United Airlines is a renowned international aircraft carrier that delivers remarkable and outstanding services to travelers. Passengers who travel with them have the liberty to select seats and change or cancel their flight itinerary. However, at times situations arise when passengers don't board their flight due to weather disruption or flight delay. Under such scenarios, passengers are offered flight credits which can be used while purchasing a reservation in the future.
According to the United Airlines Future Credit Policy, it's a form of compensation which is offered to passengers for delayed, canceled or disrupted flights. United Airlines provide these future travel credits or travel certificates to honor the loyal, patient behaviour exhibited by the passengers.
What Are The Types Of United Travel Credits?
United Airlines issues two different types of travel credits to the passengers. Those passengers who suffer flight delay, cancellation or disruption are eligible to claim compensation from the airlines. In clear terms, these travel credits are used to book flight tickets, however there are few exceptionals about which we will discuss below apart from sharing a short description on each of them.
United Future Flight Credit
A unique flight credit is specifically provided when a passenger changes a flight or switches to a cheaper reservation.
- Unlike other travel credits, it's valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
- You cannot transfer your flight credit to someone else.
- Passengers can use the travel credits to avail Economy Plus seating facility.
- This credit can be used to book a flight reservation via the official website or mobile app on United Airlines, United Express, and other partner airlines.
- You can easily apply this credit before or after booking a reservation.
- You must use this credit to fly before the "travel by" date.
- It's also mandatory to complete your departing flight before the expiry date.
United Travel Certificate
United Airlines will issue you this type of credit for a non-refundable ticket when you voluntarily choose to offer your seat to someone else or indicate a goodwill gesture on the flight.
- Such flight credit is valid only for a year from the date of issuance.
- Again, it's a non-transferable travel certificate. It can neither be transferred nor used by anyone.
- You can use them for non-ticket purchases, i.e., Economy Plus Seating, by paying an additional amount.
- Unfortunately, it cannot be used with any type of vacation package or MileagePlus awards.
- Remember to book your flight before the "book by" date and complete your travel.
- These credits can only be used while booking a flight reservation.
- Use them to book a reservation on United Airlines, United Express, or any other partner-operated airline.
United Airlines Future Credit Policy
As mentioned above, United Airlines offers these travel credits or certificates after recognizing the compassion of the passengers. To learn more about the circumstances when you can receive these future travel credits, go through the pointers below.
- A passenger will receive future credit if United Airlines cancels their scheduled flight. The amount eventually depends on the reason for the flight cancellation.
- You can definitely ask for a travel credit if your scheduled flight gets delayed by 2 hours or more. The compensation amount varies for every passenger and is based on the flight delay timeline.
- As per United Airlines Future Credit Policy, those passengers who request to make changes to their flight itinerary are also eligible to avail travel credit. The travel credit amount depends on the fare purchased by the passenger.
- Travel credits are valid for one year from the date of issue. However, if you don't use them they will expire after 12 months.
- United Airlines Future Travel Credit is used to book future flights only by the owner and not by someone else.
- Only one credit is applicable per passenger. This can be used only for one particular flight.
- It's strictly prohibited to sell a travel credit.
- You cannot use a travel credit available in one account to book a reservation through another account.
How Can I Get United Flight Travel Credits?
Generally, United Airlines will offer you a travel credit in three to four different scenarios. Continue reading further to know when a passenger can get a future travel credit from United Airlines.
- A passenger will receive an electronic travel certificate for an eligible non-refundable ticket if they cancel their scheduled flight 24 hours prior to the departure.
- You can obtain a future flight credit if United cancels or significantly delays your scheduled flight. The travel credit is valid for 2 years.
- As a token of appreciation, United Airlines will offer you a "Goodwill Credit" for damaged luggage and other service-related issues.
How Can I Check United Flight Credit?
Now that you have a United future travel credit, you can utilize them to purchase last minute deals or an upcoming flight as per your preference. At present there are two possible ways through which you can check your travel check. Follow these steps to check your travel credit hassle-free through the official website or mobile app.
Through Website
- Sign into your United Airlines account by entering your MileagePlus number.
- Secondly, hit on the "Continue" option.
- Alternatively, you can log in with your mobile number.
- Search for the United Travels Credits page.
- Scroll downwards and enter your ticket confirmation number and the last name.
- Kindly click on the "Search" button to proceed further.
- In the next few seconds, you will see your travel credits.
- Cross-check all the details and the monetary value.
Through Email
Moreover, you can also get important details about your travel credit on your registered email address. Here's how you can find it.
- On the same page, click on the "Find your travel credit by email" option.
- Enter your registered email address.
- Now, press the "Send" button.
- You will receive the latest details about your travel credit via email.
How Can I Use United Future Credit?
It's mentioned in the United Airlines Future Credit Policy that a passenger must book a new flight in order to utilize their travel credits or certificates. To learn how to use it, scroll through the pointers below. Otherwise, you can also call at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) for assistance.
- Navigate to the official website of United Airlines (united.com).
- Search for the "Mileage Plus" option on the homepage.
- Tap on the "My Account" option.
- You need to enter your MileagePlus account number and log in.
- Check your available travel credit balance.
- Head to book a flight by entering your departure airport, arrival airport, travel dates, passenger count, travel class, and fare type.
- Proceed to checkout
- Choose "Travel Credit" as the payment mode and pay.
- If your travel credit doesn't cover the entire amount, pay the remaining balance via credit card.
- Check your reservation details after booking confirmation.
Is It Possible To Use My Future Credit For Someone Else?
As mentioned above, United Airlines flight travel credits are non-transferable; however, the owner can use them for someone else. Check out the policies below and use them conveniently for another person.
- With the help of a travel credit, you can book a flight only for your close family member or companion.
- You must add your family member to your United account. Make sure to add them by logging into your account.
- You must include your name along with your family member's name in the reservation. For Example: Rosy Wilson and Robin Wilson.
- The traveler must submit a valid ID card for identification at the security check-in.
- United Airlines will offer you miles and other perks for this reservation, too.
- Do note that you cannot purchase a reservation for an unrelated traveler. If you do so, you will lose all your miles.
Conclusion
United Airlines does understand that every passenger spends a hefty amount while purchasing a reservation. Now at times, when your flight gets canceled, delayed or disrupted due to the airline's negligence then you will receive compensation in the form of travel credit or electronic travel certificate. Such credits can also be used for purchasing a ticket and few non-ticket purchases like Economy Plus seating. To know about the validity period and other concerns, you can drop your query at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) and receive personalized assistance from the flight specialist.
