How To Check If You Have Flight Credit American Airlines

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You've just had a flight disruption with American Airlines, or perhaps you canceled a trip, and now you're wondering: "Do I have flight credit with American Airlines, and how on earth do I find it and use it?" You're not alone! Many travelers find themselves in this exact situation. The good news is, American Airlines offers various forms of travel credit, and while it can seem a little confusing at first, checking and using your credit is a straightforward process once you know the steps.

Let's dive in and demystify the process, ensuring you don't leave any valuable credit on the table!

Understanding American Airlines Travel Credits: Flight Credit vs. Trip Credit vs. Travel Voucher

Before we go into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand that American Airlines has different types of credits, each with its own nuances regarding usage, transferability, and expiration.

  • Flight Credit: This is typically issued when you cancel a ticket through channels other than aa.com (e.g., calling reservations). It's generally tied to the original passenger and the value of the unused ticket. Travel using a flight credit must usually begin within one year of the original ticket's issue date.

  • Trip Credit: Often issued for canceled tickets, significant delays, compensation, or remaining value when exchanging tickets. Trip Credits are more flexible; the credit holder can use them to book travel for anyone, not just themselves. Their expiration can vary, with AAdvantage members sometimes having longer validity.

  • Travel Voucher: These are typically paper vouchers issued for various reasons, such as denied boarding compensation. They also have specific rules for redemption and expiration.

Knowing which type you have will help you understand its terms and how best to use it.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Checking American Airlines Flight Credit

Ready to uncover your hidden travel funds? Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather Your Information (Don't Skip This!)

This is the most important first step! Before you even think about logging in or making a call, take a moment to gather any and all information related to your previous American Airlines booking or cancellation. This will significantly speed up the process.

  • Original Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-letter code found on your original booking confirmation email or boarding pass. It's your golden ticket to quickly finding your credit.

  • 13-Digit Ticket Number: This number, typically starting with "001," is also found on your confirmation email or, if you received a Trip Credit, on the email detailing that credit. For Flight Credits, it's the number of the unused ticket.

  • Last Name: The last name of the passenger(s) on the original booking.

  • Email Address: The email address used when you booked the original flight.

  • Original Travel Dates: The dates of your canceled or changed flight.

The more details you have, the easier it will be to locate your credit. Even if you've lost your original emails, don't despair! American Airlines still has ways to help.

Step 2: Check Online via American Airlines Website (The Easiest Method)

American Airlines has made significant strides in allowing passengers to manage their travel credits online. This is often the quickest and most convenient way to check.

Sub-heading 2.1: For AAdvantage® Members

If you're an AAdvantage® member and your AAdvantage® number was linked to your original booking, this is likely your easiest route.

  1. Go to AA.com and Log In: Open your web browser and navigate to the official American Airlines website: www.aa.com.

  2. Access Your Account: Click on "Log in" and enter your AAdvantage® number or username and password.

  3. Navigate to "Travel Credit" or "Wallet": Once logged in, look for a section in your account dashboard or menu that says "Travel Credit" or "Wallet". American Airlines often consolidates all your available credits here.

  4. View Your Details: You should see a list of any available Trip Credits or Flight Credits, along with their value and expiration dates. Click on “View details” for more specific information about each credit.

Sub-heading 2.2: For Non-AAdvantage® Members or if Credit Isn't Showing

Even if you're not an AAdvantage® member, or if your credit isn't appearing in your account, you can still check online.

  1. Go to AA.com: Visit www.aa.com.

  2. Find "Find your trip or travel credit": On the homepage, look for a section or link that says "Manage trips / Check-in" or "Find your trip or travel credit". You might see an option like "Find travel credit" directly.

  3. Enter Your Information: You will be prompted to enter your:

    • Last Name

    • Confirmation Code (6-letter record locator) -OR- 13-Digit Ticket Number (often starting with "00115" or "0012" for Trip Credits, or "001" for ticket numbers that became Flight Credits).

  4. Click "Find your trip" or "Find travel credit": The system will then attempt to locate any associated travel credits.

  5. Access Your Details: If found, you'll be able to view the details of your Flight Credit or Trip Credit, including its value and expiration.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple last names, enter them exactly as they appeared on your original booking, including spaces but without hyphens or other special characters.

Step 3: Contact American Airlines Customer Service (When Online Isn't Enough)

Sometimes, the online system might not show your credit, or you might have a more complex situation (e.g., multiple credits, partial usage, or an expired credit with extenuating circumstances). In these cases, a quick call to American Airlines customer service is the best course of action.

Sub-heading 3.1: Calling Reservations

  1. Find the Correct Number: The general American Airlines reservations number is often the best point of contact. You can find this on the "Contact American" section of their website. As of current knowledge, it's usually +1-800-433-7300 for calls within the U.S., but always double-check the official AA website for the most up-to-date contact information for your region.

  2. Have Your Information Ready: Remember all those details you gathered in Step 1? Have them readily available when you call. This includes your name, original confirmation code, ticket number, and email.

  3. Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you are calling to "check for available flight credit" or "check the status of a travel credit."

  4. Be Patient and Polite: Call volumes can be high, so be prepared for a potential wait. Customer service representatives are there to help, and a polite approach can often lead to a smoother resolution.

  5. Confirm Details: Once the agent locates your credit, ask them to confirm the exact type of credit, its value, expiration date, and any specific terms or restrictions (e.g., if it's only valid for the original passenger).

