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Guide on How To Use United’s TravelBank

by The Frugal Tourist | Jan 6, 2024 | American Express , Travel , United | 22 comments

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In this blog post, I will walk you through the steps on how to fund and use United’s TravelBank.

Since some credit cards provide travel credits that expire within a year, depositing money in United’s TravelBank is a viable option to utilize those credits so they won’t go to waste.

Funds diverted into United’s TravelBank have a 5-year lifespan, offering some level of longevity and a lot of flexibility, especially since travel is not expected to pick up again anytime soon.

Whether you have plans this year or in the near future, funding your United TravelBank with free cash from your credit cards is a wallet-friendly strategy that can potentially save you a few hundred dollars when the time comes that you need to book your next flight.

United TravelBank 

According to United, your TravelBank funds can either be used alone or in combination with select forms of payment only when booking United or United Express flights .

Therefore, we are unable to use United TravelBank to purchase flight itineraries that include segments on partner airlines such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, etc.

I was also unsuccessful in tapping my TravelBank reserves to pay for taxes when booking an award ticket or paying additional fees to cover the airfare difference when redeeming a voucher or rebooking a travel credit.

However, I did not encounter any roadblocks when I booked paid United tickets, even if the airfare was Basic Economy .

Terms and Conditions   

The information below was taken from United.com

• Passengers can select from six purchase amount options, and once purchased, the value remains valid for five years from the date it is deposited in your TravelBank account. 
• Purchases are not refundable and are limited to $5,000 per day per MileagePlus account.
• This purchase is also subject to all of the TravelBank terms and conditions . 
• United has the right to terminate this promotion or to change the promotion’s terms and conditions, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, benefits, and/or conditions of participation, in whole or in part, at any time, with or without notice.

Guide on How to Fund United’s TravelBank

Access United TravelBank by clicking the button below. You will need to log in to your United Mileage Plus Account to purchase. 

Do not have a United membership yet? 

It is free and easy to register. Click the button below to enroll in United’s Mileage Plus Program.

After logging in, you will see your United Mileage Account, any United miles you have available for redemption, and your TravelBank Cash Balance. 

Plus Points – a points system that passengers can utilize to upgrade their flights – will also show up, but we will not go over that in this post. You can read more about this program here.  

Select the amount of travel cash you want to purchase.

As previously stated, there are six possible amounts that you can elect to deposit to your TravelBank.

The next page will ask for you to type in your Payment Information.

In this case, you would want to use a credit card that provides an Airline Credit.

I will list these credit cards in one of the sections below.

You will then get confirmation that your purchase was successful. A receipt will be emailed immediately after as well.

In this example, I used my The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to buy $100 worth of travel cash in United’s TravelBank.

Guide on How to Use Your United Travel Bank Cash

Thankfully, we are generously given five years to spend our travel cash. 

Once you are ready to book your flight, log back on to your United.com profile and enter your travel details.

United TravelBank purchased using certain IHG Credit Cards has a shorter lifespan. Please check the terms of your IHG Credit Cards for the most current UnitedTravel Bank policy.

Select your particular flight, verify your personal information, and pick your seat.

Afterward, you will be directed to the Payment Page. 

Next, United will offer you travel insurance (select yes/no), priority boarding, and miles for purchase.

Regardless of whether you decide or decline to purchase these additional bells and whistles, the payment section comes right after.

You have the following payment options:

• Pay In Full
• Pay Monthly 
• Travel Certificates and United TravelBank Cash (if this option does not appear, then the ticket you’re buying is not a permitted purchase using travel cash.)
• Other Forms of Payments (PayPal, etc)
• Debit / Credit Card 

Select “Travel Certificates and United TravelBank Cash.” 

As you can see, my $100 travel bank deposit is already reflected in my account.

Next, enter the amount you want to use for the flight you wish to book.

It is not necessary to spend your entire stash of United travel cash if you have other plans to spend it later.

Once you have a final amount in mind, click apply.

In this example, I decided to spend $75 of the $100 currently in my United TravelBank.

After your travel cash is deducted, the total amount you still owe will automatically be calculated.

Continue with your purchase by selecting the mode of payment you want to use for the remaining balance.  

I highly recommend paying a portion of the flight with a credit card that offers travel protections, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.  

Alternatively, you can purchase travel insurance to cover your entire trip. 

Where Do I Find My TravelBank Account?

United has recently updated its website. You can find your United TravelBank account information and balance by navigating to your United Wallet on the app and the computer.

Troubleshooting Potential Issues

Issue 1: united travelbank does not show up.

A few readers have expressed that they are having difficulty locating the TravelBank option on United’s website.

It appears that United’s site is currently updating its payment page. When you see the notice below under “Payment Method, ” click the “find those payment options…” link.

This link will direct you to the “United Travel Options” section, where you can add travel insurance to your purchase. Make your selection.

Afterward, you will be directed to “Payment Information,” where the TravelBank option appears.

Click “Travel Certificates and United TravelBank Cash” and select Travel Cash as your mode of payment.

Type the amount you would like to spend.

As suggested, charge a small portion of your airfare on a credit card that provides travel insurance, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

You may also elect to purchase travel insurance for additional coverage.

Issue 2: United TravelBank Keeps On Freezing

While booking a plane ticket to Cabo costing $167.78 recently, I found the United website struggling to process my TravelBank payment, ultimately freezing the payment page.

After attempting various troubleshooting strategies, I eventually made it work by typing a whole number into the TravelBank box.

In this case, I redeemed $165 of my TravelBank credits towards the purchase of this ticket and used a credit card that gives travel protections ( Chase Sapphire Reserve® ) to cover the remaining amount ($2.78).

Issue 3: TravelBank is Unable to Add a New Credit Card (Payment Error)

United.com can only save a certain number of credit cards on your profile.

If the website is not allowing you to add another credit card to your United TravelBank account, you will need to log in to your main United.com account, go to “Wallet,” remove the credit cards that you no longer use, and then add the ones you would like saved.

Once your new credit card is linked, note the last four digits of your card and its expiration date so you can easily find it on your list of saved cards when you try to purchase United TravelBank funds again.

