You've found yourself with an American Airlines credit, and now you're wondering, "How do I actually see it? What kind of credit is it? And how do I use it for my next adventure?" You're not alone! Navigating airline credits can sometimes feel like a puzzle. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through it step-by-step.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about viewing your American Airlines credit, understanding its different types, and how to put it to good use. Let's get started!
How to View Your American Airlines Credit: A Step-by-Step Guide
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| How To View American Airlines Credit |
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Information – Let's Get Organized!
Before you dive into the American Airlines website or pick up the phone, it's crucial to have some key details at your fingertips. This will make the process much smoother and faster.
Your Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-character code (a mix of letters) that was on your original booking confirmation email or boarding pass. It's unique to your reservation.
Your 13-Digit Ticket Number: This number usually starts with "001" for American Airlines tickets. You'll find it in your original booking email, cancellation email, or sometimes on your credit card statement for the original purchase.
Your Last Name: Ensure you use the exact last name (or names, if applicable) as it appeared on your original booking. Avoid special characters.
Your AAdvantage® Number (if applicable): If you're an AAdvantage® member and your number was linked to your original booking, logging into your account can often simplify the process significantly.
Pro-Tip: Dig through your email! Your confirmation and cancellation emails are goldmines for these crucial pieces of information. If you can't find them, check your spam or junk folders.
Step 2: Choose Your Viewing Method – Online or By Phone
American Airlines offers a couple of primary ways to view your flight credit. We'll explore both so you can pick the one that's most convenient for you.
Sub-heading 2.1: Viewing Your Credit Online (Recommended for Most Cases)
This is often the quickest and most straightforward method, especially if you have your details handy.
Sub-heading 2.1.1: For AAdvantage® Members:
Go to the American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and navigate to
www.aa.com.Log In to Your AAdvantage® Account: In the top right corner of the homepage, click on "Log in" and enter your AAdvantage® number or username and password.
Navigate to "Your Trips" or "Travel Credit": Once logged in, look for a section like "Your trips" or directly "Travel credit" in your account summary or a dropdown menu.
View Your Available Credits: Here, you should see a list of any active Trip Credits or Flight Credits associated with your account. You'll typically see the amount and expiration date. Click "View details" for more specific information about each credit.
Sub-heading 2.1.2: For Non-AAdvantage® Members or Specific Credit Lookup:
Go to the American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.aa.com.Find "Manage Trips / Check-in": On the homepage, locate the "Manage trips / Check-in" section.
Select "View travel credits": You'll often find a link or tab specifically for "View travel credits" or "Find your trip or travel credit." Click on this.
Enter Your Details: You will be prompted to enter your last name and either your 6-character confirmation code OR your 13-digit ticket number.
Click "Find your trip": The system will then attempt to locate your credit. If successful, you'll see the details of your available credit, including its type, value, and expiration date.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Sub-heading 2.2: Viewing Your Credit by Phone (When Online Isn't Working or You Need Assistance)
Sometimes, for various reasons (system glitches, complex credit types, or simply preference), calling American Airlines directly is the best approach.
Locate the Customer Service Number: The general American Airlines customer service number can be found on their website, typically under "Contact American" or "Customer Service." For U.S. customers, it's often 1-800-433-7300.
Have Your Information Ready: Before you call, ensure you have all the essential information from Step 1 readily available.
Explain Your Request: When you connect with an agent, clearly state that you need to check the status and details of your flight or travel credit. Provide your last name and either the confirmation code or ticket number.
Ask Specific Questions: Don't hesitate to ask about the type of credit, its exact expiration date, and any restrictions on its use (e.g., who can use it, what it can be applied towards).
Important Note: If the website shows errors or "invalid ticket," contacting customer service is highly recommended. Sometimes, system issues prevent online visibility, and an agent can manually verify your credit.
Step 3: Understand Your Credit Type – Not All Credits Are Created Equal!
American Airlines issues different types of travel credits, and understanding which one you have is crucial, as their terms and conditions vary.
Sub-heading 3.1: Flight Credit
What it is: This is typically issued when you cancel a non-refundable ticket yourself through a channel other than aa.com (e.g., calling customer service).
Key Characteristics:
Non-transferable: Generally, only the passenger named on the original ticket can use a Flight Credit.
Redemption: Can often be applied online for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. For international flights or if you want to use more than one Flight Credit, you might need to call Reservations.
Expiration: Travel using a Flight Credit must begin within one year from the original ticket date.
Sub-heading 3.2: Trip Credit
What it is: Issued when you cancel a ticket on aa.com or the American Airlines app, or as compensation for significant delays, cancellations by the airline, or remaining value when exchanging tickets.
Key Characteristics:
More Flexible: A Trip Credit holder can often book travel for anyone, not just themselves.
Redemption: Can be used online for domestic and international flights originating in the U.S. You can often combine up to eight Trip Credits in a single online transaction for up to nine passengers.
