You've got an American Airlines flight credit, and you're ready to jet off on your next adventure! But how exactly do you put that credit to good use? Don't worry, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of redeeming your American Airlines flight credit, ensuring a smooth and stress-free booking experience.
Step 1: Unearthing Your Flight Credit Details – Let's Get Organized!
Before you can even think about booking your next flight, you need to know exactly what you're working with. This is arguably the most important initial step.
Sub-heading: Where to Locate Your Flight Credit Information
Your flight credit details are typically found in one of a few key places:
Your Email Confirmation: When your original flight was canceled or changed, American Airlines would have sent you an email detailing the flight credit. This email usually contains your 13-digit flight credit ticket number (which often starts with '00115' or '0012') and sometimes a 6-character confirmation code. Keep this email handy!
Your AAdvantage Account "Wallet": If you're an AAdvantage member (and it's highly recommended you become one for future travel!), your active flight credits will usually be stored in your "Wallet" section after logging into your account on AA.com. This is often the easiest and most reliable way to track your credits.
American Airlines "Manage Trips" or "Find Your Trip": If you don't have an AAdvantage account or can't locate the email, you can try to find your credit by going to the "Manage trips / Check-in" or "Find your trip" section on AA.com. You'll likely need your original confirmation code or ticket number from your canceled trip.
Pro Tip: Take a moment to write down your flight credit number and any associated PIN or confirmation code in a secure place. This will save you time and frustration later!
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| How To Use Flight Credit American Airlines |
Sub-heading: Understanding the Nuances of Flight Credits vs. Trip Credits
It's crucial to understand that American Airlines has different types of travel credits. While this guide focuses on Flight Credits, you might also encounter "Trip Credits" or "Travel Vouchers." Here's a quick rundown of the key differences:
Flight Credit: Generally issued for unused or canceled tickets. Crucially, Flight Credits are typically tied to the original passenger named on the ticket and cannot be transferred to someone else. They are used only for the base fare and associated taxes/fees of a new flight. You can usually only use one flight credit per passenger when booking online.
Trip Credit: Often issued as compensation, refunds, or remaining value when exchanging tickets. Trip Credits are generally more flexible and can be used to book travel for anyone, not just the original credit holder. You can also often use multiple Trip Credits for a single booking online.
Travel Voucher: Similar to Trip Credits, these can typically be used to book travel for anyone.
Always confirm the type of credit you have to ensure you understand its specific terms and conditions.
Step 2: Checking Your Flight Credit's Validity and Restrictions
Before you get too excited about your dream destination, it's vital to confirm the lifespan and limitations of your flight credit.
Sub-heading: Expiration Dates Are Key!
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Most American Airlines flight credits are valid for one year from the original issue date of the ticket they were issued for, not necessarily from when the credit itself was issued. This is a critical distinction.
Double-check the expiration date on your email or in your AAdvantage wallet. American Airlines is generally not flexible with expired credits.
The new trip you book with the flight credit must typically begin within this one-year validity period.
Sub-heading: What Your Flight Credit Covers (and Doesn't Cover)
Flight credits are fairly straightforward, but they do have limitations:
Covers: The base airfare and associated taxes and fees of a new flight marketed and operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, or flights marketed by American but operated by codeshare or Oneworld partners (flights with an "AA" flight number).
Does NOT Cover:
Extras like seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight purchases, or Wi-Fi.
AAdvantage award travel.
American Airlines Vacations packages.
Step 3: Browse and Selecting Your New Flight
Now for the fun part – finding your next journey!
Sub-heading: Navigating the American Airlines Website (AA.com)
Go to AA.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official American Airlines website.
Start Your Flight Search: On the homepage, enter your desired departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and number of passengers.
Search for Flights: Click the "Search flights" button.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations During Flight Selection
Traveler Name: Remember, a flight credit is generally tied to the original passenger. Ensure the name on the new booking matches exactly the name on the flight credit. If you're booking for yourself, this isn't an issue.
One Flight Credit Per Passenger Online: When booking online at AA.com, you can typically only apply one flight credit per passenger in a single reservation. If you have multiple flight credits for one passenger, or need to use more than one flight credit for different passengers on the same reservation, you will likely need to call American Airlines Reservations to complete your booking.
Domestic vs. International: While flight credits can generally be used for international flights, if your original ticket was for a domestic flight, and you're now booking an international one, or vice-versa, ensure the terms align with your specific credit. In some cases, booking complex international itineraries with credits might be smoother by phone.
