United Airlines Flight Credits

Updated on 2 May, 2024 - Est. mins read

United Airlines Flight Credits

Key Takeaways:

  1. United Airlines offers two main types of travel credits—Future Flight Credits and Travel Certificates. Each type has its own validity period and redemption restrictions.

  2. The Future Flight Credits are compensation for canceled trips, while Travel Certificates are offered for voluntary seat surrenders or goodwill gestures.

  3. Passengers can easily manage and redeem their United Travel Credits through their MileagePlus account on the official United website or app, ensuring a seamless booking process for future journeys.

  4. United Airlines offers diverse credit card options tailored to enhance travel experiences, providing various rewards, perks, and travel benefits to cardholders.


Similar to other major U.S. airlines, United Airlines offers travel funds to its customers, often as compensation for a canceled flight or other reasons.

Embarking on a journey with United Airlines goes beyond the thrill of takeoff and landing; it’s about unlocking a world of possibilities through their Flight Credits! 

If you’ve encountered changes or cancellations with United MileagePlus Airlines or faced operational hiccups, chances are you hold a United travel credit. 

United Airlines provides two distinct types of credits—future flight credits and travel certificates—each tailored to specific situations.

Explore United Airlines Flight Credits, covering everything from how to earn them to using them wisely. This will help you get the most out of your rewards.

 

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What is a Future Flight Credit?

A Future Flight Credit from United Airlines is a form of compensation or refund issued to passengers who cancel their trip or change their ticket to a more economical option.

The Future Flight Credit allows individuals to apply the credited amount for purchasing a future flight. 

These credits hold a specific monetary value, serving as a payment method for United tickets or certain other purchases. 

It’s essential to understand the terms and conditions associated with these credits, including their expiration dates and limitations on transferring them to others.

These credits are applicable for travel on United, United Express, and partner-operated flights when booked through united.com or the United app.

Beyond covering flight costs, future flight credits can be utilized for extras like Basic Economy seat assignments and Economy Plus seating. 

The standard expiration is 12 months from issuance, and these credits are non-transferable and generally designated for the individual to whom they were issued.

It’s crucial to differentiate them from United’s travel certificates, which serve as compensation for service issues or oversold flights. 

 

What is a Travel Certificate?

United Airlines issues travel certificates as compensation for voluntary seat surrender or goodwill gestures, often given when flights are overbooked. 

Also known as electronic travel certificates (ETCs), these can be redeemed for United, United Express, and partner-operated flights via united.com or the United app. 

Additionally, travel certificates cover certain fees like seat assignments and seating upgrades. They cannot be used with MileagePlus awards or tour packages.

Though non-transferable, the original certificate holder can book travel for anyone, providing flexibility within the specified timeframe. 

Among United’s flight credit options, electronic travel certificates (ETCs) stand out for their extended validity of two years from the issue date, surpassing future flight credits. 

Passengers must know the terms and conditions associated with Travel Certificates, including their expiration dates and any restrictions on their use for specific bookings or travelers.

 

Best United Airlines Credit Cards

Best United Airlines Credit Cards

Choosing the right credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience, and when it comes to United Airlines, the options are abundant. The best United Airlines cards offer a range of benefits, including generous rewards, travel perks, and exclusive privileges. 

  1. United℠ Explorer Card

    As one of the best United Airlines credit cards, the United℠ Explorer Card offers excellent perks and rewards. With a annual_fees, you get a welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full and 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels. 

    It also provides priority boarding, free checked bags, up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, and two United Club one-time passes annually, catering to frequent flyers. 

    Apart from the impressive rewards rates, you can also enjoy various perks like no foreign transaction fees and valuable protections.

  2. United Club℠ Infinite Card

    Offering premium benefits, the United Club℠ Infinite Card stands out among the top cards for United Airlines. With a annual_fees annual fee, cardholders get a United Club membership, free checked bags, and premier access travel services tailored for avid travelers. 

    The card offers a welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full 4x miles on United purchases, and 2x on dining & other travel purchases, including local transit, airfare, car rental, etc. 

    Benefits like up to a $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, no foreign transaction fees, and 25% back on in-flight purchases add further value.

  3. United℠ Business Card

    Geared towards business travelers, the United℠ Business Card is among the best with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and two United Club passes annually. 

