Understanding how American Airlines flight credit works can feel a bit like navigating a maze. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know, from how to get credits to how to use them for your next adventure. Let's get started!
Are you ready to unlock the value of your American Airlines flight credit?
If you've ever had a flight cancelled, changed your travel plans, or even been compensated by the airline, chances are you might have an American Airlines flight credit waiting to be used. These credits can be a fantastic way to save money on future travel, but their rules and redemption process can sometimes be a bit confusing. This guide will clarify everything, ensuring you can maximize the benefit of your credits.
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| How Does American Airlines Credit Work |
Types of American Airlines Travel Credits: Knowing the Difference
Before diving into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand that American Airlines actually has several types of travel credits. While often used interchangeably, "Flight Credit" and "Trip Credit" (and "Travel Vouchers") have distinct characteristics. Knowing which one you have is the first step towards successful redemption.
Sub-heading: Flight Credit
What it is: A Flight Credit is essentially the value of an unused ticket. It's tied directly to the original ticket number and is generally issued when you cancel a non-refundable ticket before the departure of the first segment of your itinerary. If you don't cancel, you forfeit the value.
Who can use it: This is a key distinction! Flight Credits are typically non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger whose name was on the original ticket.
What it can be used for: Flight Credits can be redeemed for the base airfare and associated taxes and fees for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle. They can also be used for flights marketed and sold by AA but operated by a codeshare or Oneworld alliance partner (look for flight numbers starting with 'AA').
Limitations: When redeeming on aa.com, Flight Credits can usually 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. They cannot be used for extras like seat assignments, baggage fees, or award travel.
Expiration: Most Flight Credits expire one year from the date the original ticket was issued, and travel using the credit must commence on or before this expiration date.
Sub-heading: Trip Credit
What it is: A Trip Credit is more flexible and can be issued for various reasons, including canceled tickets, significant flight delays, compensation from the airline, refunds, or even as the remaining value when exchanging a Flight Credit for a cheaper new ticket.
Who can use it: Unlike Flight Credits, Trip Credits are generally transferable. The Trip Credit holder can use it to book travel for anyone, not just themselves.
What it can be used for: Trip Credits can be redeemed for the base airfare and associated taxes and fees for domestic and international flights originating in the U.S. and select other countries.
Limitations: Similar to Flight Credits, Trip Credits cannot be used for additional expenses like seats or bags, or for charges associated with award travel.
Expiration: Trip Credits typically have an expiration date listed on the credit itself, usually one year from the date of issue for AAdvantage members (and often six months for non-members).
Sub-heading: Travel Voucher
What it is: Travel Vouchers are usually paper certificates issued for customer service gestures, such as when you volunteer to be bumped from an overbooked flight.
Who can use it: Travel Vouchers are generally transferable and can be used by anyone.
How to redeem: These typically cannot be redeemed online and usually require calling American Airlines Reservations.
Expiration: Travel Vouchers also have an expiration date, usually one year from the date of issue.
Step 1: Discovering Your American Airlines Flight Credit
Have you ever wondered if you have an unused credit with American Airlines? This is the crucial first step! Many people forget about credits they might have.
Sub-heading: Checking Your AAdvantage Account
If you're an AAdvantage member and provided your AAdvantage number when you originally booked your ticket, then finding your credit is usually quite simple.
Log In: Go to aa.com and log in to your AAdvantage account.
Navigate to "Travel Credit" or "Wallet": Once logged in, look for a section or link titled "Travel credit" or "Wallet" in your account summary or menu.
View Your Credits: Here, you should be able to see any active Trip Credits or Flight Credits, along with their details, including the amount and expiration date.
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
Sub-heading: Using Your Confirmation Code or Ticket Number (For Non-AAdvantage Members or Specific Credits)
If you're not an AAdvantage member, or if the credit doesn't show up in your account for some reason, you'll need your original confirmation code (also known as a Record Locator) or the 13-digit ticket number.
Locate the Information: Check the email you received when you originally booked your trip, your cancellation email, or even your credit card statement for this information. Your 13-digit flight credit ticket number will usually start with '001'.
Go to "Find Your Travel Credit": On aa.com, look for a "Find your travel credit" or "Manage trips / Check-in" option.
Enter Details: You'll be prompted to enter your last name and either the confirmation code or the 13-digit ticket number.