Issue 4: Unable to Purchase

As mentioned above, your United TravelBank funds can either be used alone or in combination with select forms of payment when booking United or United Express flights only.

When Do United TravelBank Funds Expire?

As of this update, TravelBank funds appear to expire after five years.

The screenshot below, captured from my TravelBank account, supports this assertion.

While the money deposited in our United TravelBank accounts has a 5-year validity, it can be forfeited if no activity is recorded in our TravelBank accounts for 18 consecutive months.

Therefore, ensure that you either add money to your TravelBank or use your TravelBank funds to purchase tickets at least once every 18 months.

Heads Up: United also stipulated that any re-deposited funds originating from canceled tickets purchased with TravelBank money do not qualify as an eligible activity. In short, any re-deposited funds will NOT reset the expiration date.

United may also change the expiration date of subsequent deposits or discontinue the program altogether. Only time will tell.

For now, this option to convert our credit card airline credits to some form of flexible currency is available, so certainly consider this method if you are running out of ways to redeem your expiring credits.

Which Credit Cards to Use?

You should only purchase TravelBank funds when you anticipate no other eligible travel-related purchases for the remainder of the year.

Chase Credit Cards

Chase sapphire reserve® (csr).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) comes with a $300 travel credit that resets every year on the card member’s anniversary date and does not roll over onto the following year; therefore, you either use it or lose it.

I do not recommend using your CSR travel credits to purchase funds on United’s TravelBank, given that Chase provides an extensive array of valuable avenues to redeem this credit. 

In addition to the traditional airfare purchase, you can also trigger the travel credit when paying for public transit, ride-sharing services, parking, hotels, campgrounds, cruises, etc. 

Citi Credit Cards

Citi prestige® credit card.

This card is no longer available to new applicants.

This credit card comes with a $250 travel credit, which can now be conveniently spent on groceries, restaurants, and take-out.

Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this credit resets every calendar year and likewise does not roll over.

I do not suggest using your Citi Prestige travel credits to purchase United TravelBank funds because of other beneficial spending options you have at your disposal.

American Express   Credit Cards

American express® credit cards with airline fee credits.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($200 Annual Airline Credit)

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($200 Annual Airline Credit)

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($50 Quarterly Airline Credit)

American Express’s airline fee credit is challenging to redeem compared to Chase’s and Citi’s more flexible identical offerings.

In the past several years, consumers consistently find themselves jumping through hoops in search of effective methods to capitalize on these generous offers. 

First and foremost, Chase and Citi do not require activation – their credits apply to all airlines and other forms of travel.

Whereas Amex’s airline fee credit will not work unless you activate it.

Plus, it can only be used on one airline you pre-select, ideally at the beginning of the year.

Even though there are data points (DP) that Amex has been lenient in allowing the preferred airline to be changed via chat as of late, there is no way to predict until when they will allow this.

AMEX Airline Fee Credit Restrictions

AMEX has strict restrictions on what fees qualify under this credit. 

Technically, only incidental purchases, such as seat assignments, baggage fees, change fees, lounge access fees, and food/beverage inflight purchases, are eligible. 

As such, traditional expenses such as award fees, plane tickets, upgrades, and gift cards do not qualify.

But occasionally, we see additional methods that temporarily open up that trigger this airline fee credit – and for now, United TravelBank is one of them. 

While no language explicitly states this particular purchase will not qualify, I have to underscore that Amex can undoubtedly claw back this credit at any moment if they deem that TravelBank is not eligible. So, just be aware of that possibility. 

Hence, please utilize this tactic only if you do not anticipate using your airline fee credit throughout the rest of the year.  

Steps in Selecting Your Airline With Amex  

Before you go ahead with your purchase, follow the steps below on selecting your preferred airline, as AMEX does not make it simple to locate where to activate this benefit.

To optimize this TravelBank strategy, make sure that the airline you selected is United. 

Go to AmericanExpress.com, then log in to your account.

Select the particular AMEX credit card that currently offers an airline fee credit.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

On the main page, click “More, ” then select “ Benefits .”

On the Benefits page, scroll down to locate “ Airline Fee Credit. ” 

This is where you can also change your selected airline for the year. 

It bears repeating that you’re technically not allowed to change your preferred airline mid-year, so choose wisely.

With that said, there are data points from people reporting that they have successfully modified their airline choice by contacting AMEX through chat, but this is YMMV (your mileage might vary).

As of this writing, you can use your airline fee credit with the following U.S. carriers:

While on the Benefits page, enroll in all the offers available to you even if you are not sure you will use them. 

It is practically money you had already paid for when you paid your annual fee, so you might as well take advantage of it.

At any rate, maximizing this airline fee credit is a fantastic way to offset the steep annual fees Amex charges on their ultra-premium cards.

Add funds to your travel credit using your AMEX card.

If you are unsure how much airline credit you have left, AMEX generates a tracker under this benefit to display your remaining funds.

Periodically check your Amex credit card to see if the airline fee credit was successfully triggered.

If not, Amex has likely terminated this redemption method. 

Final Thoughts

Indeed, United’s TravelBank is a wonderful addition to the dwindling menu of possible purchases that can activate Amex’s elusive airline credit.

Being fully aware that this method is temporary, I try to take advantage of it while it’s still possible, especially when I am on the verge of running out of redemption alternatives for my Amex airline fee credit.

I hope that Amex follows Chase’s and Citi’s lead and relaxes this benefit, making it much easier to redeem in the future.

Until then, we will have to adjust to American Express’ policies.

Ultimately, I am glad that United’s TravelBank provides us with another fantastic alternative for using our travel credits.

Not only does it prolong the shelf-life of our funds, but it also affords us the flexibility we genuinely need. 

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE – Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. The content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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22 comments.

Bank of America Premium card also include benefits of $100 incidental travel credits, can I use it to purchase United Travel Bank fund too?

Hi Angie, I am not familiar with Bank of America rules but upon checking what qualifies under “incidental”, I got the following info: Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually for qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight services, and airline lounge fees – automatically applied to your card statement.

