How to Find Your American Airlines Voucher: A Comprehensive Guide
Ever found yourself in that all-too-common situation where you know you have an American Airlines voucher or credit tucked away somewhere, but for the life of you, you can't remember where it is, what type it is, or how to use it? You're not alone! American Airlines, like many carriers, offers various forms of travel credits, and understanding each one is key to maximizing its value. This extensive guide will walk you through every step to locate, understand, and eventually redeem your American Airlines voucher or credit.
Step 1: Let's Get Started – Do You Know What Kind of Credit You Have?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's take a quick poll! Do you remember if your credit was for a canceled flight, a customer service gesture, or perhaps a gift? American Airlines issues a few different types of travel credits, and knowing which one you have will significantly streamline the process. The main types are:
Flight Credit: Often issued when you voluntarily cancel a flight. Generally tied to the original passenger.
Trip Credit: Can be issued for canceled tickets, significant delays, compensation, or residual value when exchanging tickets. More flexible in terms of who can use it.
Travel Voucher (sometimes referred to as an eVoucher or Gift Card): Typically issued as compensation or a gift. These tend to be the most flexible and can often be used by anyone.
Don't worry if you're not sure! We'll cover how to figure it out in the next steps. The important thing is to understand that each type has its own rules, so let's embark on this journey to uncover your hidden travel funds!
 |
| How To Find American Airlines Voucher |
Step 2: The Digital Hunt – Checking Your American Airlines Account
The most straightforward way to find your American Airlines voucher or credit is by accessing your online account. This is particularly effective if you are an AAdvantage member and were logged in when you originally made the booking or received the credit.
2.1: Logging into Your AAdvantage Account
Go to the American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and navigate to
www.aa.com.Locate the "Login" Section: On the top right-hand corner of the homepage, you'll see "Login." Click on it.
Enter Your Credentials: Input your AAdvantage number or username and your password. If you've forgotten them, use the "Forgot AAdvantage® number or password?" link to recover your details.
Access Your Account Summary: Once logged in, you'll be directed to your AAdvantage account summary page.
2.2: Navigating to Your Wallet or Travel Credit Section
Find "Travel credit" or "Wallet": Look for a section or link within your account that says "Travel credit" or "Wallet." This is where American Airlines consolidates your eligible credits.
View Available Credits: Click on this section. You should see a list of any active Flight Credits or Trip Credits associated with your AAdvantage account.
Note Down Details: For each credit, you'll typically see:
The type of credit (Flight Credit, Trip Credit).
The value of the credit.
The expiration date.
A 13-digit ticket number or credit number. This number is crucial, so make sure to write it down accurately.
Pro Tip: Even if you have multiple credits, they should all be listed here, making it a convenient central hub for managing your future travel funds.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
Step 3: The Email Detective Work – Searching Your Inbox
If you're not an AAdvantage member, or if the credit doesn't appear in your online wallet, your email inbox is the next best place to hunt. American Airlines typically sends confirmation emails for bookings, cancellations, and the issuance of any travel credits.
3.1: Keywords for Your Search
Utilize Search Terms: Open your email client (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) and use the search bar. Try terms like:
"American Airlines voucher"
"Flight Credit"
"Trip Credit"
"e-Voucher American"
"Your American Airlines Credit"
The confirmation code or ticket number from your original booking (if you remember it).
The date you canceled a flight or experienced an issue.
Check Your Spam/Junk Folder: Sometimes, important emails can accidentally end up in these folders. Don't forget to check them!
3.2: Identifying the Key Information
Locate the Email: Once you find an email related to your credit, open it carefully.
Look for the Voucher/Credit Number and PIN (if applicable): The email should clearly state the type of credit, its value, and the unique identifier. For Travel Vouchers, you might also find a PIN.
Note Expiration Dates: Pay close attention to the expiration date mentioned in the email. This is vital as most credits have a validity period, typically one year from the original ticket issue date or the credit issuance date.
Step 4: The "Find Your Trip" Method for Non-AAdvantage Members
If you don't have an AAdvantage account or your credit isn't showing up in your account, American Airlines provides a specific tool to look up travel credits associated with a canceled trip.
4.1: Accessing the "Find Your Trip" Tool
Go to the American Airlines Website: Again, head to
www.aa.com.Look for "Manage trips / Check-in": On the homepage, usually in the main navigation, you'll find "Manage trips / Check-in." Click this option.
Select "View travel credits": Within the "Manage trips" section, you should see an option to "View travel credits."
4.2: Entering Your Trip Details
Provide Required Information: You'll typically need to enter:
Your last name.
The confirmation code (a 6-letter code from your original booking).
OR your 13-digit ticket number (usually starts with "001").
Click "Find your trip": The system will then attempt to locate your canceled trip and any associated flight credits.
Retrieve Your Flight Credit Details: If successful, your Flight Credit details, including the number and value, should be displayed.
Step 5: When All Else Fails – Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
If you've exhausted the online and email options and still can't locate your American Airlines voucher or credit, it's time to reach out to their customer service. They have access to your booking history and can often locate credits that might be harder to find yourself.
5.1: Preparing for Your Call
Gather All Possible Information: Before you call, have as much information as you can readily available. This includes:
Your full name (as it appeared on the original booking).
Your AAdvantage number (if you have one).
Any old confirmation codes or ticket numbers you might have.
The approximate date of the original booking or cancellation.
The origin and destination of the flight.
Your email address and phone number.
Find the Right Phone Number: The general American Airlines Reservations number is usually the best starting point. You can find this on their official website under "Contact American" or "Customer service."
5.2: What to Expect During the Call
Explain Your Situation Clearly: Inform the agent that you are trying to locate an American Airlines travel credit or voucher.
Provide Requested Information: Be ready to provide the details you gathered in the previous step.
