How to See Your American Airlines Flight Credit: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever had a flight canceled or changed, leaving you with an American Airlines flight credit and no idea how to find or use it? You're certainly not alone! It can feel like navigating a maze, but don't worry, this guide will illuminate every corner, ensuring you can easily locate and apply your valuable credit.
Ready to unlock your travel potential? Let's dive in and discover how to reclaim what's rightfully yours!
American Airlines offers different types of credits, primarily Flight Credit, Trip Credit, and Travel Vouchers. Understanding which one you have is the first step, as each comes with its own set of rules and redemption methods.
Step 1: Understanding the Types of American Airlines Credits
Before you start searching, it's crucial to understand what kind of credit you might have. This will significantly impact where and how you look for it.
What's the Difference?
Flight Credit: This is typically issued when you cancel an unused, non-refundable ticket. It's usually tied to the original passenger's name and the original ticket number. It often has stricter rules about who can use it and for what kind of flights.
Trip Credit: This is generally more flexible. It can be issued for various reasons, such as a residual value from an exchanged ticket, compensation for a significant delay, or even as a refund option. Trip Credits are often not tied to a specific passenger and can be used by anyone.
Travel Voucher: These are often paper vouchers or sometimes electronic, and are given as compensation for various reasons. They are generally transferable and can be used to book flights for anyone.
The most important thing to remember is that Flight Credits are usually tied to the original passenger, while Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers often offer more flexibility in who can use them.
Step 2: Gathering Necessary Information
To efficiently locate your flight credit, you'll need some key pieces of information from your original booking or cancellation.
Essential Details You'll Need:
Your 13-digit ticket number: This usually starts with "001". You can find this on your original e-ticket confirmation email.
Your 6-character confirmation code (Record Locator): This is the booking reference for your original flight. It's also found on your confirmation email.
Your AAdvantage® number: If you were an AAdvantage® member and included your number in the original booking, your credits might be linked to your account.
The original passenger's name: Especially important for Flight Credits, as they are often tied to the individual.
The original date of travel: This can help American Airlines customer service locate your booking more quickly.
Having these details handy will streamline the process, whether you're checking online or calling customer service.
Step 3: Checking Your American Airlines Flight Credit Online (Recommended for AAdvantage® Members)
For AAdvantage® members, checking your travel credit online is often the quickest and most convenient method.
How to Check Online:
Visit AA.com: Open your web browser and go to the official American Airlines website:
www.aa.com Log In to Your AAdvantage® Account: In the top right corner, click on "Log In" and enter your AAdvantage® number or username and password.
Navigate to "Travel Credit" or "Wallet": Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Travel Credit" or "Wallet" under your account dashboard. The exact wording might vary slightly.
View Your Available Credits: Here, you should be able to see any available Trip Credit or Flight Credit linked to your AAdvantage® account, along with their values and expiration dates.
Troubleshooting Online:
If you don't see your credit: It might be a Flight Credit that isn't automatically displayed in your "Wallet" if you weren't logged in when the original booking was made or if the credit was issued under different circumstances.
Errors or "Invalid Ticket": Sometimes, system bugs can prevent online visibility. In such cases, contacting customer service is the next best step.
While the online portal is a great starting point, keep in mind that not all credits, particularly older Flight Credits, may be readily visible here.
Step 4: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service (Most Reliable Method)
For the most accurate and comprehensive information about your American Airlines flight credit, especially if you're not an AAdvantage® member or can't find your credit online, contacting customer service is highly recommended.
Steps to Contact Customer Service:
Find the Right Number: The general American Airlines Reservations number is a good starting point. You can find this on their official website under "Contact Us." Be prepared for potential wait times.
Tip: Search for "American Airlines contact number" on Google to get the most up-to-date number.
Prepare Your Information: Before calling, have all the details you gathered in Step 2 ready (ticket number, confirmation code, name, original travel date).
Explain Your Request Clearly: When you connect with an agent, clearly state that you need to check the status and balance of your flight credit. Mention the type of credit if you know it (e.g., "I have a flight credit from a canceled flight").
Verify Details: The agent will ask for your personal and booking details to locate your credit. Provide them accurately.
Ask Key Questions: Once your credit is found, inquire about:
The exact value of the credit
The expiration date (Crucial! This is often one year from the original ticket issue date, not the date the credit was issued.)
The type of credit (Flight Credit, Trip Credit, Travel Voucher)
Any restrictions on its use (e.g., can it be used for international flights, only for the original passenger, can it be used for extras like baggage or seat selection?)