It seems to me that this is similar to Amex. I would suggest purchasing the lowest allowed denomination of $50 to see if it would trigger it but if you have anticipated travel in the near future, I suggest redeeming the credits there instead.

Hi, I booked the ticket and when I entered the payment page, there is no Travel Bank part, I got 200+ dollars in travel bank and cannot seem to use it. Why is this? I can only see “Travel certificates” instead of “Travel certificates and United Travel Bank Cash”. What should i do?

Hi Tristan, thanks for asking. Sorry about that. Not all purchases in United.com are eligible. I wonder if the ticket you are purchasing includes a partner airline. From the Terms and Conditions: “TravelBank Cash is valid for air travel purchases on United and United Express® flights and as otherwise permitted by United. After a TravelBank Award is issued, a service charge may be imposed for each change or cancellation requested by the Member.”

I have encountered this exact problem and I am definitely booking a United airline airfare (from LAX – EWR): any more update on this?

HI Cindy, I had updated the post with hopefully a potential solution to your problem. Jump to the section “What to do? United Travel Bank Does Not Show Up”. I tried your route (LAX-EWR) and the steps I outlined worked in making Travel bank re-appear! Good luck and please let me know if it worked for you too!

Thank you for this post and the very detailed instructions!!! Really helpful as I’ll be using this as long as we can get that $200 credit from Amex Plat!

Thank you Tony for the kind feedback. I am glad you found it useful. Please feel free to ask questions anytime.

Great information, thank you!

Thank you so much!

Its unfortunate you can’t use your Travel Bank just to upgrade your seat. Or pay for the bundles upon checkout

I am sorry! Sadly, it is just not as flexible 🙁 But United might make some changes in the future that will allow us to use it for incidentals.

Newbie to United Travel Funds.

Is it possible to use it for booking a ticket for anyone else, any restrictions?

You can book it for anyone else. When they cancel though, the travel credits will be under their account.

This article saved me 30mins! I was typing a non-whole number to use my United Travel Bank and it would NOT take it. Apparently, it needs to be a WHOLE NUMBER. Thanks for the tip!

Glad you found it useful!

Can you combine miles and a travel bank balance? I have 33k miles I need to use and $600 in travel bank credits.

Unfortunately, you can not mix miles and travel bank balance. I’d use the travel bank first if you find cheap tickets as those expire. United miles do not expire.

Hi, how long does the Amex Airline Credit usually take? It’s been a week now and my credits have not shown up yet.

HI Kunal. It’s been about 10 days, on average, for me.

I wanted to add that you Travel Bank does not come up as an option to pay if your flight involves a leg operated by a partner airline (eg. Swiss Air).

I called United to see if they could book the ticket but it errored out for the representative and he gave me that as the reason.

This might be helpful to incorporate in your article.

HI Stephanie, thank you for sharing. That’s correct. Apologies that it was not clear in the article. Yes, it is sadly for United and United Express flights only. I highlighted that part of the article and added additional language under Troubleshooting so it’s much clearer. Thanks so much again for the feedback and Safe travels!

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Things to Keep in Mind About Airline Travel Bank Credits

Editor’s Note: The following Post is Guest written by Matt from Miles Earn and Burn. Special thanks to Matt for putting this resource together.

In Episode 48 of the Milenomics No-Annual Fee Edition Podcast, Robert and Sam talked about the perils involved in holding funds in airline travel banks or certificates. To summarize this excellent discussion, each airline has different expiry rules, travel banks are held and redeemed in different ways, and sometimes you can extend the validity of the funds, but sometimes not. Of course these funds are still useful in travel hacking, especially for cashing out certain types of travel credits from premium credit cards.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but if you have the choice between a full cash-out and a travel bank, always take the full cash out. Travel banks aren’t the same as cash and shouldn’t be treated as such. Cash, for example doesn’t expire, cash can be used to buy seat-upgrades and pay change fees, cash doesn’t tie you to a particular airline, cash can be invested to earn a return. Cash is fungible, travel bank funds are not. For those times when cash isn’t an option, here are the basic rules for the major US airlines in order of my perceived ease of use:

United Travel Bank

United’s Travel Bank is arguably the most straight forward to use and keep active. It unfortunately can’t be used on non-United or United Express flights, and as of January 14, 2021 it doesn’t seem to work as a way to cash out American Express Platinum airline credit.

Note: United’s Travel Bank Terms and Conditions only mention an expiration at 18 months, but they show a different expiration date next to each load at this link . It’s unclear whether either or both apply. To be safe, I’d assume both.

JetBlue Travel Bank

JetBlue’s Travel Bank is managed by Sabre, not JetBlue itself, a fact which is painfully obvious when you try and interact with it and see how disconnected from JetBlue’s website it truly is.

Alaska Airlines Credit Certificates

Alaska doesn’t have a travel bank, but they have a wallet which lets you combine certificates into something that looks like a bank. You can see your wallet funds at this link . During the height of the travel downturn caused by the COVID pandemic Alaska let you convert certificates into miles, however that offer has expired and I don’t expect it to come back.

Southwest Airlines Travel Funds

Southwest travel funds are easy to see and manage , but there’s a huge caveat with them: if you book airfare using multiple funds, the earliest expiration date applies to the new booking — you must complete travel before expiration and if you cancel the newly booked ticket, you’ll get a new travel fund certificate that expires on the date of the earliest expiration original funds.

Delta Air Lines eCredits

Delta has no formal travel bank program, but they do have eCredits for non-refundable fares cancelled more than 24 hours after booking. You can use up to three of them per ticket, but the eCredit must be booked in the name of the certificate holder. If everything is working with Delta’s IT, you should be able to see them at this link . (Note: This never works for me, but I’ve seen it work for others. I have to call reservations to find out what I’ve got.)

Note that unlike most other airlines, Delta’s eCredits just require that you book by expiration, even if your flight is months after the expiry of the eCredit, it can still be used to pay for airfare.

American Airlines Vouchers

American doesn’t have a full travel bank like some other airlines, but they do have eVouchers, Travel Vouchers, and Trip Credits, all of which are largely similar.