  6. Request an Email Confirmation: It's always a good idea to ask the agent to send you an email confirming the details of your credit. This provides a written record.

Sub-heading 3.2: Understanding Different Credit Types Over the Phone

When speaking with an agent, they can also clarify the specific type of credit you have (Flight Credit, Trip Credit, Travel Voucher) and explain its particular rules. For instance, a Flight Credit might require the same passenger to travel, while a Trip Credit might be more flexible. They can also advise on how to combine multiple credits if applicable (often, you can only use one Flight Credit online per booking, but agents can help combine them).

Step 4: Check Your Email Inbox (The Digital Paper Trail)

Many times, when a flight is canceled or you are issued a credit, American Airlines will send an email directly to the address associated with your booking.

  1. Search Your Inbox: Go to your email account and use the search function. Try keywords like:

    • "American Airlines credit"

    • "Flight Credit"

    • "Trip Credit"

    • "Cancellation"

    • Your confirmation code

    • "001" (the start of many AA ticket numbers)

  2. Check Spam/Junk Folders: Sometimes these important emails can end up in spam, so be sure to check those folders as well.

  3. Locate the Relevant Email: The email should contain your credit number, value, and possibly the expiration date. Save this email in a dedicated folder for future reference!

Important Considerations for Your American Airlines Flight Credit

  • Expiration Dates are Crucial: Pay close attention to the expiration date. American Airlines generally has a "use it or lose it" policy, and they are typically strict about extensions unless specific DOT regulations apply or you are an elite status member with certain flexibility.

  • Usage Restrictions: Be aware of any restrictions. Flight Credits are usually for air travel only and cannot be used for extras like seat selection, baggage fees, or upgrades. Trip Credits often have similar limitations but are more flexible in who can use them.

  • Partial Usage: If you use a Flight Credit for a flight that costs less than the credit's value, the remaining balance will usually be issued as a new Trip Credit. This new Trip Credit will have its own expiration date, which you should confirm.

  • Booking Online vs. Phone: While American Airlines allows many credits to be redeemed online, some complex scenarios (like using multiple Flight Credits for one passenger or booking international travel with a Flight Credit that originated from domestic travel) may require you to call reservations.

  • Name Match: For Flight Credits, the name on the new booking must exactly match the name on the original ticket. If there's a discrepancy, you'll need to contact American Airlines to resolve it.

By following these steps, you should be well on your way to successfully checking and understanding your American Airlines flight credit. Don't let those valuable credits go to waste!


10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Make the Most of Your American Airlines Flight Credit

How to Check if My Flight Credit is a "Flight Credit" or "Trip Credit"?

The easiest way is to check the email American Airlines sent you regarding the credit. It will usually explicitly state if it's a Flight Credit or a Trip Credit. Alternatively, log into your AAdvantage account (if applicable) and check the "Travel Credit" or "Wallet" section; the type of credit is usually indicated there. If all else fails, call American Airlines customer service with your original booking details, and they can clarify.

How to Find My 13-Digit Ticket Number for a Flight Credit?

Your 13-digit ticket number (which typically starts with "001") can be found in your original flight confirmation email or the cancellation email you received when the credit was issued. If you're an AAdvantage® member, it might also be visible in your "Wallet" section after logging into your account on aa.com.

How to Use My American Airlines Flight Credit for a New Booking Online?

When booking a new flight on aa.com, proceed to the payment page. Look for an option to "Apply available credits" or "Add travel credit." Select "Flight Credit" and enter your 13-digit flight credit ticket number. If the new flight is more expensive, you'll pay the difference. If it's less, the remaining balance will likely be issued as a new Trip Credit.

How to Combine Multiple American Airlines Flight Credits?

Generally, you can only apply one Flight Credit per passenger when booking online on aa.com. If you have multiple Flight Credits you wish to use for a single passenger or a single booking, you will typically need to call American Airlines Reservations to have an agent assist you in combining or applying them.

How to Know When My American Airlines Flight Credit Expires?

The expiration date is usually specified in the email from American Airlines when the credit was issued. If you are an AAdvantage® member, you can often see the expiration date in your "Travel Credit" or "Wallet" section online. If you can't find this information, call customer service with your original booking details, and they can confirm it for you.

How to Use a Flight Credit if the New Flight is Cheaper?

If your new flight costs less than your Flight Credit, the remaining balance will typically be issued as a new Trip Credit. This new Trip Credit will have its own expiration date, which you should note.

How to Use a Flight Credit for Someone Else?

Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger named on the ticket from which the credit originated. If you wish to book a flight for someone else, you would need to use a Trip Credit, which is more flexible in its usage.

How to Apply a Flight Credit to International Flights?

While Flight Credits can generally be used for international flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or its codeshare/oneworld® partners, if you are booking online, Flight Credits may only be applied to flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For other international destinations, you might need to call American Airlines Reservations to apply your Flight Credit.

How to Get a Refund Instead of a Flight Credit?

Flight Credits are typically issued when a non-refundable ticket is canceled. Refunds to the original form of payment are generally only given for refundable tickets or in specific circumstances such as significant airline-initiated schedule changes or cancellations. Check American Airlines' refund policy or contact customer service for specific eligibility.

How to Use a Flight Credit for Extras like Seats or Bags?

Flight Credits can generally only be used for the base airfare and associated taxes/fees, not for ancillary services like seat assignments, baggage fees, upgrades, or Wi-Fi. These extras must be paid for separately.

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