    With annual_fees, you get a $100 United travel credit, no foreign transaction fees, essential travel insurance benefits, and more.

    Cardholders can earn a generous welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full And 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, local transit, and office supply stores, with no blackout dates and 5,000-anniversary bonus miles.

  4. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    While not a United-specific card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is valuable for United enthusiasts due to points transfer options. It comes with a annual_fees annual fee, an intro offer of bonus_miles_full, and no foreign transaction fees.

    The card offers 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase and 3x on dining, online grocery, and select streaming services.

    With versatile rewards rates and travel insurance perks, it’s a top pick for frequent flyers. Points can be transferred to United at 1:1, providing flexibility to redeem flights and enhancing overall travel experiences.

  5. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    As a cashback card with points transfer options, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card is beneficial for United Airlines enthusiasts. 

    Its flat-rate cash back is versatile, and when paired with a premium Chase card, points can be transferred to United. This flexibility enhances reward potential, making it a valuable choice.

    You earn 5% cashback on Chase travel, 3% at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% back on all other purchases. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full, the card provides valuable comprehensive benefits and intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration, then reg_apr,reg_apr_type.

  6. United Gateway℠ Card

    Designed for simplicity, the no-annual fee United Gateway℠ Card offers solid rewards. It’s an excellent choice for occasional travelers or those new to rewards cards, as it also comes with valuable protections. 

    Cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full and 2x miles on United purchases, at gas stations and local transit & commuting, with no blackout dates. 

    With no foreign transaction fees and perks like 25% back on in-flight purchases, it’s a practical option for United loyalists seeking value.

  7. Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

    Ideal for small business owners, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card combines simplicity and excellent rewards. With flat-rate cash back and points transfer options to United Airlines, it caters to various business expenses and individuals. 

    This no annual fee credit card provides a welcome bonus of bonus_miles_full and unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business. 

    It also offers employee cards at no additional cost, various comprehensive benefits, purchase coverage and business management tools. Pair it with a premium Chase card to transfer points to United for additional value.

  8. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

    Tailored for business spending, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card excels with rewards for business-related expenses. The points transfer options make it an excellent choice for maximizing travel rewards.

    With a annual_fees annual fee, you can enjoy no foreign transaction fees, 1:1 transfer to 15+ loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus, and perks like no foreign transaction fees and employee cards at no additional cost.

    It offers an impressive 3 points per $1 on the initial $150,000 spent in select business categories, such as shipping, advertising, internet, phone services, and travel during each account anniversary year.

Credit card
Uthrive rating
Intro offer Rewards rate Annual fee Learn more

Terms Apply

Rating

4.2/5
Exciting Card for United Airlines travelers

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

Up to 2x Miles

Annual Fees

annual_fees

card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.1/5
Luxury rewards and benefits at United Airlines

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

1X - 4X per $1

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Terms Apply

Rating

-/5
Best United Credit Card for Business

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

1 - 2 miles for each dollar

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Terms Apply

Rating

4.8/5
Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

Up to 5x Points

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Terms Apply

Rating

4.8/5
Strong cash back card with no fee

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

1.5%-5% Cashback

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Terms Apply

Rating

-/5
Best No Annual Fee Card for United Airlines

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

Up to 2x miles

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Terms Apply

Rating

4.8/5
Unlimited Flat Cash Back Card with No Fee

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

1.5% cash back on every purchase

Annual Fees

annual_fees

card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.7/5
Best Business Rewards Credit Card

Intro Offer

bonus_miles_full

Reward Rates

New Cardmember Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases

Annual Fees

annual_fees

 

How do you get United travel funds?

How do you get United travel funds

United Airlines provides three distinct types of travel funds that come into play under various circumstances, providing flexibility for future travel. Discover when and how you can acquire these funds within your United account:

  • Future Flight Credit

    When you cancel a nonrefundable flight due to unforeseen circumstances, you receive future flight credit for later use. Or if you change your flight to a less expensive fare, the remaining funds become travel credit.

  • Electronic Travel Certificate

    Offering to take a later flight due to overbooking can earn you a travel certificate. United MileagePlus may also extend travel credits as a goodwill gesture in certain situations.

  • United TravelBank Cash

    You can buy United’s TravelBank cash in six different increments. There’s a $5,000 per day limit on TravelBank purchases, and they are nonrefundable. For the purchase, you must log in to your MileagePlus account.