Matt is the creator of Miles Earn And Burn , a travel hacking short-post blog that posts once per day, Monday through Friday.

About the author

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Helpful overview, thanks for the work Matt

Thank you Mike and Maria!

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How to Upgrade Your Airline Seat Without Breaking the Bank

F lying in first or business class might seem like it’s a privilege reserved only for ultra-wealthy travelers. But plenty of ordinary people fly in premium airline seats all the time. If you’re savvy about how you pursue an upgrade on a flight, you can score a spot in the front of the plane without paying exorbitantly.

Of course, many travelers cash in credit card points or airline miles to sit in business and first class, or receive a complimentary upgrade for being a frequent flier and having elite status. But what if you don’t have a travel credit card or status with an airline? Flying premium might still be in reach—and within your budget. 

There are a few strategies you can try to upgrade your seat without shelling out too much extra money. Some tactics require extra planning before your trip, while for others, getting to the airport early is essential. Here are several ideas on how to upgrade your airline ticket without breaking the bank.

Be strategic

Want an upgrade? You’ll want to put yourself in the best position to score, especially if you aren’t a frequent flier or don’t have an airline’s credit card in your wallet.

One simple way to try for an upgrade: Check how full your flight is , which you can do directly on your airline’s website. Some really savvy travelers go further than that and specifically search for tickets on emptier flights to have a better chance at getting upgraded.

For example, say you wanted to fly United Airlines from Newark to Boston , and the airline operated 10 flights to Boston on the day you wanted to travel. If your travel plans are flexible, you would want to avoid booking the most full flight or ones with United MileagePlus elite members waiting for upgrades, as the likelihood of getting a free upgrade is slim.

There’s no guarantee that you’ll get an upgrade on an emptier flight or one that’s departing late at night or early in the morning, but you have a better shot than on a completely full plane, especially without elite status .

The myth that dressing nicely can score you an upgrade is just that: a myth. So you can leave your three-piece suit at home, but make sure to pack your manners.

You won’t know unless you ask, and that can also apply to scoring an upgrade. Some seasoned travelers have gotten upgraded during check-in at the airport or at their gate.

There’s no easy way to do this and no guarantee it’ll work. It’s also a lot less likely on popular routes like New York to Los Angeles and on international flights. But if you’re looking for a sample script, here’s one I’ve found has worked for me in the past:

“Hi, I noticed some seats open on today’s flight and wondering if those upgrades have cleared. If they have, and there’s still room, I’d love to be considered for an upgrade.” It's simple and straightforward.

Remember that gate agents have pretty stressful jobs dealing with harried travelers all day, so don’t be too put out if you get a no. But if you get a yes, rejoice and then relax in your more comfortable seat!

Pay for more legroom

If none of these options work out, you aren’t doomed to a cramped seat near the lavatory at the back of the plane. Several major airlines in the U.S., and even some low-cost carriers, have cheap premium seats you can pay for in cash or with a small amount of miles. Here are a few:

Not only does Delta’s Comfort+ seat offer up to three inches of extra legroom to stretch out, but travelers also get a dedicated overhead bin to place their bags. That means no more jostling with economy passengers for the last bin to place your suitcase in. What’s great about Comfort+, and makes it popular among even frequent fliers, is how cheap seats can be. Even if you don’t have tens of thousands of miles in your Delta account, you can still fly Comfort+, with some short-haul routes (typically between the same region of the US) for as low as 5,000 Delta SkyMiles each way.

American’s Main Cabin Extra includes more legroom and earlier boarding. A traveler in Main Cabin Extra can also enjoy beer, wine, spirits in addition to the free Biscoff cookies or mini pretzels and soft drinks served in regular coach. Seats start at just $20.

If you’re tired of having your knees jammed against the seat in front of you, JetBlue’s Even More Space is the way to go. JetBlue already has a reputation for having the roomiest economy seats among US airlines, but travelers who want extra space can book an Even More Space seat. These seats offer up to 38 inches of legroom—perfect for stretching out—and a few cool perks like early boarding and access to a priority security lane at a handful of airports, which will certainly make your travel companions who didn’t book the seat jealous.

While it's not an airline that has the best reputation for its service, Spirit's Big Front Seat is a pretty comfortable upgrade. The Big Front Seat measures 36 inches in pitch and 18.5 inches in width, giving travelers six inches of additional legroom compared to Spirit’s standard seats. And as the name suggests, these seats are located at the front of the plane. Depending on which aircraft you’re on , there are between four and 10 seats, so make sure you purchase ahead of time as the BFS has proven pretty popular among budget travelers.

Breeze Airways

Budget carrier Breeze Airways is known for connecting smaller regional airports across the country. If you’re flying in Breeze’s cheapest economy seat—called “Nice”—it could be worth it to pay a bit extra for the “Nicer” fare class, which is roomier and has more perks. “Nicer” seats have extra legroom (up to 39 inches in pitch, depending on the plane). Upgrades usually cost about $100, which might sound steep. But they also come with a free checked bag, a free carry-on bag, priority boarding, and a complimentary drink and snack, making the fare well worth the cost.

Alaska Airlines

Seattle-based carrier Alaska Airlines offers up to four inches of extra legroom in its Premium class. Passengers in Premium on flight routes of 350 miles or longer will also score free beer, wine, and spirits. Plus, upgrades from regular economy start at just $15.

Get up to six inches of extra legroom in United’s Economy Plus class. The roomier seats are at the front of the economy cabin and are relatively inexpensive, with upgrade fees starting at about $20. If you’re a frequent United flier, you could spring for the annual subscription to Economy Plus—it’s $599 and allows unlimited upgrades on any flight for a year. 

Consider premium economy

Although more expensive than buying an extra legroom seat, sometimes upgrading to premium economy is worth the price (which is usually about double the price of an economy seat, on average). If you’re flying long-haul or on an international route, research if your airline has a premium economy cabin. Typically, on these longer routes, premium economy seats are much more spacious and more comfortable, with full leg rests and deeper reclines. There are other perks too, like priority check-in and boarding, as well as more upscale food and beverage service. If your airline offers all of these bells and whistles in the premium economy cabin, paying for the seat would be a good investment.

