Understanding American Airlines Flight Credit Types
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand that American Airlines has different types of travel credits, each with slightly varying rules. Knowing which one you have will help you navigate the process. The main types are:
Flight Credit: This is typically issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight. It's usually tied to the original passenger's name and the original ticket number. The travel must generally be completed within one year from the original ticket's issue date.
Trip Credit: Often given as compensation (e.g., for an involuntary schedule change, delay, or as a refund for a cheaper exchanged ticket). Trip Credits are generally more flexible than Flight Credits, often allowing you to book travel for anyone, not just the original passenger. They also have an expiration date, which you'll need to note.
Travel Voucher: Less common now, these were sometimes issued as paper vouchers. They can typically be used to book travel for anyone and have an expiration date.
The good news? The process for viewing them is largely similar, but applying them will depend on the type. This guide will primarily focus on Flight Credits and Trip Credits as they are the most common digital forms.
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| How To View Flight Credit American Airlines |
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Viewing American Airlines Flight Credit
Let's get started and retrieve that valuable flight credit!
Step 1: Identify Your Starting Point - Do You Have an AAdvantage Account?
Hold on a second! Before you click anything, consider this: Are you an AAdvantage member? Did you include your AAdvantage number in your original booking?
If YES, you're in luck! Your credits are likely linked to your account, making them easier to track.
If NO, don't worry! You'll just need a bit more specific information from your original booking.
Knowing this will dictate the easiest path forward.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Information
Regardless of whether you're an AAdvantage member or not, having the following information handy will significantly speed up the process:
Your 6-Character Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a unique code assigned to your original booking. You can usually find it in your booking confirmation email or cancellation email.
Your 13-Digit Ticket Number (Starting with '001'): This is another unique identifier for your ticket. It's also found in your confirmation or cancellation email.
Your Last Name: As it appeared on the original booking.
Your Email Address: The one used for the original booking.
Pro-Tip: Search your email inbox for "American Airlines confirmation" or "American Airlines cancellation." These emails are your best friends in this process!
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Step 3: Accessing Your Flight Credit Online
American Airlines offers a couple of primary ways to view your flight credit online, depending on your AAdvantage status.
Sub-heading: For AAdvantage Members (The Easiest Route!)
If you're an AAdvantage member and your credit is linked to your account:
Go to AA.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official American Airlines website:
www.aa.com Log In to Your AAdvantage Account: Look for the "Log In" button, usually in the top right corner of the homepage. Enter your AAdvantage number or username and password.
Navigate to "Travel Credit" or "Wallet": Once logged in, you'll typically find a menu option like "Travel credit," "My Wallet," or "Account Summary." Click on this.
View Your Available Credits: Here, you should see a list of your available Trip Credits and Flight Credits, along with their values and expiration dates. Look for details like "View details" to get the full information, including the associated ticket numbers.
Sub-heading: For Non-AAdvantage Members or Unlinked Credits
If you're not an AAdvantage member, or if your credit isn't showing up in your account for some reason, you can still check it directly:
Go to AA.com: Visit
www.aa.com Go to "Manage trips / Check-in": On the homepage, locate and click on the "Manage trips / Check-in" section. This is usually a prominent link.
Select "View travel credits": Within the "Manage trips / Check-in" section, you should see an option specifically for "View travel credits" or "Find your travel credit." Click on this.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your last name and either your 6-character confirmation code or your 13-digit ticket number.
Click "Find your trip" or "Find credit": After entering the required information, click the button to retrieve your credit details.
View Your Available Travel Credit: If found, your available travel credit and its balance will be displayed. Make a note of the credit number and expiration date.
Step 4: Understanding Your Flight Credit Details
Once you've successfully viewed your credit, take a moment to understand the information presented:
Type of Credit: Is it a "Flight Credit," "Trip Credit," or "Travel Voucher"? This determines how it can be used.
Value: The monetary amount of your credit.
Expiration Date: This is critical! American Airlines flight credits typically expire one year from the original ticket issue date. For Trip Credits, the expiration date will be clearly stated. Mark this date in your calendar!
Original Ticket Number/Confirmation Code: Keep these numbers handy as you'll likely need them when you go to apply the credit to a new booking.
Applicability: Note any restrictions, such as whether it can only be used by the original passenger (common for Flight Credits) or if it can be used for anyone (common for Trip Credits). Also, remember that credits usually apply only to the base fare and taxes, not extras like seat selection or baggage fees.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Step 5: When Online Isn't Enough: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
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Sometimes, despite following all the steps, you might encounter issues:
"Invalid Ticket" or "Credit Not Found" errors.
You can't locate your confirmation code or ticket number.
You have multiple credits you want to combine (which often requires agent assistance).
You need clarification on specific terms and conditions for your credit.
