How do you use a United travel credit?
A United travel credit — issued as a Future Flight Credit or an Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC) — can be applied to a new booking on united.com or the United app. Search for your flight, then enter the certificate number and PIN on the payment screen. The sections below explain each credit type, how long it stays valid, how to transfer it to someone else, and how a future flight credit becomes a travel certificate.
Discover the ins and outs of United Airlines travel credits to make the most of this cost-cutting opportunity. From understanding the types of credits to utilizing them for someone else, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
Types of United Travel Credits
Unravel the different forms of United travel credits and their validity periods:
Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC):
- Valid for one year from the original ticket issuance.
Future Flight Credit:
- Remains valid for 2 years from the original ticket issue date.
Goodwill Flight Credit:
- Issued as a goodwill gesture, typically valid for 90 days.
How to Utilize United Airlines Travel Credits
Booking Process
Learn the step-by-step process of using your United travel credits:
Check Your Credit Balance:
- Sign in to your MileagePlus account or call United customer service.
Book Your Flight:
- Use the website or app to book your United Airlines or United Express flight.
Apply Your Credits:
- During the payment stage, apply your travel credit and click ‘Apply.’
Settle the Remaining Balance:
- Pay the remaining balance using a credit card or other accepted forms of payment.
Earning United Travel Credits
Various Scenarios
- Explore different situations where you can earn United travel credits:
- Cancel Non-Refundable Tickets:
- Receive an Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC) for eligible cancellations.
Experience Flight Changes by United:
- Future Flight Credit provided for flight disruptions, valid for 2 years.
Encounter Service Issues:
- Goodwill Flight Credit may be issued for significant service problems.
Convert Unused Mileage:
- Utilize MileagePlus to convert unused miles into United Travel Bank credits.
United Airlines Travel Credit Policy
Understanding the Rules
Get acquainted with the policies governing United Airlines travel credits:
Qualifying for Credits:
- Learn the conditions under which customers can earn travel credits.
Credit Validity:
- Discover the 12-month validity period and its flexibility for booking.
Using United Credit for Someone Else Guidelines and Procedures
Uncover the rules and steps for utilizing your United credit for another traveler:
Eligible Travelers:
- Limited to immediate family members or registered companions.
Reservation Details:
- Include both your name and the traveler’s name during booking.
ID Verification:
- Ensure the traveler presents a valid ID matching the reservation at check-in.
Primary Cardholder Benefits:
- Understand the benefits retained as the primary cardholder.
Prohibited Actions:
- Be aware of actions against United’s policy and potential consequences.
Booking Process:
- Follow the necessary steps to book a flight for someone else using your credit.
How to Track Flight Prices and Set Alerts Efficiently (Without the Noise)
Restrictions and Time Limits
Be mindful of the expiration dates associated with United travel credits:
Expiration Dates:
- Understand the time limits, typically 12 months from issuance.
Exceptions:
- Be aware of exceptions, such as credit from canceled flights expiring sooner.
Navigate the restrictions and time limits to ensure you maximize the benefits of your United travel credits.
If your United credits don’t cover your India to Canada route, compare Canada to New Delhi flights on Metairfare to find the best alternative fare.
How to use United travel credits (quick guide)
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find your credit type: Future Flight Credit, Travel Certificate or ETC |
| 2 | Check the expiry date — most must be booked within 12 months of issue |
| 3 | Apply it at checkout on United’s site or by phone |
| 4 | Use the full value in one booking where possible; some credits forfeit remainders |
| 5 | Combine with miles or a card where allowed to cover the full fare |
Complete guide: For the full picture on this topic, explore our smart travel tips guide.
Making the most of an airline credit is easier with the right fare — see our cheap flights & booking guide and our airlines & in-flight guide for the essentials.
United future flight credit vs electronic travel certificate
United issues two main kinds of credit, and the difference matters. A Future Flight Credit (FFC) is what you get when you cancel a non-refundable ticket — it’s tied to the original ticket and traveller and must usually be rebooked before the credit’s expiry, typically about a year from when the original ticket was issued. An Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC) is more flexible: it can be applied to almost any United booking and is generally easier to use for someone else. Knowing which one you hold tells you how, and by when, you can spend it.
How to convert a United future flight credit to a travel certificate
Because an Electronic Travel Certificate is more flexible than a Future Flight Credit, many travellers ask United to convert one to the other. This isn’t automatic — you typically need to contact United directly and request that an unused future flight credit be reissued as an electronic travel certificate. Policies and eligibility change, so check the current rules in your United account or with an agent before you count on a conversion, and note any expiry date so the value isn’t lost.
How to use a United travel credit or certificate
To redeem either type, start a booking on United’s site or app, then enter the credit or certificate at payment — Future Flight Credits are usually pulled from your account or original ticket number, while certificates are entered as a certificate code. If the new fare is lower than the credit you may forfeit the difference; if it’s higher, you pay the balance. If it’s easier, Metairfare’s advisors can help you apply an airline credit while booking your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a United travel credit?
Apply it at checkout on United’s website or by phone; check the credit type and expiry first.
Do United travel credits expire?
Most must be booked within 12 months of issue — check the date on your specific credit.
Can I use United credits for someone else?
It depends on the credit type; some are restricted to the original traveller.