United Airlines flight credits: Everything you need to know

Editor's Note

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Like many other carriers United Airlines has eliminated change fees on many flights and has been issuing credits for canceled trips since the height of the pandemic.

Following COVID-related cancellations, travelers have had to learn to navigate the world of travel credits in a serious for the very first time. And, whether or not it's the airline's intention, the intricacies of these various carrier-specific certificates can add yet another layer to the already complex process of booking a flight.

In most cases, if United cancels your flight, you're eligible for a refund to your original form of payment. Meanwhile, if you are the one making the choice not to travel, you'll most likely end up with what the airline calls a "future flight credit," or an Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC), which are two different instruments.

Both types of credits can be used to book new travel, but there are some important nuances to note. For instance, future flight credits are valid for less time. They also can't be redeemed for someone else unless you purchased your ticket on or before Aug. 31, 2021.

After reading this guide, you'll walk away with a better understanding of United's various flight credits, and how you can redeem them when booking a flight.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Accruing electronic travel certificates

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. They can also be combined with other ETCs and can be redeemed for travel for someone other than the person whose original trip was changed. In short, they're basically like money that you just happen to have to spend on United.

United customers who have experienced various service lapses are likely already familiar with ETCs. You'll 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.

Until recently, customers taking advantage of United's free-change policy had been able to request an ETC when voluntarily canceling a flight. 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. You'll need to speak with a reservations agent at (800) 864-8331 to make the request.

Redeeming electronic travel certificates

United now lists travel credits on the "My account" page, which you can access right here when logged into your MileagePlus account. Unfortunately, the airline's website only seems to track a portion of a customer's available ETCs — I keep mine organized in a spreadsheet, and I recommend you do the same.

ETCs can be redeemed for travel operated by partners, as long as at least one segment in the itinerary is operated by United and United Express.

If you've selected an eligible flight, you'll see an option to redeem your ETCs on the payments page. Certificates can be used to cover the cost of seat assignments when selected during the purchase process, too, which adds another layer of usefulness.

Related: Here's what to do if you need to cancel your trip

ETCs can be used multiple times — if the flight costs less than the value of the certificate, the balance will remain on your account. If you're purchasing a higher-cost flight, you can combine ETCs with a credit card payment to cover the difference.

After you successfully enter an ETC, including the year issued, 10-digit PIN code and the recipient's last name, you'll see the amount deducted from your flight total.

United recently added the ability to combine up to 10 ETCs on the airline's website. Alternatively, you can call the reservations line at (800) 864-8331 to have your certificates combined over the phone. Just note that when combining certificates over the phone, the expiration date may be updated to 24 months from the date the oldest ETC was issued, not 24 months from the date your ETCs are combined, so that's something to keep in mind.

Future flight credit

Unlike ETCs, future flight credits can be used to cover the cost of partner flights, even those without a United flight on the same itinerary, as long as those flights are available to book via United, either on United's own website or by calling reservations at (800) 864-8331.

These credits can normally only be used by the traveler whose name was on the original reservation. However, United is allowing credits issued for tickets purchased on or before Aug. 31, 2021, to be used to book travel for others.

To view your current future flight credits, log in to United's website then head to the "My trips" page right here . From there, click the "Future flight credit" tab and select the "Book with credit" option to book a new trip.

Unfortunately, I haven't 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 I've repeatedly encountered below.

For a while, if you moved to a lower-cost flight, you lost any residual value. Luckily, United backtracked on this strict restriction in April 2021. You'll now get a new future flight credit when rebooking to a less expensive flight.

The same applies when using the future flight credit tool to rebook canceled award tickets. If your new flight requires fewer miles or a lower cash co-pay, you'll receive a refund for the balance once you reissue the ticket.

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 agent's help in making the change.

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.

Related: Guide to the United MileagePlus program

For example, since United was responsible for the cancellation, in my case, an agent may be able to honor my original 60,000-mile award rate between Newark (EWR) and Dublin (DUB), even if a similar award is priced higher on United's website today. There's never any guarantee, but it's certainly worth making the request.

Meanwhile, if you're looking to book a cash fare, you may be able to call United reservations at (800) 864-8331 to have your future flight credit canceled, with the balance issued in the form of an ETC, instead. That's certainly your best bet if you're looking to move to a lower-cost flight, or prefer to use your credit to book travel for someone else.

United TravelBank

United offers a third type of travel credit, via the airline's TravelBank . Customers purchase these credits directly — they're not issued following a customer service complaint or flight cancellation. It's also possible to boost your balance with the since-discontinued United TravelBank Card.

The information for the United TravelBank Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Generally, it doesn't 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 .

TravelBank funds can be redeemed for flights operated by United and United Express. Unfortunately, they cannot be combined with ETCs or future flight credits, and, since they offer the longest validity, I'd use up any other credits before tapping your TravelBank.

Related: Hotel and airline elite status extensions stretching into 2023

Expiration policy

While United miles no longer expire , all of the carrier's travel credits are subject to expiration as follows:

• Electronic Travel Certificates: 24 months from issue date*
• Future flight credit: 12 months from original ticket issue date**
• TravelBank: 5 years after last activity

*All electronic certificates due to expire prior to Dec. 31, 2022, will be extended until Dec. 31, 2022. **Future flight credits issued on or before Dec. 31, 2021, will be valid until Dec. 31, 2022

So keep these policies in mind if you have a few different types of credit since you'll want to use the ones expiring soonest first.

Bottom line

Navigating United's various travel credits and policies can seem daunting, and perhaps needlessly complex. Still, armed with this guide, you should have a much better idea of how to identify which credits you have at your disposal, and how to make the most of them when booking your next trip.

Additional reporting by Benji Stawski.

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How to Use Travel Funds on United

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Like other major U.S. airlines, United provides travel funds for its customers. These can come about as a gift due to a canceled flight or other reasons. However, finding and using these funds isn’t the most intuitive experience. So let’s look at how to apply travel funds on United, where you can find them and the different types of travel funds.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Step-by-step guide to using your United travel funds

Applying your travel funds to a United flight is both easy and intuitive. First, you’ll want to search for a flight directly on the United site.