 

How long are United Travel funds good for?

Understanding the shelf life of your United travel funds is crucial for efficient planning. Here’s a breakdown of the validity periods for each type:

  • Future Flight Credit

    They are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

  • Electronic Travel Certificate

    These certificates usually have a validity period of 24 months from the date of issue.

  • United TravelBank Cash

    The flexibility of TravelBank cash shines as it remains valid for an impressive five years from the date of deposit.

 

How to get and check your United Travel Credit?

United Airlines offers diverse opportunities for passengers to acquire travel credits, providing enhanced flexibility. You get United Airlines flight credit if you cancel an eligible flight or opt for a cheaper fare. 

Additionally, voluntary seat bumps or goodwill gestures from the airline can earn you valuable travel certificates. 

For those seeking a cash-based option, purchasing TravelBank cash through your United MileagePlus account provides a distinctive avenue to accumulate travel funds.

This comprehensive approach ensures that passengers have multiple avenues to access and utilize United Travel Credits.

 

How to Check United Travel Credit:

Managing and monitoring your United Travel Credits is crucial. Follow these steps to check your travel credits for a smooth travel experience.

  1. Log in to your United MileagePlus account on the official website.

  2. Then, navigate to the “My Trips” section for an overview of your travel credits in the wallet.

  3. Click on the “Future Flight Credit” tab to view and manage your available credits.

  4. While making the payment for your future booking, use the “Book with Credit” option to seamlessly apply your credits for the new travel.

  5. For non-members, enter your confirmation number or PIN on United’s site to check travel credits linked to your email address.

 

How to Redeem Your Travel Credit?

Once you’ve accumulated United Travel Credits, the next exciting step is redeeming them for your future journeys. Follow these steps on how to make the most of your travel credits.

  1. Log in to your MileagePlus account on United’s official website united.com, or use the United app to conveniently redeem your travel credit.

  2. Within your MileagePlus account, locate and access your wallet under the “My United” tab to identify the available travel credits.

  3. Search and select the desired itinerary. Proceed to checkout when you’re ready to make your reservation.

  4. At the checkout stage, opt for the travel credit as your preferred payment method when booking a new flight. This straightforward process ensures a hassle-free redemption experience.

  5. Choose the specific travel credits you wish to apply and finalize the booking. Note that you can combine multiple credits of the same type for a single reservation, but mixing different credit types is not allowed.

Now, you’re all set for your next adventure with United.

 

 

FAQs

What are United Airlines travel credits?

United Airlines travel credits are monetary vouchers provided as compensation or refunds that allow passengers to use the credited amount toward future United Airlines flights or services.

How do I receive United Airlines travel credits?

You get United Airlines travel credits as compensation for various situations, such as flight disruptions, cancellations, or voluntarily surrendering a seat during an oversold flight.

How long is a United Airlines credit good for?

The validity of United Airlines travel credits typically lasts one year from the date of issuance, offering flexibility within that time frame.

What are the two types of United Airlines travel credits?

United Airlines issues mainly two types of travel credit to its passengers, including Electronic Travel Certificates (ETCs) and Future Flight Credits (FFCs).

Does United Airlines offer credit for Canceled flights?

Yes, United MileagePlus Airlines provides travel credits for canceled flights, usually in the form of Travel Certificates or Future Flight Credits.

What is a United travel certificate?

A United travel certificate refers to a form of travel credit issued by United Airlines, under circumstances where a passenger voluntarily gives up their seat on a flight or as a goodwill gesture from the airline. 

These certificates, also referred to as electronic travel certificates, function similarly to future flight credits. They allow passengers to use the credited amount for booking future flights.

Are there any restrictions or limitations on using United Airlines travel credits?

Yes, restrictions and limitations apply to United Airlines travel credits, including specific expiration dates, eligibility for certain flights, and restrictions on fees and services.

Thus, it’s essential to review the terms & conditions of your credit.

Can United travel credits be transferred?

No! United Airlines travel credits are generally non-transferable and can only be utilized by the original recipient.

How long are United Airlines travel credits valid?

United Airlines travel credits usually remain valid for one year from the date of issuance, offering a defined period for utilization.

Can I use United Airlines travel credits for someone else's booking?

Yes, you can use your United Airlines travel credits to make bookings for someone else, like your friends or family, providing flexibility in usage.

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