Expiration: For Trip Credit issued on or after April 2, 2024, AAdvantage® members have 12 months to use their Trip Credit, while non-AAdvantage® members have 6 months. Travel must be booked by the expiration date.
Sub-heading 3.3: Travel Voucher
What it is: Often issued as compensation for various reasons, such as oversold flights (denied boarding compensation) or other customer service situations.
Key Characteristics:
Highly Flexible: Can generally be used to book travel for anyone and may even be applicable to extras like baggage fees or upgrades (always verify the specific terms of your voucher).
Expiration: Typically valid for one year from the issue date, but always check the specific voucher terms.
Remember: Always review the specific terms and conditions associated with your individual credit, as rules can occasionally vary based on when and why the credit was issued.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Step 4: Redeeming Your American Airlines Credit – Booking Your Next Flight!
Once you've confirmed your credit and understand its type, it's time to put it to use!
Sub-heading 4.1: Online Redemption
Search for Your New Flight: Go to
aa.comand search for the flight you wish to book, just as you normally would.Proceed to Payment Page: Select your desired flight(s), enter passenger details, and continue to the "Review and pay" screen.
Apply Your Travel Credit: On the payment page, look for an option like "Add travel credit" or "Apply available credits."
Enter Credit Details: You'll be prompted to enter your 13-digit Trip Credit or Flight Credit ticket number. If you have a Trip Credit, you may be able to apply multiple.
Review and Pay Remaining Balance: The system will apply the credit value. If the new ticket price is higher than your credit, you'll need to pay the remaining balance using another payment method (credit card, AAdvantage® miles, etc.). If the credit is more than the new ticket price, American Airlines will typically issue a new Trip Credit for the remaining balance.
Confirm Your Booking: Once everything looks correct, confirm your new reservation. You'll receive a confirmation email.
Sub-heading 4.2: Phone Redemption
If you need to use more than one Flight Credit, or if your travel involves complex itineraries, international destinations not supported by online redemption, or partner airlines, calling American Airlines Reservations is usually necessary.
Book a New Trip (or Hold a Reservation): You can search for your desired flights online and then use the "Hold" option (if available) before proceeding to payment. This secures your fare while you call.
Call American Airlines Reservations: Dial their customer service number.
Inform the Agent: Tell the agent you want to use a flight/travel credit to book your new trip. Provide your credit details (ticket number or confirmation code) and the details of the flight you wish to book.
Complete the Booking: The agent will assist you in applying the credit and processing any remaining payment.
Crucial Reminder: Flight credits generally cannot be used for extras like seats, upgrades, or bags. Always check the specific terms of your credit.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, structured as "How to" questions, with quick answers to help you further:
How to check American Airlines flight credit expiration date?
The expiration date is usually listed on the email where your credit information was provided. For AAdvantage® members, it's also visible in your online account under "Travel credit." You can also confirm by calling American Airlines customer service.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
How to use multiple American Airlines flight credits for one booking?
For Flight Credits, you can generally only use one per passenger online. To use more than one Flight Credit, you will typically need to call American Airlines Reservations. For Trip Credits, you can often combine up to eight online.
How to transfer American Airlines flight credit to another person?
Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger named on the original ticket. Trip Credits, however, can often be used by the holder to book travel for anyone.
How to apply American Airlines credit to a Basic Economy fare?
If your credit type allows it, you can apply it to a Basic Economy fare. However, remember that Basic Economy fares have significant restrictions and are generally non-changeable and non-refundable once booked, even if using a credit.
How to find my American Airlines ticket number if I lost the email?
You can try logging into your AAdvantage® account if the original booking was linked. Otherwise, call American Airlines customer service; they can often locate it using your name, original flight details, and potentially your credit card used for the original purchase.
How to get a refund instead of an American Airlines flight credit?
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Refunds are generally only issued for refundable tickets or in specific circumstances such as significant schedule changes or cancellations by American Airlines. If you canceled a non-refundable ticket, you typically receive a flight or trip credit, not a cash refund.
How to combine American Airlines Trip Credit and Flight Credit?
Generally, you cannot combine Trip Credit and Flight Credit in the same booking. They are distinct types of credits with different rules.
How to use American Airlines credit for flights on partner airlines?
Flight Credit is generally redeemable for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines, American Eagle®, or flights marketed and sold by American but operated by its codeshare or oneworld® partners (flights with an AA* flight number). For some uses, especially with broader partner redemptions, you might need to call Reservations.
How to use American Airlines credit for extras like seats or bags?
Travel credits (both Flight and Trip Credits) are typically only applicable toward the base airfare and associated taxes/fees of a new ticket. They generally cannot be used for extras like preferred seats, baggage fees, or upgrades. Travel Vouchers may offer more flexibility, so check their specific terms.
How to extend an expired American Airlines flight credit?
In most cases, expired American Airlines flight or trip credits cannot be extended or reinstated. It's crucial to use them before their expiration date. Elite AAdvantage® members may have very rare exceptions or grace periods in specific circumstances, but this is not a general policy.
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