Your United funds can be used for any class of service, no matter which cabin you’d initially booked. At this point, you’ll select whichever flight suits your needs.

The next page will include your traveler information, including your name, birth date and frequent flyer info. This will all need to be filled out before continuing to the next page.

TravelBank funds can’t be used to pay the taxes and fees on an award flight.

Future flight credits: You could only apply one credit to each booking if these credits stemmed from a canceled flight. If you’ve received a future flight credit due to changing to a cheaper fare, you can combine multiple credits at once.

Electronic travel certificate: You can apply up to 10 of these to your booking.

You’ll need to click through seat selection and other bundle options to reach the checkout page.

You can either apply your travel credits or your TravelBank cash to your flight costs. As we noted above, how many you’ll be able to add to your booking will depend on the type you hold.

If your TravelBank balance doesn’t cover your total flight cost, United may allow you to cover the cost by combining TravelBank cash with:

MileagePlus Miles.

Credit cards.

Travel certificates.

How do you get United travel funds?

There are three major types of travel funds that you’ll find within your United account.

Future flight credit

When you cancel an eligible flight: Let’s say you purchased a nonrefundable flight in 2021 but needed to cancel it as government restrictions made it impossible to travel. United has eliminated change fees for most of its flights (excluding basic economy), including all those that originate in the U.S. In this case, you’ll receive future flight credit valid for later travel.

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.

Electronic travel certificate

When you volunteer for a bump: Airlines overbook their seats to maximize efficiency. However, they have too many passengers on the plane in some cases and need volunteers to take a later flight. You can earn a travel certificate for doing this.

As a gesture of goodwill: In some cases, United may be willing to offer you travel credits for future travel.

United TravelBank cash

Unlike airlines such as Delta, United doesn’t sell gift cards. Instead, it offers the United TravelBank. You can purchase TravelBank cash in six different increments, and there’s no limit to the amount of TravelBank funds you can buy each year. However, there is a limit of $5,000 per day on TravelBank purchases and they’re all nonrefundable.

You will need to be logged in to your MileagePlus account to purchase TravelBank cash.

» Learn more: Booking flights with points or miles expands refund option

Where can you see your United travel fund balance?

Searching for either of your United travel funds is simple. First, you’ll need to log in to your account using the “Sign In” button in the top right corner of the United homepage.

Once you’ve logged in, you’ll want to go to your main profile page. From here, you’ll want to select the Wallet dropdown:

This will show you all the different methods you have available to pay for your United tickets. For example, if you’re searching for flight credits from canceled flights, you’ll want to select Travel Credits. If you’re looking for United TravelBank funds, you’ll want to choose the TravelBank tab.

Future flight credits will display your confirmation number and the time you have left until your credits expire.

Your TravelBank balance is also available and will show how long you have before those funds expire.

» Learn more: Your guide to travel cancellation refunds and vouchers

How long are United travel funds good for?

Future flight credits: These credits can be used for up to a year after the original issue date of the ticket.

Electronic travel certificates: These are valid for up to 24 months after they were issued.

TravelBank cash: This credit is valid for five years from the date it was deposited into your account.

What can United travel funds be used for?

Future flight credits. These can be used for flights on United and partner-operated flights. You can also use these credits for other purchases such as Basic economy seat selection, Economy Plus seating and preferred seat selections. Future flight credits must be used by the person on the original ticket.

Electronic travel certificates. These have the same limitations as future flight credits. However, these certificates can be used by any traveler.

TravelBank cash. These funds are only applicable towards flights.

Can I use more than one certificate at a time?

The rules for applying travel funds will differ depending on which types you hold.

If you’re looking to use your United travel funds

United has three primary options for its travel funds, including future flight credits, travel certificates for canceled flights and purchased TravelBank cash. Apply these funds when purchasing a flight, though you’ll want to be aware of any limitations before you book.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , 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

on Chase's website

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-2x Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75000 Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

1x-3x Earn 3x miles on United® purchases, 2x miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel, 1x on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United Travel Bank: What You Need to Know about Managing Your Finances for Seamless Travel

United Travel Bank, What to Know

Introduction

When it comes to travel finance options, United Travel Bank is a key player that provides convenient and flexible solutions for travelers. Whether you’re planning a vacation or a business trip, understanding the features and benefits of United Travel Bank can help you make informed financial decisions. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about United Travel Bank and how it can enhance your travel experience.

The Basics of United Travel Bank

United Travel Bank is a digital wallet offered by United Airlines, aimed at simplifying and streamlining travel expenses. It allows you to deposit funds into your account and use them to purchase flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other travel-related expenses.

One of the major advantages of United Travel Bank is that it offers you a secured mode of payment, eliminating the need for carrying cash or using credit cards while traveling. This not only adds convenience but also enhances security during your trips.

Benefits of United Travel Bank

1. Convenience: With United Travel Bank, you have the flexibility to manage your travel expenses easily. The digital wallet can be accessed through the United Airlines website or mobile app, allowing you to make payments and view transaction history anytime, anywhere.

2. Budgeting and Control: By depositing funds into your United Travel Bank account, you can set a specific travel budget and avoid overspending. It helps in tracking your travel expenses effectively, ensuring you stay within your financial limits.

3. Rewards and Discounts: United Travel Bank offers various rewards and discounts exclusively for its users. These benefits can include discounted airfare, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and more, providing added value for your travel experiences.

4. Safety and Security: Using United Travel Bank minimizes the risk of theft or loss associated with carrying physical cash or credit cards. Your funds are stored securely in the digital wallet, protected by advanced encryption technology.

How to Set Up and Use United Travel Bank

Setting up a United Travel Bank account is a straightforward process. You can create an account through the United Airlines website or app by providing your personal information and linking a valid payment method.

Once your account is set up, you can deposit funds into your United Travel Bank wallet using various payment options such as credit/debit cards or electronic fund transfers. These funds can then be used to make travel-related purchases.

