Traveling is exciting, but sometimes plans change, and you find yourself with American Airlines travel credits. The good news is that these credits can be a fantastic way to save on future flights! However, navigating the rules for using them, especially multiple credits, can sometimes feel a bit like cracking a code. But don't worry, we're here to make it crystal clear for you.
Let's dive into how many travel credits you can typically use on American Airlines and the best way to apply them.
Step 1: Understand Your American Airlines Travel Credit Types - Are you ready to unlock your savings?
Before you even think about booking, it's crucial to understand that American Airlines has different types of travel credits, and each comes with its own set of rules. This is where many people get tripped up, so pay close attention!
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Flight Credit (also known as a "Future Flight Credit"):
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Issued for: Unused or canceled tickets. Think of it as the value of your old ticket.
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Who can use it: Generally, only the passenger named on the original ticket. This is a key restriction.
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Maximum per reservation (online): One Flight Credit per passenger when booking on aa.com. If you have more than one Flight Credit you want to use for a single passenger, you'll likely need to contact American Airlines Reservations.
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Validity: Travel must begin within one year from the original ticket date.
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Cannot be used for: Extras like seats, bags, or upgrades.
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Trip Credit:
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Issued for: Canceled tickets, significant delays, compensation, refunds, or remaining value when exchanging tickets. These are often more flexible.
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Who can use it: The Trip Credit holder can book travel for anyone (not just themselves). This offers much more flexibility!
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Maximum per reservation (online): Up to eight Trip Credits for up to nine passengers when booked on aa.com. If you're booking for more than nine passengers or have more than eight Trip Credits, you'll need to call Reservations.
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Validity: Valid until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on the date listed on the Trip Credit. For AAdvantage members, if issued on or after April 2, 2024, and your AAdvantage number was included, you have 12 months. Non-AAdvantage members have 6 months.
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Cannot be used for: Extras like seats or bags.
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Travel Voucher:
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Issued for: These are often paper vouchers or electronic credits for various reasons, such as volunteering to give up a seat or as goodwill compensation.
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Who can use it: The Travel Voucher holder can book travel for anyone.
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Maximum per reservation: Up to eight vouchers.
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Validity: Typically one year from the date issued.
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Cannot be used for: Extras like seat upgrades or baggage fees.
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Key takeaway: The type of credit you have dictates who can use it and how many you can apply online. Always check your specific credit details.
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| How Many Travel Credits Can I Use On American Airlines |
Step 2: Locate Your Travel Credit Information - Don't lose track of your valuable credits!
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Before you can apply your credits, you need to find them and have the necessary information handy.
Sub-heading: For AAdvantage Members (Recommended Method!)
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Log in: Go to aa.com and log in to your AAdvantage account.
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Navigate: Look for a "Travel credit" or "Your Wallet" section within your account.
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View Details: Here, you'll typically see a summary of your available Trip Credit and Flight Credit, including their numbers and expiration dates. This is by far the easiest way to manage your credits.
Sub-heading: For Non-AAdvantage Members or Specific Credits
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Check your email: When a credit is issued, American Airlines usually sends an email with the details. Look for emails with subjects like "Your Trip Credit" or information related to your canceled flight.
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Confirmation code or ticket number: For Flight Credits, you'll often need your original confirmation code (Record Locator) or the 13-digit ticket number. This number usually starts with '001'.
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American Airlines Travel Credit Lookup Tool: On aa.com, there's often a tool where you can input your last name and confirmation code/ticket number to find your travel credit details.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot or write down the credit numbers and expiration dates once you find them.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Step 3: Booking Your New Flight with Travel Credits - Time to redeem and fly!
Now that you know what kind of credits you have and where to find their details, let's get to booking your new trip.
Sub-heading: Booking Online at AA.com (The Most Common Way)
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Search for your flight: Go to aa.com and search for the new flight you wish to book, just as you normally would. Select your preferred itinerary.
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Proceed to payment: Continue through the booking process until you reach the "Review and Pay" page.
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Apply available credits: On this page, you'll see an option to "Apply available credits" or "Add travel credit." Click on this option.
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Enter credit details: A pop-up or new section will appear where you can enter the details of your Trip Credit or Flight Credit (e.g., the 13-digit number).
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For Trip Credit: You can typically enter multiple Trip Credits here, up to the maximum of eight per reservation for up to nine passengers.
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For Flight Credit: You can usually only apply one Flight Credit per passenger online. If you need to use more than one Flight Credit for a single passenger, or if the Flight Credit is tied to an international fare with complex rules, you will likely need to call American Airlines Reservations.
