Dreaming of your next adventure? Or perhaps you've been gifted the joy of flight and now hold an American Airlines Gift Card in your hand (or inbox!)? Whatever the case, using your American Airlines Gift Card to book a flight is a straightforward process that unlocks a world of travel possibilities. Let's dive in and make that journey a reality!
Your Ultimate Guide to Using an American Airlines Gift Card
American Airlines Gift Cards are a fantastic way to pay for air travel. They're flexible, don't expire, and can be used for flights marketed by American Airlines, including those operated by American Eagle® and oneworld® airlines with an American Airlines flight number. However, there are some important nuances to keep in mind, and this guide will walk you through every step.
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| How To Use American Airlines Gift Card |
Step 1: Get Ready to Fly! (Locate Your Gift Card Information)
Before you even think about searching for flights, you need to have your gift card details ready. This is a crucial first step!
What You'll Need:
For a Physical Gift Card: Gently scratch off the grey film on the back of the card to reveal the 4-digit PIN number. You'll also need the Card Number printed on the front.
For a Virtual Gift Card: Your Card Number and PIN will be provided in the email that delivered your virtual gift card. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you can't find it! Click on the link provided in the email to retrieve these details.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your card (front and back, or the email details) and store it securely. This can be a lifesaver if you misplace your physical card or accidentally delete the email.
Step 2: Check Your Balance (Know What You're Working With)
It's always a good idea to know the exact balance on your gift card before you start planning your trip. This helps you manage your budget and know if you'll need to combine it with another payment method.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
How to Check Your American Airlines Gift Card Balance:
There are a few easy ways to do this:
Online: Visit the official American Airlines gift card website (giftcards.aa.com). Look for a "Check Balance" or "My Account" section. You'll typically enter your gift card number and PIN to view the remaining value.
By Email: You can email GiftCards@aa.com with your gift card number and PIN, and they should be able to provide your balance.
By Phone: Call the American Airlines Gift Card customer service line at 1-800-677-9555. Agents are usually available Monday through Friday during Central Time business hours.
Step 3: Chart Your Course (Find Your Perfect Flight)
Now for the exciting part – finding where your gift card can take you!
Navigating the American Airlines Website:
Visit AA.com: Open your web browser and go to the official American Airlines website:
www.aa.com Enter Your Flight Details: On the homepage, you'll see fields to enter your:
Departure City: Where you want to fly from.
Arrival City: Your desired destination.
Travel Dates: Select your preferred departure and return dates (or choose one-way).
Number of Passengers: Specify how many people will be traveling.
Search for Flights: Click the "Search" button to see available flights.
Important Considerations:
Eligible Flights: American Airlines Gift Cards are primarily for purchasing initial electronic tickets for air travel. They are redeemable for flights marketed by American Airlines, including those operated by American Eagle® and oneworld® alliance airlines, and other codeshare partners with an American Airlines flight number.
Originating in U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands: Gift cards are generally redeemable for itineraries sold and originating in these regions.
What it Covers: Your gift card can be used to purchase the base airfare and directly associated taxes, fees, and charges that are collected as part of the fare calculation.
What it Doesn't Cover (typically): Gift cards usually cannot be used for:
Upgrades
Admirals Club memberships or day passes
In-flight purchases (food, drinks, Wi-Fi)
Enhanced seat products (like Preferred Seats, though some sources suggest they can be used for Main Cabin Extra if purchased during booking)
Baggage fees (unless included in the initial fare calculation)
Pet fees
Unaccompanied minor fees
Ticketing fees for transactions processed through reservations (phone bookings may incur a fee, which needs to be paid separately)
AAdvantage® award travel taxes and fees.
Step 4: Secure Your Seat (Redeeming Your Gift Card at Checkout)
Once you've found the perfect flight, it's time to apply your gift card!
Step-by-Step Redemption:
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Select Your Flight: Choose your desired flights and proceed through the booking process.
Navigate to the Payment Screen: As you move through the checkout flow, you will eventually reach the "Review and Pay" or "Payment" section.
Choose "Gift Card" as Payment: Look for an option that says "Gift Card" or "Other forms of payment" and select it.
Enter Card Details:
You will be prompted to enter your Gift Card Number and your 4-digit PIN.
Enter these exactly as they appear on your card or in your email.
Apply the Balance: Click "Apply" or a similar button to deduct the gift card's value from your total.
Sub-heading: Using Multiple Gift Cards
Good news! You can use up to eight (8) American Airlines Gift Cards in a single online transaction to book a flight. If you have more than eight, you might need to call American Airlines Reservations for assistance.
Sub-heading: Combining with Other Payment Methods
What if your flight costs more than your gift card balance? No problem!
If the total price of the ticket exceeds the value of your gift card(s), you can easily pay the remaining balance using a credit card or debit card. The billing address for the credit/debit card must be in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands.
The system will apply your gift card balance first, and then you'll be prompted to enter your credit/debit card details for the rest.
Step 5: Confirm Your Journey (Finalizing Your Booking)
After applying your gift card and any additional payment, review all the flight details and passenger information very carefully.
Review Everything: Double-check your flight dates, times, passenger names, and all other details.
Agree to Terms and Conditions: Read and accept American Airlines' terms and conditions.
Complete Purchase: Click the final "Purchase" or "Book Now" button to finalize your reservation.
Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with your itinerary and ticket information. Keep this email safe!
Step 6: What if Plans Change? (Refunds and Unused Balances)
Life happens, and sometimes plans change. It's good to know what happens to your gift card balance in such scenarios.
Unused Portion: If the ticket price is less than the value of your gift card(s), the unused portion will remain on the original gift card. It will stay there until the balance is decreased to zero, at which time the gift card will be deactivated. So, don't discard your card if you have a remaining balance!
Cancellations and Refunds: If a ticket purchased with a gift card is canceled, any refundable portion will be returned to the original gift card. This means you'll have a credit on that same gift card for future use, subject to American Airlines' refund policies and any applicable fees or penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
Here are 10 common questions about using American Airlines Gift Cards, with quick answers:
How to check my American Airlines gift card balance?
You can check your balance online at giftcards.aa.com, by emailing GiftCards@aa.com, or by calling 1-800-677-9555.
How to use multiple American Airlines gift cards for one booking?
You can use up to eight (8) American Airlines Gift Cards in a single online transaction on aa.com.
How to use an American Airlines gift card if the flight costs more than the card's value?
If the flight cost exceeds your gift card balance, you can pay the remaining amount with a credit or debit card.
How to use an American Airlines gift card for international flights?
Yes, American Airlines Gift Cards can be used for international flights marketed by American Airlines that originate in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
How to redeem an American Airlines gift card over the phone?
You can redeem your gift card by calling American Airlines Reservations, but be aware that phone bookings may incur an additional ticketing fee.
How to use an American Airlines gift card for baggage fees or upgrades?
Generally, American Airlines Gift Cards cannot be used for separate purchases like baggage fees, seat upgrades, or in-flight purchases. They are primarily for the base airfare and associated taxes/fees within the initial ticket price.
How to get my PIN if I have a virtual American Airlines gift card?
The Card Number and PIN for a virtual gift card are provided in the email you received when the gift card was delivered.
How to know if my American Airlines gift card expires?
American Airlines Gift Cards do not expire and do not lose their value over time.
How to replace a lost or stolen American Airlines gift card?
American Airlines states they are generally not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged gift cards and they will not be replaced. It's crucial to keep your card number and PIN safe.
How to use an American Airlines gift card to book a flight for someone else?
Yes, you can use your American Airlines Gift Card to book a flight for another person. Simply enter their passenger details during the booking process and use your gift card for payment.
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