Ready to turn that American Airlines gift card into an exciting adventure? You've come to the right place! Using an American Airlines gift card online is a straightforward process, and we're going to walk you through it step-by-step. Get ready to book your next flight with ease!
Step 1: Gather Your Gift Card Information
Before you even think about searching for flights, the very first thing you need to do is have your gift card in hand (or readily accessible if it's an e-gift card).
Sub-heading: Physical Gift Cards
If you have a physical American Airlines gift card, turn it over. You'll find a card number and, importantly, a four-digit PIN number usually hidden under a scratch-off film. Gently scratch this off to reveal your PIN. Make sure you don't scratch too hard and damage the numbers!
Sub-heading: Electronic Gift Cards
For virtual or e-gift cards, you would have received an email containing your card number and PIN. Locate this email and keep it open or jot down the details. It's crucial to enter these exactly as they appear.
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| How Do I Use An American Airlines Gift Card Online |
Step 2: Navigate to the American Airlines Website
This might seem obvious, but it's an important starting point. Open your preferred web browser and go to the official American Airlines website:
Step 3: Search for Your Flight
Now comes the exciting part – finding your dream destination!
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Sub-heading: Input Your Travel Details
On the homepage, you'll see the flight search widget.* Enter the following information:
Departure City: Where you're flying from.
Arrival City: Your desired destination.
Departure Date: When you want to leave.
Return Date: When you plan to come back (if it's a round trip).
Number of Passengers: How many people will be traveling.
Travel Class: Economy, Business, First, etc.
Sub-heading: Browse and Select Your Flights
Click "Search" and American Airlines will present you with various flight options. Take your time to browse through the available flights, considering factors like price, layovers, and travel times. Once you've found the perfect itinerary, select it and proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Proceed to the Payment Page
After selecting your flights and confirming passenger details, you'll reach the payment section of the booking process. This is where your American Airlines gift card comes into play!
Sub-heading: Locate the "Other Forms of Payment" Option
On the payment screen, look for a section that typically says "Other forms of payment" or "Gift Card." Click on this option to expand it.
Sub-heading: Enter Your Gift Card Details
You'll then see fields to enter your gift card information:
Gift Card Number: Carefully enter the full card number you retrieved in Step 1.
PIN: Enter the four-digit PIN.
Double-check these numbers for accuracy. Even a single incorrect digit can lead to an error.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Step 5: Apply the Gift Card and Complete Payment
Once you've entered the details, click the "Apply" or "Redeem" button.
Sub-heading: Applying the Gift Card Balance
The value of your gift card will now be applied to your total flight cost.
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If the gift card covers the entire cost: Congratulations! Your payment is complete. You'll likely receive a confirmation email shortly.
If the gift card covers only a portion of the cost: The remaining balance will be displayed. You will then need to pay the difference using an accepted credit or debit card. Ensure the billing address for the credit card is in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands if you're combining it with a gift card.
Sub-heading: Using Multiple Gift Cards (If Applicable)
American Airlines generally allows you to use up to eight gift cards for a single online transaction. If you have multiple gift cards, you'll repeat Step 4 and 5 for each card until their combined value is applied. If you need to use more than eight, you might have to call American Airlines reservations to complete your booking.
Sub-heading: Final Review and Purchase
Before you finalize your purchase, take a moment to review all the details of your booking: flight dates, times, passenger names, and the final payment breakdown. Once everything looks correct, click the "Purchase" or "Complete Booking" button.
Step 6: Confirmation and E-ticket
Upon successful payment, you'll receive a confirmation page with your reservation details. An e-ticket confirmation will also be sent to the email address you provided. Keep this email safe, as it contains your record locator and other important travel information.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using American Airlines gift cards online, with quick answers:
How to check my American Airlines gift card balance online?
You can usually check your American Airlines gift card balance directly on the American Airlines gift card website (giftcards.aa.com) or by calling the customer service number provided on the back of the card.
How to use multiple American Airlines gift cards for one booking?
You can use up to eight American Airlines gift cards for a single online booking. Simply enter each gift card number and PIN one by one in the payment section until their combined value is applied.
How to use an American Airlines gift card if it doesn't cover the full cost of my flight?
If your gift card doesn't cover the full cost, you can pay the remaining balance using a credit or debit card.
How to ensure my American Airlines gift card is valid?
Ensure your gift card was purchased from American Airlines or an authorized retailer. Gift cards from unauthorized vendors may not be valid.
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
How to find the PIN on my American Airlines gift card?
For physical cards, the PIN is typically a four-digit number found on the back of the card, often hidden under a scratch-off film. For e-gift cards, the PIN is provided in the email you received.
How to use an American Airlines gift card for international flights?
American Airlines gift cards can be used for initial electronic ticket purchases of air travel for itineraries sold and originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, including those for international destinations on American Airlines, American Eagle, and oneworld® codeshare flights with an AA flight number.
How to use American Airlines gift cards for baggage fees or seat selection?
Yes, American Airlines gift cards can typically be used for the base airfare and directly associated taxes, fees, and charges collected as part of the fare calculation, which can include baggage fees or enhanced seat products if purchased during the initial booking process on AA.com.
How to get a refund if I cancel a flight paid with an American Airlines gift card?
If a ticket purchased with a gift card is canceled, the value (after any applicable fees) will typically be returned as a credit to the original gift card.
How long are American Airlines gift cards valid?
American Airlines gift cards generally do not expire and do not lose value over time. However, it's always a good idea to use them in a timely manner.
How to get help if I have issues using my American Airlines gift card online?
If you encounter any issues, you can contact American Airlines Gift Card customer support at 1-800-677-9555 (agents available Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Central Time) or email GiftCards@aa.com.
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