Tired of wondering if that canceled American Airlines flight left you with a valuable credit? You're not alone! Many travelers find themselves in this exact situation, and navigating the world of airline credits can feel like cracking a secret code. But fear not, because this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of checking your American Airlines flight credit, ensuring you don't leave any money on the table. Let's dive in and unlock those travel possibilities!
Understanding American Airlines Flight Credits
Before we get to the "how-to," let's quickly clarify what a flight credit is. When you cancel a non-refundable American Airlines flight (or if American Airlines cancels your flight), you might be issued a flight credit or a trip credit instead of a refund to your original form of payment.
Flight Credits: These are typically tied to the original ticket number and can generally only be used by the original passenger for future air travel on American Airlines or its codeshare/oneworld partners. The travel usually needs to begin within one year of the original ticket's issue date.
Trip Credits: These are often more flexible. They can be used to book travel for anyone, not just the original passenger, and can sometimes be applied to a wider range of services (though usually still primarily flights). They also often have a set expiration date from the date of issue.
It's crucial to understand which type of credit you have, as the redemption process and flexibility can differ. Often, if you cancel a flight on aa.com, you'll receive a Trip Credit. If you cancel through other channels or have an unused ticket, it might be a Flight Credit.
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Information – The Key to Unlocking Your Credit!
Before you even open your browser or pick up the phone, take a moment to locate some crucial pieces of information. This will make the entire process smoother and prevent unnecessary frustration.
Original Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-digit alphanumeric code (e.g., JCQNHD) that you received when you originally booked your flight. It's usually found in your confirmation email.
13-Digit Ticket Number: This is a unique 13-digit number that typically starts with '001' for American Airlines. You can find it in your original booking confirmation email, your cancellation email (if applicable), or sometimes on your credit card statement.
Passenger Last Name(s): The last name(s) of the passenger(s) on the original booking.
AAdvantage® Account Details (If Applicable): If you are an AAdvantage® member and your membership number was linked to the original booking, logging into your account is often the easiest way to check your credit. Have your username and password ready.
Pro Tip: If you can't find your confirmation code or ticket number, don't panic! Check your email inbox thoroughly for any American Airlines correspondence related to your canceled trip.
Step 2: Choose Your Method – Online, Account, or Phone
American Airlines offers a few convenient ways to check your flight credit. We'll explore each in detail, so you can pick the one that best suits your situation.
Sub-heading 2.1: Checking Online (Recommended for Non-AAdvantage Members or Specific Credits)
This is a great option if you're not an AAdvantage® member or if you want to specifically look up a credit using a confirmation code or ticket number.
Action 2.1.1: Navigate to the American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and go to the official American Airlines website:
www.aa.com Action 2.1.2: Locate "Manage Trips / Check-in": On the homepage, look for a section or menu option typically labeled "Manage trips / Check-in" or similar. It's usually quite prominent.
Action 2.1.3: Select "Find Your Trip" or "View Travel Credits": Within the "Manage trips" section, you'll likely see an option like "Find your trip" or "View travel credits." Click on "View travel credits" directly if available, as it's the most direct path.
Action 2.1.4: Enter Your Details: You will be prompted to enter:
The last name of one of the passengers on the original booking.
Either your 6-digit confirmation code (Record Locator) OR your 13-digit ticket number.
Action 2.1.5: Submit and View: Click the "Find your trip" or "Submit" button. If the details are correct, you should then see information about your available flight credit, including its value and expiration date.
Pay close attention to any details about the credit type (Flight Credit vs. Trip Credit) and its specific terms.
Sub-heading 2.2: Accessing Through Your AAdvantage® Account (Easiest for Members)
If you're an AAdvantage® member and your account was linked to the original booking, this is often the most straightforward method.
Action 2.2.1: Log In to Your AAdvantage® Account: Go to
www.aa.com Action 2.2.2: Navigate to "Travel Credit" or "Wallet": Once logged in, look for a section in your account summary or profile menu that says "Travel credit," "Wallet," or "My Wallet." This is where American Airlines consolidates your available credits.
Action 2.2.3: View Your Available Credits: Clicking on "Travel credit" or "Wallet" should display any active Trip Credits or Flight Credits associated with your AAdvantage® account. You'll see the type of credit, its value, and its expiration details.
Important Note: Not all credits automatically appear in your AAdvantage® wallet, especially if your number wasn't on the original booking or if it's an older credit. If you don't see it here, try the "Checking Online" method or contact customer service.
Sub-heading 2.3: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service (For Complex Cases or Assistance)
Sometimes, the online tools might not provide the information you need, or you might have a more complex scenario (e.g., multiple credits, questions about combining them, or if you can't find your original details). In these cases, a quick call to customer service is your best bet.
Action 2.3.1: Locate the Customer Service Number: The primary American Airlines Reservations number is +1 (800) 433-7300 (for calls within the U.S. and Canada). You can also find international numbers on the American Airlines website under "Contact American."
