You can. Read more. Travel must be booked by the expiry date, so keep track of that all-important date. 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. If its a return flight, your departing flight must occur by the expiry date. Navigating Uniteds various travel credits and policies can seem daunting, and perhaps needlessly complex. How do I effectively communicate with an airline? 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. 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: I'm afraid to do it, that I might be making a mistake? Choose your flights and enter your contact information. Travel certificates Electronic certificates may be used for travel on United- and United Express-operated flights, and United Express-marketed flights operated by other airlines. Will BA let me fly to Canada to get my TRP at the border. But even if they say their policy is flight credit, you can remind them that DOT RULES say you can choose a refund instead. Since you can book travel a year in advance, this book-by policy effectively gives you an extra year to fly with your travel certificate. For more information, please see our 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. Six choices for purchase amounts are available to members, and once a value has been bought, it is valid for five years from the day it is placed in your TravelBank account. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. When you volunteer for a bump: Airlines overbook their seats to maximize efficiency. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Points Guy. 5) You can also redeem your points toward a flight on united.com/credit Reference: united credit. These credits can normally only be used by the traveler whose name was on the original reservation. Luckily, United backtracked on this strict restriction in April 2021. Do you happen to know how the can be "used"? The event we were going to has been cancelled this year but we are hoping to go late May 2021 all being well. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. United offers a third type of travel credit, via the airlines TravelBank. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Once youve logged in, youll want to go to your main profile page. Next, call United customer service and explain that youd like to convert your flight credit into a travel certificate. I don't fly United very often. Vouchers/credits listed are both transferable and useful to Miles4Migrants based on our historical flight booking data. 3) The agent will tell you how much United credit is available to you. First, log into your United account on the website. The process is actually quite simple and can be done online. However, they have too many passengers on the plane in some cases and need volunteers to take a later flight. Step-by-step guide to using your United travel funds. Travel certificates can also be used for certain extra fees such as basic economy seat assignment, economy plus seating and preferred seat selection. This is most likely because when you cancel a flight, these add-ons are reimbursed to your original mode of payment. One exception is for travel certificates that were set to expire or were issued before Dec. 31, 2022. First, youll need to log in to your account using the Sign In button in the top right corner of the United homepage. If you call United reservations to use your credit, you may be charged a fee. so we will have the balance to spend in the next couple years. Can you use miles for someone else? I booked a flight on 2/13 for a 3/17 flight to Europe. You can do it online or call the rep for the booking. When you change your flight to a less expensive fare: If you need to alter your flight and the new fare is cheaper than the previous one, the remaining funds will become a travel credit. United Electronic Travel Certificate vs Future Flight Credit, Re: United Electronic Travel Certificate vs Future Flight Credit, ++++ COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION ++++, Covid-19 Coronavirus Information for Air Travel, ++++ ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada) requirements for visa-exempt foreign nationals ++++, ++++ TIPS - PLANNING YOUR FLIGHTS +++++++. To view your current future flight credits, log in to Uniteds website then head to the My trips page right here. You will need to be logged in to your MileagePlus account to purchase TravelBank cash. Just be sure to have the persons name and contact information when youre ready to book the flight. Youll find your wallet under the My United tab. Bypass all the options, and ask for an Agent. Both types of credits can be used to book new travel, but there are some important nuances to note. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. When you reach the Payment information page, select "United payment types." The next page will include your traveler information, including your name, birth date and frequent flyer info. However, this does not influence our evaluations. The new functionality goes into effect for MileagePlus members this week. 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. If United cancels even one flight in your itinerary, or changes the times of any flight, they are obligated to give you a full refund if you choose not to accept future flight credit. You can also call United at 800-UNITED-1 (800-864-8331). Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs. It must be used for the same travelers booked on the original trip.". 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 TPG values it at $1,600. Check here before booking an award fare. Have $450 credit for 2 passengers so basically $900 locked up in these flight credits. You can also find the confirmation number under ticket receipts in your MileagePlus account if you are a member. You should see a list of all of your cu. Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. We had a trip booked and they said voucher when the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. These can be used for travel on United and partner flights, but they must be used by the person who has the original ticket. The new date was less expensive than the original purchase, so the ticket price difference was refunded to me as an Electronic Travel Certificate. I had booked flights around Sept 2020 for traveling back home during Thanksgiving 2020 but then cancelled because my family had Delta covid virus concerns. Booking flights with points or miles expands refund option. You should definitely wait and keep an eye on your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Apply these funds when. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. However, its worth noting that not all United flight credits can be converted into travel certificates. How Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve Annual Travel Credit Work? No label was found using the key: Version_Enter, Open United's Instagram feed in a new tab, Open United's LinkedIn profile in a new tab. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Electronic travel certificate: You can apply up to 10 of these to your booking. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Next to each credit, there will be a button that says Convert to Certificate. Click this button for the credit that you would like to convert. By donating your travel credit or voucher, you can help someone reach a safe home and reunite with loved ones. I cancelled it on 3/10 under whatever travel waiver was going on at the time. Tickets issued between and Ma. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. What do I do with expiring airline credits? Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Please note that airline policies can change without notice. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use Go to the Source. You can complain, just don't be an idiot and make sure you ELABORATE on the issue if you need our advice. Call United again. 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. Certificates may not be redeemed through a travel agency. Here is a list of our partners. Uniteds policy is that future flight credits can only be used by the original purchaser and are non-transferable. How To Convert Future Flight Credit To Travel Certificate. If you have an electronic certificate or a discount code for a travel certificate, please select one of the options below for instructions. Secondly, its important to note that the conversion process may take some time. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. This change may not occur right away. There are three major types of travel funds that youll find within your, Lets say you purchased a nonrefundable flight in 2021 but needed to. Leading up to this, I had been following what United was offering in regards to canceling/rebooking flights. However, there is a limit of $5,000 per day on TravelBank purchases and theyre all nonrefundable. A United spokesperson told Travel + Leisure that any electronic travel certificates that would otherwise expire between August 1 and December 31, 2021, will also remain . How To Find The Cheapest Travel Insurance, Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Review. Using your credits is easy Step 1: Find your credits and view your credits in your MileagePlus account, or look them up below. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. If youre looking to use your United travel funds, You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. This compensation comes from two main sources. For most flights, future flight credit must be used within 12 months of the date that your original ticket was issued. When you reach the Payment information page, select "United payment types." You will see an option to redeem a travel certificate. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Select the travel credit(s) you wish to use and finish checking out. Global Premier Upgrades and Regional Premier Upgrades cant be combined with travel certificates when youre booking a flight. Electronic travel certificates on the other hand can be used by anyone. You had to cancel a flight for a trip youd planned. A fee may apply for redemption via telephone. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. You'll now get a new future flight credit when rebooking to a less expensive flight. That means you cannot pay the taxes and fees on award tickets with travel certificates. I understood the future flight credit was my only option expiring one year after I booked the flight. When Should You Apply For A Travel Rewards Credit Card. 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. However, these certificates can be used by any traveler. 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. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Searching for either of your United travel funds is simple. If youre looking for United TravelBank funds, youll want to choose the TravelBank tab. When you cancel an eligible flight: Lets say you purchased a nonrefundable flight in 2021 but needed to cancel it as government restrictions made it impossible to travel. 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. You can also use these credits for other purchases such as Basic economy seat selection, Economy Plus seating and preferred seat selections. I was under the impression I already had a certificate, apparently this is not the case. Find the right card for you. 1) Call 1-800-UNITED-1 or visit a United Airlines ticket counter. These can be used for flights on United and partner-operated flights. Heathrow connection time/British Airways vs American? Electronic travel certificates (with 10 digit code and 6 digit confirmation number). Alternatively, you can call the reservations line at (800) 864-8331 to have your certificates combined over the phone. Learn more. Learn how you can earn points and redeem them for travel credit. Enter your certificate number or PIN and the issuer's last name and select "Apply.". Unfortunately, they cannot be combined with ETCs or future flight credits, and, since they offer the longest validity, Id use up any other credits before tapping your TravelBank. Customers purchase these credits directly theyre not issued following a customer service complaint or flight cancellation. Our opinions are our own. Contacting the airline directly should be your first move if you have a voucher that is about to expire. This list is comprised of vouchers/credits that are both transferable and useful to Miles4Migrants based on our historical flight booking data. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Select the "Purchase" button to finish booking your flight. 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. I'm unsure of this fact but it also appeared the FFC was a "use it or lose it" situation. United Airlines travel credits, including electronic travel certificates and future flight credit, give passenger flexibility for future trips. United Airlines issues two types of travel credits, future flight credits and travel certificates, depending on the reason for issuance. Earn $1 in TravelBank cash every time you spend it on anything else. If you are a MileagePlus member, you can track your travel credits in your wallet in your MileagePlus account. Now I'm considering flying domestically in September -- but I'm not making any firm commitments at this point. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? are eligible for future flight credits for 24 months after the tickets initial issuance date. 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. Sign up and well send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money. And, whether or not its the airlines intention, the intricacies of these various carrier-specific certificates can add yet another layer to the already complex process of booking a flight. If you have credit with United Airlines, you may be wondering if you can use it to book a flight for someone else. Hope this helps! Redeem your certificate On the united.com home page, enter the origin, destination and travel dates. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-106230042', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise has canceled. You can try call and ask to convert it to electronic travel certificate instead that expiry in 24 months. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Heres what you need to know so you can manage and use your United travel credits effectively. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Department of Transportation just put airlines on notice that they have to abide by this regulation, so hopefully by the time you have to deal with it, they won't give you any trouble. When you change your flight to a less expensive fare: and the new fare is cheaper than the previous one, the remaining funds will become a travel credit.