How to redeem it (Online, via phone, specific instructions)
Can it be combined with other credits or payment methods?
Request a Confirmation Email: Ask the agent to send you an email summarizing all the details of your flight credit, including the value, expiration date, and any specific terms. This provides a written record for your reference.
Calling customer service might take a bit longer, but it's often the most reliable way to get definitive answers and address any complexities with your flight credit.
Step 5: Utilizing Your Flight Credit for Future Bookings
Once you have a clear understanding of your credit, it's time to put it to use!
Redeeming Your Credit:
Online (for Trip Credit/some Flight Credits):
Go to aa.com and search for your new desired flight.
Proceed to the payment page.
Look for an option to "Apply available credits" or "Add travel credit."
Enter your 13-digit credit number and any associated codes (if applicable).
The credit amount will be deducted from your new fare. If there's a remaining balance, you can pay it with a credit card. If your credit is more than the new ticket price, the remaining balance will often be reissued as a new Trip Credit.
Via Phone (for complex Flight Credits or multiple credits):
Call American Airlines Reservations.
Inform the agent you wish to book a new flight using your existing flight credit.
Provide the agent with your credit details.
They will assist you in applying the credit to your new booking. This is particularly helpful if you have multiple Flight Credits you wish to combine (which may require agent assistance if not supported online) or if your credit has specific booking restrictions.
Important Considerations:
Expiration Dates: Always prioritize using your credit before it expires. American Airlines generally has a strict policy regarding expired credits.
Non-Transferable: Remember, Flight Credits are typically non-transferable and must be used by the original passenger. Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers are usually more flexible.
Applicability: Flight credits are usually applicable only to the base fare and associated taxes/fees. They generally cannot be used for extras like seat selection, baggage fees, or upgrades unless explicitly stated.
Booking Limitations: When booking online with a Flight Credit, you might be limited to using only one credit per passenger. For multiple credits or complex itineraries, calling customer service is often necessary.
Don't let your credit go to waste! Plan your next adventure and apply your flight credit efficiently.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about American Airlines flight credits, answered quickly for your convenience:
How to Check the Expiration Date of My American Airlines Flight Credit?
The most reliable way is to call American Airlines customer service with your ticket number or confirmation code. For AAdvantage® members, check your "Travel Credit" or "Wallet" section online. Generally, Flight Credits are valid for one year from the original ticket issue date.
How to Use Multiple American Airlines Flight Credits for One Booking?
While aa.com typically allows only one Flight Credit per passenger online, you can often combine multiple Flight Credits by calling American Airlines Reservations. They can assist you in applying all eligible credits to your new booking.
How to Transfer My American Airlines Flight Credit to Someone Else?
Generally, American Airlines Flight Credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers are often transferable. Always confirm the specific terms of your credit.
How to Get a Refund Instead of an American Airlines Flight Credit?
Refunds for non-refundable tickets are generally not issued as cash if you voluntarily cancel. However, if American Airlines cancels your flight or has a significant schedule change, you are typically entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment.
How to Use American Airlines Flight Credit for Baggage Fees or Seat Selection?
Typically, Flight Credits can only be used for the base airfare and associated taxes and fees. They generally cannot be used for ancillary services like baggage fees, seat selection, or upgrades.
How to Apply American Airlines Flight Credit to an International Flight?
Flight Credits can generally be used for international flights, but online redemption might have limitations. If you encounter issues booking an international flight with your credit online, call American Airlines Reservations for assistance.
How to Find My American Airlines Flight Credit Number if I Lost the Email?
If you've lost your original email, you can try logging into your AAdvantage® account on aa.com. If it's not there, call American Airlines customer service. They can often locate your credit using your name, original travel dates, and contact information.
How to Combine a Flight Credit with a Credit Card Payment?
Yes, if your American Airlines flight credit doesn't cover the full cost of your new ticket, you can pay the remaining balance with a credit card during the online booking process or when speaking with a reservation agent.
How to Extend an Expired American Airlines Flight Credit?
In most cases, expired American Airlines flight credits are not recoverable or extendable. It's crucial to use your credit before its expiration date. In rare circumstances, for elite flyers or exceptional situations, contacting customer service might be an option, but it's not guaranteed.
How to Use American Airlines Flight Credit if the New Fare is Cheaper?
If the new flight you book is cheaper than your American Airlines Flight Credit, the remaining balance will typically be issued back to you as a new Trip Credit. This Trip Credit will have its own expiration date, often linked to the original ticket's validity.