Remember: When using United Travel Bank, it is important to keep track of your available balance to ensure you have sufficient funds for your travel needs.

Tips for Maximizing Your United Travel Bank Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Before your trip, estimate your expected travel expenses and deposit an appropriate amount into your United Travel Bank account. This will help you avoid last-minute financial constraints during your travels.

2. Take Advantage of Rewards: Explore the various rewards and discounts offered by United Travel Bank. These benefits can save you money on airfare, enhance your travel experience, and provide exclusive perks.

3. Make Timely Deposits: Regularly monitor your United Travel Bank account balance and ensure you deposit funds in advance when needed. This will help you maintain a sufficient balance for seamless travel transactions.

4. Familiarize Yourself with the Terms and Conditions: Review the terms and conditions of your United Travel Bank account to understand any fees, withdrawal limits, or restrictions in place. This will ensure you have a clear understanding of how to make the most of your account.

United Travel Bank offers a convenient and secure way to manage your travel expenses. By understanding its features and benefits, you can make the most of this digital wallet and enhance your travel experiences. Whether it’s for budgeting, rewards, or safety, United Travel Bank serves as an invaluable tool for modern travelers. Start exploring its offerings today and enjoy a hassle-free journey!

United Travel Bank: What You Need to Know for Smart Financial Planning

When it comes to smart financial planning, one aspect that often gets overlooked is travel expenses. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just enjoy the occasional vacation, managing your travel finances is crucial. That’s where the United Travel Bank comes into play.

The United Travel Bank is a platform offered by United Airlines that allows customers to hold credits for future travel. It essentially acts as a digital wallet for travel funds. This can be a valuable tool for individuals looking to save money on their travel expenses and plan ahead.

Benefits of the United Travel Bank:

1. Flexibility: By utilizing the United Travel Bank, you have the flexibility to save your travel credits for future use. This means that even if you cancel a trip, you don’t lose the funds. You can simply store them in your United Travel Bank account and use them for a future booking.

2. Easy Accessibility: The United Travel Bank is accessible through the United Airlines website or mobile app. This makes it convenient to manage your travel credits and track your savings. You can easily view your balance and make bookings using your stored travel funds.

3. Potential Savings: With the United Travel Bank, you can take advantage of potential savings. By booking flights with your stored travel credits, you can avoid using cash or credit cards for your travel expenses. This can help you stick to a budget and potentially save money on your overall travel costs.

4. Protection: Another benefit of the United Travel Bank is that it offers protection against price changes. If the cost of your flight decreases after you’ve already booked it using your travel credits, you may be eligible for a refund or credit for the price difference. This can provide peace of mind and ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Tips for Using the United Travel Bank:

1. Keep track of expiration dates: It’s important to be aware of the expiration dates for your travel credits. Make sure to use them before they expire to avoid losing out on your savings.

2. Plan ahead: Use the United Travel Bank as a tool for smart financial planning. If you know you have upcoming travel, start saving in your travel bank well in advance. This allows you to accumulate funds and have them readily available when you need them.

3. Be mindful of restrictions: While the United Travel Bank offers flexibility, there may still be certain restrictions. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, especially regarding changes, cancellations, and refunds.

4. Regularly check for promotions: United Airlines often offers promotions and bonuses for using the United Travel Bank. Stay updated with their latest offers to maximize your savings and get the most out of your travel funds.

The United Travel Bank can be a valuable tool for smart financial planning, especially for frequent travelers or those looking to save on their travel expenses. By utilizing this platform, you can have more control over your travel finances and potentially enjoy significant savings. Start planning ahead and make the most of your travel credits with the United Travel Bank.

Related questions

How does united travel bank work and what are the benefits.

United Travel Bank is a digital wallet that allows you to store and manage your travel funds with United Airlines. It works by converting your cash into United Travel Bank credits, which can be used to pay for flights and other travel-related expenses.

One of the benefits of using United Travel Bank is the flexibility it offers. You can easily manage and track your travel funds online, making it convenient for planning and booking your trips. Additionally, United Travel Bank credits can be used to purchase flights to any destination serviced by United Airlines, giving you a wide range of options for your travels.

Another advantage is that United Travel Bank credits can be combined with other forms of payment, such as credit cards or gift cards. This can be helpful if you have a limited amount of credits and need to cover the remaining cost of your flight or other expenses.

Furthermore, United Travel Bank has no expiration date, so you don’t have to worry about your credits expiring before you have a chance to use them. This can be particularly beneficial for customers who may not travel frequently.

In summary, United Travel Bank provides a convenient and flexible way to manage and use your travel funds with United Airlines. It offers the ability to track and combine credits with other forms of payment, as well as the peace of mind that your credits will not expire.

What are the key considerations for managing travel finance with United Travel Bank?

When managing travel finance with United Travel Bank, it is important to consider the following key factors:

1. Budgeting: Start by creating a travel budget that includes all expected expenses such as airfare, accommodation, meals, transportation, and any additional activities or attractions you plan to visit. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

2. Research and Comparison: Before making any travel arrangements, it’s crucial to research and compare prices for flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel insurance. This will ensure you get the best deals and can potentially save a significant amount of money.

3. Loyalty Programs: If you frequently travel with United Airlines, consider joining their loyalty program, MileagePlus. This program offers various benefits such as earning miles that can be redeemed for future flights, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges.

4. Credit Cards: Look into credit cards that offer travel rewards, such as United Airlines’ co-branded credit card. These cards often provide points or miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, which can be used towards future travel expenses.

5. Flexible Dates and Destinations: Being open to flexible travel dates and destinations can help you find cheaper flights and accommodations. Use online aggregators or flight search engines that allow you to compare prices across different dates and nearby airports.

6. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Compare different insurance providers to find the most suitable coverage for your needs.

7. Track Expenses: Keep track of all your travel expenses during your trip. This will help you stay within your budget and take note of any additional costs that may arise, allowing you to adjust your spending if needed.

By considering these key factors, you can effectively manage your travel finance with United Travel Bank and make the most of your travel experiences while staying within your budget.