You believe your credit should be extended (though this is rare and discretionary).
In these scenarios, the best course of action is to call American Airlines Customer Service.
Have your information ready: Even if you couldn't find your credit online, provide the agent with as much detail as possible (your name, email, dates of original travel, approximate booking date, etc.). They have advanced tools to locate your credit.
Be patient and polite: Customer service representatives are there to help, and a courteous approach always yields the best results.
Ask for an email confirmation: Once the agent confirms your credit details, always ask them to send you an email summarizing the credit amount, expiration date, and any relevant terms. This provides you with a written record.
Important Considerations for American Airlines Flight Credits
Expiration Dates Are Firm (Mostly): Flight credits typically have a strict expiration date, which is often one year from the original ticket issuance date. While extensions are rare, it never hurts to inquire with customer service if you have elite status or truly exceptional circumstances.
Non-Transferable (Generally): Most Flight Credits are tied to the original passenger and cannot be transferred to another person. Trip Credits, however, are often more flexible in this regard. Always confirm the specific rules for your credit type.
Not for Ancillary Fees: Remember, flight credits are usually for the base airfare and government-imposed taxes and fees. They generally cannot be used for baggage fees, seat assignments, upgrades, or other ancillary services.
Booking with Multiple Credits: While you can often use one Flight Credit or up to eight Trip Credits online for a single booking, if you have multiple Flight Credits you wish to combine for one new flight, you will almost certainly need to call American Airlines Reservations for assistance.
Basic Economy Restrictions: Be aware that Basic Economy tickets often have the most restrictive rules regarding changes, cancellations, and credits. If your original ticket was Basic Economy, thoroughly check its specific terms.
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to view and understand your American Airlines flight credit, putting you one step closer to booking your next flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check the Expiration Date of My American Airlines Flight Credit?
You can check the expiration date by logging into your AAdvantage account and navigating to "Travel credit" or "My Wallet." If you're not an AAdvantage member, use the "Manage trips / Check-in" section on aa.com and select "View travel credits," entering your last name and confirmation or ticket number. The expiration date will be clearly displayed with your credit details.
How to Apply My American Airlines Flight Credit to a New Booking?
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
When you're ready to book a new flight on aa.com, proceed to the payment screen. You will see an option to "Add travel credit" or "Apply available credits." Select the type of credit you have (Flight Credit or Trip Credit) and enter the required details (ticket number, confirmation code, or credit number). The credit's value will then be applied to your new flight.
How to Find My Original American Airlines Confirmation Code or Ticket Number?
Your 6-character confirmation code (record locator) and 13-digit ticket number are typically found in the original booking confirmation email American Airlines sent you. Also, check any cancellation emails you received. If you still can't find them, calling American Airlines customer service with your name and original flight details can help them locate it for you.
How to Combine Multiple American Airlines Flight Credits?
While American Airlines allows using multiple Trip Credits online (up to eight), combining multiple Flight Credits for a single new reservation usually requires calling American Airlines Reservations. An agent can assist you in applying all eligible flight credits to your new booking.
How to Use American Airlines Flight Credit for Someone Else?
Generally, American Airlines Flight Credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, Trip Credits are often more flexible and can be used to book travel for anyone. Always check the specific terms of your credit or contact American Airlines for clarification.
How to Extend an Expired American Airlines Flight Credit?
American Airlines flight credits typically have firm expiration dates (usually one year from the original ticket issue date). Extensions are rare and generally granted only in exceptional circumstances or for elite AAdvantage members. It's best to call customer service to inquire, but be prepared that an extension may not be possible.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
How to Find Lost American Airlines Flight Credit Information?
If you've lost your flight credit information (confirmation code, ticket number), first check your email for original booking confirmations or cancellation notices. If you still can't find it, contact American Airlines customer service. Provide them with your full name, original flight date, and destination, and they can often look up your credit details.
How to Tell the Difference Between American Airlines Flight Credit and Trip Credit?
A Flight Credit is usually issued when you cancel a non-refundable ticket and is tied to the original passenger and ticket. A Trip Credit is often issued as compensation (e.g., for a canceled flight or a fare difference refund) and is generally more flexible, allowing use by others. When viewing your credit online or speaking with an agent, the type will usually be specified.
How to Use American Airlines Flight Credit for Baggage or Seats?
American Airlines Flight Credits and Trip Credits are typically only applicable towards the base airfare and associated taxes and fees of a new flight. They generally cannot be used to cover additional costs such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, or upgrades.
How to Redeem an American Airlines Travel Voucher?
If you have an older Travel Voucher (which might be a physical voucher), the redemption process can sometimes differ slightly from digital Flight or Trip Credits. You may need to call American Airlines Reservations to redeem a travel voucher, as online redemption for these specific types might be limited.
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