Access Details: After entering the information, you should be able to view the details of your Flight Credit. Make sure to copy down the 13-digit ticket number as you'll need it for redemption.
Step 2: Understanding the Fine Print – Expiration and Restrictions
Ignoring the terms and conditions is a common pitfall! Before you get excited about booking your next trip, it's absolutely vital to understand the rules associated with your specific credit.
Sub-heading: Expiration Dates Are Non-Negotiable
Flight Credit Expiration: As mentioned, Flight Credits generally require that travel must commence within one year from the original ticket's issue date. This means your first flight on the new itinerary must depart by that date.
Trip Credit Expiration: Trip Credits typically need to be booked by the expiration date, which is usually one year from the issue date of the credit.
American Airlines is generally strict about expiration dates. Don't assume you can extend them easily. It's "use it or lose it" in most cases. Set a reminder on your calendar well in advance!
Sub-heading: "Use It or Lose It"
If you have a Flight Credit that is significantly more than the cost of a domestic flight, you might be able to convert the remaining balance into a Trip Credit by booking a cheaper domestic flight with it. This can effectively extend the expiration date of the remaining value, as the new Trip Credit will have its own expiration date (usually one year from the date it's issued). However, this primarily works for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands when booked on aa.com. For international routes or more complex scenarios, you may need to call.
Sub-heading: Who Can Use It (Reiterated)
Flight Credits: Remember, only the passenger named on the original ticket can use a Flight Credit. You cannot transfer it to a friend or family member.
Trip Credits: These are much more flexible. You can use your Trip Credit to book a flight for anyone.
Sub-heading: Applicable Flights
Both Flight and Trip Credits can be used for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle.
They can also be used for flights marketed and sold by American but operated by a codeshare or Oneworld alliance partner (these flights will have an "AA" flight number).
However, they generally cannot be used for basic economy tickets (check specific fare rules as some basic economy tickets may be eligible for partial credit), or for ancillary services like seat selection, baggage fees, or upgrades.
Step 3: Redeeming Your American Airlines Flight Credit Online
The easiest way to use your credit is often directly on American Airlines' website.
Search for Your New Flight: Go to aa.com and search for your desired new itinerary. Make sure the flight is marketed and operated by American Airlines or a codeshare partner (AA flight number).
Select Your Flights: Choose your desired departure and arrival times, and confirm your itinerary.
Proceed to Payment Page: Continue through the booking process, providing passenger details and selecting seats, until you reach the "Review and pay" or payment page.
Apply Travel Credit: On the payment page, look for an option to "Add travel credit," "Apply available credits," or "Trip / Flight Credit." Click on this option.
Enter Credit Details: A new window or section will appear where you can enter your 13-digit Flight Credit ticket number.
Add the Credit: Click "Add" or "Apply" to see the credit deducted from your total.
Pay Any Remaining Balance:
If the new ticket price is higher than your Flight Credit, you'll need to pay the remaining balance using a credit card or other accepted payment method.
If your Flight Credit is more than the new ticket price, American Airlines will typically issue the remaining balance back to you as a Trip Credit. This is a valuable outcome as it gives you more flexibility and a potentially new expiration date for the leftover amount.
Complete Booking: Once the credit is applied and any remaining balance is paid, finalize your booking. You'll receive a confirmation email for your new flight.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Step 4: Redeeming Your American Airlines Flight Credit Over the Phone or at the Airport
While online redemption is convenient, there are situations where calling American Airlines Reservations or visiting an airport ticket counter is necessary.
Sub-heading: When to Call Reservations
Using Multiple Flight Credits: On aa.com, you can usually only apply one Flight Credit per passenger per reservation. If you have multiple Flight Credits you want to combine for a single booking, you'll likely need to call American Airlines Reservations.
International Travel with Flight Credit: As mentioned, Flight Credits redeemed online are often limited to flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For international travel with a Flight Credit, calling is often the only option.
Complex Scenarios: If you're encountering issues online, have specific fare rules you need clarified, or are trying to apply credits in a less common scenario, a phone agent can provide personalized assistance.
Travel Vouchers: Most paper Travel Vouchers can only be redeemed by calling Reservations.