How can small businesses optimize their travel expenses with United Travel Bank?

Small businesses can optimize their travel expenses with United Travel Bank by taking advantage of its features and benefits. United Travel Bank allows businesses to set aside funds specifically for travel expenses, helping them better manage their budgets and control costs.

Here are a few ways small businesses can optimize their travel expenses with United Travel Bank:

1. Track and Control Spending: By allocating a specific amount to the Travel Bank, businesses can closely monitor their travel expenses. This helps prevent overspending and ensures that allocated funds are used efficiently.

2. Earn Rewards: United Travel Bank offers rewards and savings for businesses. They can accumulate MileagePlus® miles on eligible flights, which can be redeemed for future travel or upgrades. This allows small businesses to maximize their travel budget and enjoy additional benefits.

3. Consolidate Travel Expenses: Using United Travel Bank allows businesses to consolidate all their travel expenses in one account. This simplifies expense tracking and reporting, making it easier to manage finances effectively.

4. Access Online Tools: United Travel Bank provides businesses with a user-friendly online platform to track, manage, and book travel. It offers real-time updates on expenses and rewards, making it convenient for small businesses to optimize their travel arrangements.

5. Flexible Redemption Options: With United Travel Bank, businesses have the flexibility to use their funds for various travel-related expenses, including flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and more. This ensures that businesses can tailor their travel experiences to their specific needs.

By leveraging the features of United Travel Bank, small businesses can optimize their travel expenses, improve budget management, and enjoy the benefits of rewards and convenience.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified expert or conduct thorough research with official sources before making any financial decisions.

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Simple Flying

Everything you need to know about economy plus seating on united airlines.

The exclusive cabin is available throughout United's fleet.

• United Airlines offers Economy Plus with extra legroom and comfortable seating options, offering a decent product between business and economy.
• Passengers can upgrade to Economy Plus at any time, from booking to check-in.
• Flying in Economy Plus provides more legroom, priority boarding, and preferred seating options for a relaxed journey.

When it comes to long-haul travel, passengers aim to find the right balance between ticket cost and comfort. While most passengers may opt for the Economy cabin, many people aim to spend a little more on a comfortable journey. One of the world's largest airlines, United, is well aware of that need and offers a premium travel option for passengers.

United Airlines fills the extensive gap between its Polaris business class and economy class by offering United Economy Plus. This article explores the ins and outs of the Economy Plus seating on one of three big US airlines.

What is it?

• Extra legroom and a seat in front of the Economy sections with Economy Plus
• Economy Plus is available on all United flights and most United Express flights.
• Passengers can upgrade to an Economy Plus seat at any time from booking to check-in.

Economy Plus on United Airlines is a class that gives passengers a more comfortable and luxurious experience than a traditional economy class without the exorbitant price of business class seats. Economy Plus is an excellent option for travelers looking for a higher level of comfort but do not want all of the features of a full business-class seat.

The economy plus cabin debuted on United in 1999 and is now offered on all mainline aircraft and almost all United Express regional jets. These seats feature extra legroom and an increased pitch compared to standard economy class seats. This gives travelers more room to stretch their legs and relax during a flight, thus creating a more comfortable journey.

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United Airlines' Economy Plus Seats: 5 Fast Facts

Benefits of the cabin.

• MileagePlus® Premier® members can book available Economy Plus seats for free. Non-members can join the MileagePlus at no cost and earn points for flight benefits.

Premier Silver

Free access to Economy Plus at check-in for the passenger and one companion.

Premier Gold

Free access to Economy Plus at booking for the passenger and one companion.

Premier Platinum and Premier 1K

Free access to Economy Plus at booking for the passenger and up to eight companions.

Analysis: United Airlines’ Longest Routes In 2024

One advantage of flying in economy plus is the additional legroom. Seats in United's standard economy class have 31 inches of legroom and a width of 17.3 inches. Meanwhile, United's Economy Plus seats also feature 17.3 inches of width but have 37 inches of legroom, meaning six extra inches.

These seats are located in the front of the United Airlines economy cabin and offer greater recline than seats in standard economy class. Furthermore, the cabin is specifically designed with passenger comfort in mind, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment during the flight.

Another draw of Economy Plus is priority boarding, which is included with a ticket in the cabin. Passengers traveling in economy plus will board in one of the first groups , allowing them to find space to store their carry-on luggage in the overhead bins and get settled in their seats before most passengers.On top of that, passengers will have the ability to choose preferred seating options. This means when booking their ticket, they can choose a seat that meets their preferences, such as window or aisle seats, seats with extra recline, or seats located closer to the front of the cabin for faster deplaning.

As with most carriers, when flying economy plus, passengers will earn more frequent flyer miles on United Airlines' MileagePlus program as it is placed in a higher fare bucket compared to basic or standard economy. These miles can be redeemed for future upgrades to higher cabin classes or for future flights. This is coupled with economy-plus passengers' increased flexibility when making flight changes.

Top 5: These Are United Airlines' Longest Domestic Narrowbody Routes

Economy Plus tickets include more passenger-friendly change and refund policies, giving travelers peace of mind when making last-minute changes. Passengers can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) on Economy Plus seats and subscriptions. According to United Airlines ,

"You can earn 1 point for each U.S. dollar spent (excluding taxes and fees), or 1 point for every 100 MileagePlus miles redeemed after you complete your trip. PQP are credited to the account of the member who travels, not the person who bought the seat."

Why fly Economy Plus?

Whether United Economy Plus is the right choice depends solely on your priorities and preferences. It is probably the right choice if you are looking for more space, priority boarding, increased flexibility, and a generally more relaxed environment.

Is Economy Plus Seating On United Airlines Worth It?

With that said, if you are seeking a true first-class experience, you should consider United's First Class service on domestic flights or the North American carrier's flagship product, Polaris Business Class , on long-haul international flights. Economy Plus is a compelling solution for passengers who want an upgraded travel experience without paying for first or business class.

What are your thoughts on the United Economy Plus offering? Have you traveled with United in its Economy Plus cabin? Share your experience in the comments section.

United Airlines

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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