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Review and pay balance: Once you've applied your credits, the total cost of your new ticket will be reduced by the credit amount. If there's a remaining balance, you'll need to pay it using a credit card or another accepted payment method.
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Complete booking: Finalize your booking. You'll receive a confirmation email with your new flight details.
Sub-heading: Booking Over the Phone (When You Have Multiple Flight Credits or Complex Situations)
If you have multiple Flight Credits for a single passenger or are encountering issues applying your credits online, calling American Airlines Reservations is your best bet.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
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Gather your information: Have all your travel credit numbers, confirmation codes, and personal details ready before you call.
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Explain your situation: Clearly explain to the agent that you wish to book a flight and apply multiple travel credits. Specify the type of credits you have (Flight Credit, Trip Credit, or Travel Voucher).
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Agent assistance: The agent will guide you through the process, applying your credits manually. They can often combine credits that the online system might not allow.
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Confirm details: Before the call ends, ensure that all your credits have been applied correctly and verify the remaining balance and new itinerary.
Important Note: Travel credits typically cannot be used to pay for ancillary services like seat selection, baggage fees, Wi-Fi, or in-flight purchases. These usually require separate payment.
Step 4: What Happens If Your New Ticket is Cheaper or More Expensive?
Sub-heading: If Your New Ticket is Cheaper Than Your Credit
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For Trip Credit: The remaining value will usually be issued as a new Trip Credit, with its own expiration date.
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For Flight Credit: If the new ticket price is less than the value of your Flight Credit, the remaining value will generally be issued as a new Flight Credit or a Trip Credit, depending on American Airlines' policy at the time of reissuance. It's always best to clarify with the airline when this happens.
Sub-heading: If Your New Ticket is More Expensive Than Your Credit
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
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You will simply pay the remaining balance using a credit card or other valid form of payment.
Step 5: Keeping Track of Expiration Dates - Don't let your hard-earned credit go to waste!
This is crucial! Travel credits have expiration dates, and American Airlines is generally very strict about not extending them once they've passed.
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Mark your calendar: As soon as you receive a travel credit, note its expiration date. Set reminders!
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AAdvantage Account: If you're an AAdvantage member, regularly check the "Travel credit" section in your account. The expiration dates are clearly listed there.
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Use it or lose it: Make it a point to use your credits well before they expire.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to use your American Airlines travel credits effectively and ensure you get the most value out of them. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to American Airlines travel credits, with quick answers:
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How to check my American Airlines travel credit balance?
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Quick Answer: Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com and navigate to the "Travel credit" section, or use the "Find your travel credit" tool on their website with your confirmation code or ticket number.
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How to use multiple Flight Credits for one passenger on American Airlines?
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Quick Answer: While you can typically only use one Flight Credit per passenger online at aa.com, you will likely need to call American Airlines Reservations to apply more than one Flight Credit to a single booking for one passenger.
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How to combine different types of American Airlines travel credits (e.g., Flight Credit and Trip Credit)?
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Quick Answer: Combining different types of credits (Flight and Trip) for a single passenger or booking can be complex and often requires calling American Airlines Reservations for assistance, as the online system may not always allow it.
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How to apply a Travel Voucher to my American Airlines booking?
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Quick Answer: You can apply Travel Vouchers online on the "Review and Pay" page by selecting the "Add travel credit" option and entering your voucher details, or by contacting American Airlines Reservations.
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How to use American Airlines travel credits for someone else?
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Quick Answer: Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers can generally be used to book travel for anyone. Flight Credits are typically non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger named on the original ticket.
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How to extend the expiration date of an American Airlines travel credit?
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Quick Answer: American Airlines generally has a strict policy against extending expired travel credits. It's crucial to use them before their listed expiration date.
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How to use American Airlines travel credits for ancillary services like bags or seat selection?
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Quick Answer: American Airlines travel credits (Flight, Trip, and Travel Vouchers) can generally only be used for the base airfare and associated taxes/fees for a flight, not for extras like baggage fees, seat selection, or upgrades.
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How to get a refund for an unused American Airlines travel credit?
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Quick Answer: Travel credits are typically non-refundable for cash. Their value can only be applied towards future American Airlines flights.
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How to find the original ticket number associated with my American Airlines Flight Credit?
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Quick Answer: The 13-digit ticket number for a Flight Credit can usually be found in the cancellation email you received from American Airlines or by logging into your AAdvantage account and checking your available travel credits.
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How to book a Basic Economy flight using American Airlines travel credits?
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Quick Answer: Yes, American Airlines travel credits can typically be used to book Basic Economy flights. The redemption process is the same as for other fare types; just select the Basic Economy option when searching for your flight.
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