Action 2.3.2: Prepare Your Information: Have all the details you gathered in Step 1 ready: confirmation code, ticket number, and passenger last name. This will help the agent assist you quickly.
Action 2.3.3: Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you are calling to "check the balance and expiration date of a flight credit" or "check for a travel credit from a canceled flight." Provide the agent with the necessary information when prompted.
Action 2.3.4: Note Down Details: Always make sure to write down the credit amount, expiration date, and any specific terms or conditions mentioned by the agent. You might also ask for the credit's identification number for future reference.
Step 3: Understanding Your Flight Credit Details and Redemption
Once you've successfully checked your credit, it's crucial to understand what you can do with it.
Sub-heading 3.1: Key Information to Note
Credit Value: The monetary amount of your credit.
Expiration Date: This is critical. Flight credits generally expire. For Flight Credits, travel typically must begin by one year from the original ticket issue date. Trip Credits have a specific expiration date from the date they were issued. Mark this date in your calendar! American Airlines usually doesn't extend expired credits.
Credit Type: Is it a "Flight Credit" or a "Trip Credit"? This impacts who can use it and how.
Original Passenger Name (for Flight Credits): Remember, Flight Credits are usually non-transferable and can only be used by the person named on the original ticket.
Restrictions: Note if there are any restrictions on where the credit can be used (e.g., domestic travel only for online redemption, or specific routing).
Sub-heading 3.2: How to Apply Your Flight Credit
When you're ready to book a new flight with your credit:
Online Redemption: When searching for new flights on aa.com, proceed to the payment screen. You will typically see an option to "Apply travel credit" or "Add travel credit." Click this, enter your flight credit or trip credit details (usually the 13-digit number or the confirmation code if using a trip credit associated with a specific record), and the credit will be applied.
If the new flight costs more, you'll pay the difference with another payment method.
If the new flight costs less, the remaining balance will often be issued as a new Trip Credit.
Via Phone: If you have multiple flight credits, or a complex itinerary, or if you encounter issues online, call American Airlines Reservations. Inform the agent you wish to book a flight and apply your existing flight credit(s).
Remember: Travel credits typically cannot be used for extras like seat assignments, baggage fees, upgrades, or other ancillary services. They are primarily for the base airfare and associated taxes and fees.
Final Thoughts and Planning Your Next Adventure
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of how to check your American Airlines flight credit, you're one step closer to your next adventure! Don't let those credits go to waste. Keep track of their expiration dates and start planning your next trip. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code?
You can find your 6-digit confirmation code (also called a Record Locator) in your original flight booking confirmation email or on your boarding pass. If you're an AAdvantage member, it might also be listed under "Your trips" when you log into your account.
How to locate my 13-digit American Airlines ticket number?
Your 13-digit ticket number, which always starts with '001' for American Airlines, can be found in your original booking confirmation email, your cancellation email, or sometimes on your credit card statement for the purchase.
How to know if my American Airlines credit is a Flight Credit or a Trip Credit?
Flight Credits are typically tied to a specific unused ticket number and the original passenger, while Trip Credits are usually issued for canceled flights on aa.com and are more flexible, often usable by anyone. The email you received for the credit or the details shown when you check it online will specify the type.
How to check the expiration date of my American Airlines flight credit?
You can check the expiration date by logging into your AAdvantage account (if applicable), using the "View travel credits" tool on aa.com with your confirmation code/ticket number, or by calling American Airlines customer service.
How to use multiple American Airlines flight credits for one booking?
While you can typically use one Flight Credit online per passenger, to use multiple Flight Credits for a single reservation (especially across different passengers), you will usually need to contact American Airlines Reservations by phone.
How to apply an American Airlines flight credit to a new booking online?
During the booking process on aa.com, when you reach the "Review and Pay" screen, look for an option like "Apply travel credit" or "Add travel credit." Click on it and enter your credit details.
How to use an American Airlines flight credit if it's less than the new ticket price?
If your flight credit's value is less than the cost of your new ticket, you will be prompted to pay the remaining balance using another accepted payment method (like a credit card) on the payment screen.
How to get a refund for an American Airlines flight credit?
Flight credits are generally non-refundable to the original form of payment. They are intended for future travel. However, if American Airlines significantly changed or canceled your original flight, you might have been eligible for a full refund to your original payment method instead of a credit.
How to check American Airlines flight credit if I'm not an AAdvantage member?
If you're not an AAdvantage member, you can still check your flight credit by going to aa.com, navigating to "Manage trips / Check-in," and then selecting "View travel credits." You'll need your last name and either the confirmation code or the 13-digit ticket number.
How to resolve an issue if my American Airlines flight credit isn't showing up?
If you believe you have a flight credit but it's not appearing online or in your AAdvantage account, first double-check all your original booking details. If it still doesn't appear, the best course of action is to contact American Airlines customer service directly with all your relevant information (original flight details, cancellation emails, etc.) for assistance.
