vouchers or anything that doesnt have a 15 digit code and 4 digit PIN, Vouchers (with 16 digit code and 6 digit PIN), Gift cards (with 16 digit code and 6 digit PIN), Wallet Funds (with Alaska account information), Trip Credits (with 13 digit numeric pin which starts with 00115, 00142, 00144, 00198 or 00199), Note: despite their confusingly similar names, Trip Credits and Flight Credits are not the same thing, Please visit https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/payment-options/travel-credit.jsp for more information. Positive identification may be required when using a certificate toward the purchase of a ticket. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Here are our picks for the. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Youll receive one whenever the airline issues any form of monetary compensation an extra-long delay, broken in-flight entertainment system, involuntary denial of boarding and so on. In reviewing the identical flight prices in August (versus busy Spring Break) our flight prices in August are half of what we paid for 6 tickets. Finally, if youre still having trouble, contact United customer service directly and they should be able to help you out. First of all, make sure that your credit is actually usable by United. You can redeem your travel certificate for travel on United, United Express and United partner-operated flights booked via united.com or the United app. Electronic travel certificates. First, make sure that youre aware of the expiration date on your flight credit. It also seems we can apply it to multiple flights. The process of using your United Travel Credit will vary depending on the type of credit you have and what you are trying to purchase. That means you cannot pay the taxes and fees on award tickets with travel certificates. If your original ticket was purchased with an award or an upgrade certificate, for example, then you likely wont be able to convert it. The price shown is the discounted price. electronic certificates for travel. Additionally, if your flight credit was issued as part of a refund for a cancelled flight , then it also cannot be converted into a travel certificate. Have $450 credit for 2 passengers so basically $900 locked up in these flight credits. The majority of times, future flight credits have a 12-month use window starting from the time your initial ticket was issued. If youre purchasing a higher-cost flight, you can combine ETCs with a credit card payment to cover the difference. You will need to be logged in to your MileagePlus account to purchase TravelBank cash. If your new flight requires fewer miles or a lower cash co-pay, youll receive a refund for the balance once you reissue the ticket. Electronic travel certificate: You can apply up to 10 of these to your booking. If youve selected an eligible flight, youll see an option to redeem your ETCs on the payments page. United offers a third type of travel credit, via the airlines TravelBank. If you are a MileagePlus member, your travel credits should appear automatically. Connecting Flights at London Heathrow Airport, TUI Airways (formerly Thomson) Dreamliner - Movies and Seating Information, Best Layover Cities to conti onward to Florence, International connection with separate tickets at LAX. The ETC option was just recently added. However, its worth noting that not all United flight credits can be converted into travel certificates. Where can you see your United travel fund balance? Please allow up to seven business days for a refund to post to your credit card. Airlines overbook their seats to maximize efficiency. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Enrollment required. Tell the United customer support agent that you'd like to convert your future flight credit to an electronic travel certificate. Instead, it offers the United TravelBank. The same applies when using the future flight credit tool to rebook canceled award tickets. Special flairs: If you're a United employee or Global Services member, PM /u/Player72 with proof (ID badge or something) and you can get a special flair. I'm unsure of this fact but it also appeared the FFC was a "use it or lose it" situation. Otherwise, they are not valid on flights operated by other airlines, including United marketed codeshare and Star Alliance flights. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The agent will tell you they are sending an email with the electronic travel certificate. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. United Airlines. You can then use those credits to book award flights on United, or on one of United's partner airlines. Of United's two flight credit offerings, electronic travel certificates are the most useful since they're valid for longer (two years from the issue date) than future flight credits. You can earn credits by flying United, through credit card spending, or by participating in partner programs. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Or extended out my "book by" date out by 2 years, as well! All travel vouchers with expiry dates in January through March are presently extended until March. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Then, you can sign in to your MileagePlus account or enter your confirmation number and last name at the bottom of the My trips page to make additional purchases. You will see an option to redeem a travel certificate. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Accruing electronic travel certificates. Apply these funds when. What do I do with expiring airline credits? Understanding the two different types of United Airlines travel credit is important when it comes to redemption and eligible uses. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. Learn more: Booking flights with points or miles expands refund option. One exception is future flight credits issued or set to expire before Dec. 31, 2022, which have had their expiration extended to Dec. 31, 2023. Thanks! Go to the Source. All refunds are credited to the original form of payment used.