Step 4: Applying Your Flight Credit at Checkout
This is where your preparation pays off!
Sub-heading: The Payment Page is Your Target
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Review Your Itinerary: After selecting your flights, you'll proceed to a review page. Carefully check all flight details, including dates, times, and passenger information.
Proceed to Payment: Continue to the payment section of the booking process.
Locate the "Add Travel Credit" or "Add Flight Credit" Option: On the payment page, look for an option that says "+ Flight Credit" or "Add travel credit." It's usually a clickable link or button.
Sub-heading: Entering Your Credit Details
Enter Your Flight Credit Number: A pop-up window or new section will appear, prompting you to enter your 13-digit flight credit ticket number.
Apply the Credit: Click "Apply" or a similar button to see the credit's value deducted from your total.
Sub-heading: What if the New Flight Costs More (or Less)?
New Flight Costs More: If the cost of your new flight exceeds the value of your flight credit, you will simply pay the remaining balance using a credit card or other accepted payment method.
New Flight Costs Less: If the cost of your new flight is less than the value of your flight credit, American Airlines will typically issue you the remaining balance as a Trip Credit. This new Trip Credit will have its own expiration date and terms, and often the remaining value will be issued to the original credit holder, even if the new booking was for a different person (if permitted by the Trip Credit type).
Step 5: Finalizing Your Booking
You're almost there!
Sub-heading: Confirm and Purchase
Review Final Payment: Before clicking "Purchase," take one last look at the total amount due and ensure the flight credit has been applied correctly.
Complete the Purchase: Click the "Purchase" or "Book Flight" button to finalize your reservation.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation email with your new itinerary and ticket details. Keep this for your records!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using American Airlines flight credits, with quick answers:
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
How to check American Airlines flight credit balance?
You can check your American Airlines flight credit balance by logging into your AAdvantage account and navigating to the "Wallet" section, or by referencing the original email from American Airlines that contained your credit details. If you don't have an AAdvantage account, you can try to find your credit using your original confirmation code or ticket number on AA.com under "Manage trips."
How to use multiple American Airlines flight credits?
If you have multiple American Airlines flight credits for a single passenger or need to apply more than one flight credit to a reservation, you will typically need to contact American Airlines Reservations by phone to complete the booking. Online booking usually limits you to one flight credit per passenger.
How to transfer American Airlines flight credit to another person?
Generally, American Airlines flight credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger whose name was on the original ticket. Trip Credits, however, are more flexible and can often be used to book travel for others. Always verify the specific terms of your credit.
How to extend American Airlines flight credit expiration?
American Airlines flight credits typically expire one year from the original ticket issue date. While extensions are generally not granted, it's always worth contacting American Airlines customer service before your credit expires to inquire about any possible exceptions or options, especially in unusual circumstances.
How to use American Airlines flight credit for international flights?
Yes, you can use American Airlines flight credit for international flights, provided the flight is marketed and operated by American Airlines or its codeshare/Oneworld partners. The process for applying the credit is the same as for domestic flights.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
How to use American Airlines flight credit for someone else?
You generally cannot use an American Airlines flight credit for someone else, as it is tied to the original passenger. If you have a Trip Credit, however, you can typically use it to book a flight for another individual.
How to find American Airlines flight credit number?
Your American Airlines flight credit number (a 13-digit number, often starting with '00115' or '0012') can be found in the email American Airlines sent you when your original flight was canceled or changed, or by logging into your AAdvantage account and checking your "Wallet."
How to apply American Airlines flight credit online?
To apply American Airlines flight credit online, search for your desired flight on AA.com, proceed to the payment page, and look for an option like "+ Flight Credit" or "Add travel credit." Click this option and enter your 13-digit flight credit ticket number to deduct its value from your total.
How to rebook with American Airlines flight credit after cancellation?
To rebook with an American Airlines flight credit after cancellation, you'll need the flight credit details (ticket number, confirmation code). Go to AA.com, search for a new flight, and on the payment page, select the option to apply your flight credit. If the new flight is less expensive, the remaining balance will typically be issued as a Trip Credit.
How to contact American Airlines for flight credit help?
You can contact American Airlines for flight credit assistance by calling their Reservations or Customer Service line. The specific phone number can be found on the "Contact American" section of AA.com. Having your flight credit details ready will help them assist you more efficiently.
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