Sub-heading: What to Have Ready When Calling
Before you call, have the following information handy to expedite the process:
Your 13-digit Flight Credit ticket number(s)
The original confirmation code for the canceled flight
Your AAdvantage number (if applicable)
Your desired new travel dates and destinations
Any other relevant information about your original booking or credit.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
While less common, you can also inquire about using your Flight Credit in person at an American Airlines ticket counter at the airport. Be prepared with all your credit details.
Step 5: Tips for Maximizing Your American Airlines Flight Credit
To ensure you get the most out of your hard-earned credit, consider these expert tips:
Sub-heading: Don't Let it Expire!
Set calendar reminders for the expiration date of your credit. Don't procrastinate!
If the expiration date is approaching and you don't have immediate travel plans, consider booking a cheap, flexible domestic flight to potentially convert the remaining value into a Trip Credit, which might have a new expiration date and more flexibility.
Sub-heading: Understand the Value
The credit represents the monetary value of your original ticket, not necessarily a free flight. You'll still need to pay any difference in fare if the new ticket is more expensive.
Sub-heading: Be Aware of Fare Differences
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
When rebooking, if the new fare is lower than your Flight Credit, the remaining balance will usually be issued as a Trip Credit. This is a good outcome!
If the new fare is higher, you'll need to pay the difference.
Sub-heading: Keep Records
Save all emails from American Airlines regarding your original booking, cancellation, and credit issuance. These emails will contain crucial information like ticket numbers and confirmation codes.
If you call American Airlines, note down the date, time, agent's name, and a summary of your conversation. This can be helpful if any discrepancies arise later.
Sub-heading: Consider Basic Economy Implications
If your original ticket was a Basic Economy fare, it might have specific restrictions regarding changes or cancellations. While some Basic Economy tickets may be eligible for partial credit upon cancellation, it's generally best to assume they are non-refundable and non-changeable after the 24-hour grace period. Always check the fare rules of your specific ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Airlines Flight Credits
Here are 10 common questions about American Airlines flight credits, answered quickly:
How to find my American Airlines flight credit number?
You can find your 13-digit flight credit ticket number (starts with '001') in the email American Airlines sent you regarding your canceled/unused ticket, or by logging into your AAdvantage account and checking your "Travel credit" or "Wallet" section.
How to use American Airlines flight credit for someone else?
You cannot use a Flight Credit for someone else; it's tied to the original passenger. However, if your remaining Flight Credit value was converted into a Trip Credit, Trip Credits can be used to book travel for anyone.
How to combine multiple American Airlines flight credits?
To combine multiple Flight Credits for a single booking, you will generally need to call American Airlines Reservations, as the website typically only allows one Flight Credit per passenger per online reservation.
How to extend an expiring American Airlines flight credit?
American Airlines generally does not extend expired flight credits. Your best bet is to use the credit to book a new flight before its expiration date. Booking a cheap domestic flight can sometimes convert the remaining value to a Trip Credit with a new expiration date.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
How to use American Airlines flight credit for international travel?
While Flight Credits can be used for international travel, if booking online via aa.com, they are often limited to flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For other international destinations, you will likely need to call American Airlines Reservations to apply the credit.
How to tell the difference between Flight Credit and Trip Credit?
A Flight Credit is the value of an unused original ticket, tied to the original passenger. A Trip Credit is more flexible, often issued as remaining value or compensation, and can be used for anyone. Check the email or your AAdvantage "Wallet" for the specific type.
How to use American Airlines flight credit for baggage or seat selection?
American Airlines Flight Credits (and Trip Credits) generally cannot be used to pay for extras like baggage fees, seat selection, or upgrades. They are typically only applicable to the base airfare and associated taxes.
How to check the balance of my American Airlines flight credit?
You can check the balance by logging into your AAdvantage account and navigating to "Travel credit" or "Wallet," or by using the "Find your travel credit" tool on aa.com with your last name and confirmation code/ticket number.
How to get a refund instead of an American Airlines flight credit?
Generally, non-refundable tickets will result in a flight credit if canceled outside of the 24-hour free cancellation window. Refunds to the original form of payment are typically only issued for refundable tickets or in cases of significant airline-initiated schedule changes or cancellations.
How to apply a flight credit if the new flight costs less?
If your new flight costs less than your Flight Credit, American Airlines will typically issue the remaining balance back to you as a Trip Credit. This new Trip Credit will have its own expiration date and can usually be used for future bookings for anyone.
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