Be Patient and Polite: Customer service agents handle a high volume of calls. Patience and a polite demeanor will go a long way in getting the assistance you need.
Confirm Details: Once the agent locates your credit, ask them to confirm the type of credit, its exact value, and the expiration date. If possible, ask for the credit number to be emailed to you for your records.
Important Note on Types of Credits: American Airlines differentiates between Flight Credits, Trip Credits, and Travel Vouchers (including Gift Cards) due to their varying terms.
Flight Credits are typically tied to the original passenger and must be used by them. Travel must also commence within one year of the original ticket's issue date.
Trip Credits are generally more flexible and can be used to book travel for anyone. They usually expire one year from the date they were issued.
Travel Vouchers/Gift Cards are the most flexible and can often be used by anyone and for multiple passengers. They usually expire one year from their issue date and might require both a voucher number and a PIN.
Step 6: Understanding and Using Your American Airlines Voucher/Credit
Once you've successfully located your voucher or credit and noted down all the necessary details (especially the number and expiration date!), the next crucial step is understanding how to use it.
6.1: Key Terms and Conditions to Remember
Expiration Date is Paramount: Most American Airlines travel credits have an expiration date, typically one year from the date of original ticket issuance (for Flight Credits) or the date the credit was issued (for Trip Credits/Vouchers). You must book your travel and/or commence your travel before this date.
Non-Transferability vs. Transferability:
Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger whose name was on the original ticket.
Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers are often transferable or can be used to book travel for other individuals. Always double-check the specific terms for your credit.
What Can It Be Used For?
Most travel credits are primarily for the base airfare and directly associated taxes and fees.
They typically cannot be used for ancillary services like baggage fees, seat upgrades, Wi-Fi, or Admirals Club memberships.
Combining Credits:
You can often use multiple Trip Credits in a single online booking (up to 8).
You can typically only use one Flight Credit per passenger per online booking. To use more than one Flight Credit for a single passenger, you'll likely need to call American Airlines Reservations.
You generally cannot combine a Flight Credit and a Trip Credit on the same booking online.
6.2: Redeeming Your Voucher/Credit Online
Search for Your New Flight: Go to
www.aa.comand search for the flight you wish to book.Proceed to Payment Page: Go through the booking process, selecting your flights, passengers, and seats.
Apply Travel Credit: On the "Review and pay" or payment screen, look for an option to "Add travel credit," "Apply available credits," or "Other forms of payment."
Enter Your Details: Select the type of credit (Flight Credit, Trip Credit, or Travel Voucher/Gift Card) and enter the 13-digit number (and PIN if it's a Travel Voucher).
Apply the Credit: The value of your credit will be deducted from the total. If there's a remaining balance, you can pay it with a credit card. If the new flight costs less than your credit, the remaining value will typically be issued as a new Trip Credit.
6.3: Redeeming Your Voucher/Credit by Phone
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Call American Airlines Reservations: If you have multiple Flight Credits, or are having trouble redeeming online, call American Airlines Reservations.
Provide Credit Details: Have your credit number(s) and any relevant booking information ready for the agent. They will be able to apply the credit to your new reservation.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about American Airlines vouchers and credits, with quick answers:
How to Check the Balance of an American Airlines Voucher?
You can check the balance of an American Airlines voucher or credit by logging into your AAdvantage account and navigating to the "Travel credit" or "Wallet" section, or by using the "Find your trip or travel credit" tool on aa.com with your confirmation code or ticket number. Alternatively, you can call American Airlines customer service.
How to Use an American Airlines Flight Credit for a New Booking?
To use an American Airlines Flight Credit, search for your desired flight on aa.com. On the payment page, select "Add travel credit" or "Apply available credits" and enter your 13-digit Flight Credit ticket number. The credit will then be applied to your new booking.
How to Find the Expiration Date of an American Airlines Voucher?
The expiration date for your American Airlines voucher or credit will typically be listed in the email you received when the credit was issued, or it can be found in your AAdvantage account's "Travel credit" section if you're a member.
How to Transfer an American Airlines Voucher to Another Person?
Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers are often transferable or can be used to book travel for anyone. Check the specific terms of your credit or contact American Airlines customer service for clarification.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
How to Combine Multiple American Airlines Vouchers?
You can typically combine up to eight Trip Credits online. For Flight Credits, you can usually only apply one per passenger online, but you can combine multiple Flight Credits for a single passenger by calling American Airlines Reservations. Different types of credits (Flight vs. Trip) usually cannot be combined online.
How to Get a Refund for an American Airlines Voucher?
American Airlines travel credits (Flight Credits, Trip Credits, Travel Vouchers) are generally non-refundable for cash and are intended for future travel. If your original ticket was eligible for a refund, you would have received a refund rather than a credit.
How to Use an American Airlines Voucher for Baggage Fees or Upgrades?
American Airlines travel credits are primarily for airfare and associated taxes/fees. They typically cannot be used for ancillary services such as baggage fees, seat upgrades, Wi-Fi, or Admirals Club memberships.
How to Reissue a Lost American Airlines Voucher Number?
If you've lost your American Airlines voucher number, you can usually find it by logging into your AAdvantage account, checking your email inbox for the original issuance email, or by contacting American Airlines customer service with your personal and original booking details.
How to Extend the Expiration Date of an American Airlines Voucher?
Generally, American Airlines travel credit expiration dates are firm and cannot be extended. You must book and/or commence travel before the stated expiration. It's always best to use your credit well in advance to avoid forfeiture.
How to Determine if My American Airlines Credit is a Flight Credit or a Trip Credit?
The email you received when the credit was issued should specify whether it's a Flight Credit or a Trip Credit. If you're an AAdvantage member, this information will also be clearly indicated in the "Travel credit" or "Wallet" section of your online account.
 |
