Hello there! Have you found yourself with an American Airlines voucher and wondering how to put it to good use? Perhaps you had a trip change, or received compensation, and now you have this valuable credit. Don't worry, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you maximize your voucher's value and embark on your next adventure with American Airlines. Let's get started, shall we?
Understanding Your American Airlines Voucher: Not All Vouchers Are Created Equal!
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand that American Airlines uses a few different terms for travel credits, and they each have slightly different rules. This is often where confusion begins, so let's clarify:
Flight Credit: This is typically issued when you voluntarily cancel or change a non-refundable flight. It's generally tied to the original passenger and the original ticket number. You'll usually need the confirmation code or the 13-digit ticket number from your canceled trip to use it.
Trip Credit: Often given as compensation, a refund for a cheaper exchanged ticket, or sometimes when a flight credit has remaining value. The good news is that Trip Credits are more flexible! They can often be used to book travel for anyone, not just the original credit holder, and you can sometimes combine multiple Trip Credits.
Travel Voucher (Paper Voucher/eVoucher): These are often issued for specific reasons, like denied boarding compensation or other service issues. They generally have a voucher number and a PIN, and like Trip Credits, they can often be used to book travel for anyone.
Important Note: Always check the specific terms and conditions of your voucher or credit, as American Airlines' policies can evolve. The best way to do this is to check the email you received with the voucher, or log into your AAdvantage account.
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| How To Use American Airlines Voucher |
Step 1: Identifying and Locating Your American Airlines Voucher Details
So, where is your voucher? This is the very first and most essential step.
Sub-heading 1.1: For AAdvantage Members
If you're an AAdvantage member and the voucher was issued to your account (most Trip Credits and some Flight Credits will be), this is the easiest route.
Log In to Your AAdvantage Account: Go to AA.com and log in with your AAdvantage number and password.
Navigate to "Travel Credit" or "Wallet": Once logged in, look for a section like "Travel Credit," "Wallet," or "My Account." This is where American Airlines often consolidates your available credits.
View Details: You should see a list of your available Trip Credits and Flight Credits with their values and expiration dates. Make sure to note down the credit number and any associated PIN. For Flight Credits, you might need the original confirmation code or ticket number.
Sub-heading 1.2: For Non-AAdvantage Members or Specific Vouchers
If you don't have an AAdvantage account, or if your voucher is a specific eVoucher or paper voucher, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Check Your Email: American Airlines typically sends an email when they issue a voucher or credit. Search your inbox (and spam folder!) for emails from American Airlines with terms like "voucher," "credit," "refund," or "compensation." This email will contain the crucial voucher number and often a PIN.
Locate Confirmation/Ticket Number (for Flight Credits): If you have a Flight Credit from a canceled trip, you'll need the original 6-character confirmation code or the 13-digit ticket number from that booking. This information is usually in your original booking confirmation email.
Physical Paper Voucher: If you received a physical paper voucher, keep it safe! It will have the voucher number and likely a PIN printed on it.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot or write down all the relevant numbers (voucher number, PIN, confirmation code, ticket number) and the expiration date. This will save you time later!
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Step 2: Understanding Voucher Validity and Restrictions
Before you get excited about booking that dream vacation, let's quickly review some general rules about American Airlines vouchers.
Sub-heading 2.1: Expiration Dates
Most vouchers and credits are valid for one year from the original date of issue.
For Flight Credits, you generally need to book and complete travel within one year of the original ticket issue date. This is a critical distinction!
For Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers, you usually need to book your trip by the expiration date. Travel itself can often be after that date, as long as it's booked before the voucher expires.
Always double-check the specific expiration date on your voucher/credit. Don't let it go to waste!
Sub-heading 2.2: Transferability
Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger named on the ticket.
Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers are often more flexible and can be used to book travel for anyone. This is a significant benefit!
Sub-heading 2.3: What Can Your Voucher Be Used For?
Generally, American Airlines vouchers and credits are for air travel only. This means they can be used for the base fare and associated taxes and fees of a new flight.
They typically cannot be used for:
Upgrades (e.g., from Economy to Business Class)
Baggage fees
Seat selection fees (e.g., Main Cabin Extra, Preferred Seats)
Admirals Club memberships or day passes
AAdvantage Award Travel (flights booked with miles)
Other non-flight products or services sold on AA.com (like car rentals or hotels)
Step 3: Searching for Your New Flight
Now for the fun part – finding your next trip!
Go to AA.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the American Airlines official website.
Search for Flights: Enter your desired origin, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers.
Browse Options: Review the available flight options. Keep in mind that the voucher will be applied at the payment stage, so focus on finding a flight that suits your needs and budget.
Step 4: Applying Your Voucher at Checkout
This is where you finally use your credit! The process varies slightly depending on the type of credit you have.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
Sub-heading 4.1: Applying a Flight Credit
Proceed to Payment Page: After selecting your flights and reviewing your itinerary, you'll reach the "Review and pay" or "Payment" page.
Look for "Add Travel Credit" or "Flight Credit": On this page, you should see an option like "Add a Flight Credit" or "Apply available credits." Click on it.
Enter Details:
You'll likely be prompted to enter your original confirmation code or the 13-digit ticket number from the canceled flight that generated the credit.
You might also need the last name of the passenger associated with that original ticket.
Apply Credit: Once entered, the system will pull up the available Flight Credit and display its value. Confirm that you want to apply it to your current booking.
Using Multiple Flight Credits: While American Airlines generally allows you to apply one Flight Credit online per passenger, if you have multiple Flight Credits you wish to combine for a single booking, you will likely need to call American Airlines Reservations directly to complete the booking. It's often not possible to combine more than one Flight Credit online.
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Sub-heading 4.2: Applying a Trip Credit
Proceed to Payment Page: Similar to Flight Credits, navigate to the "Review and pay" or "Payment" page after selecting your flights.
Look for "Add Travel Credit" or "Trip Credit": Find the option to "Add a Trip Credit" or "Apply available credits."
Enter Details:
You'll typically need the Trip Credit number (usually found in your AAdvantage wallet or the email you received).
Some Trip Credits may also require a PIN.
Apply Credit: The system will show the value of your Trip Credit. Select it to apply it to your current booking.
Using Multiple Trip Credits: You can often apply up to eight Trip Credits in a single online booking. If you need to apply more or book for more than 9 passengers, you'll need to call Reservations.
Sub-heading 4.3: Applying an eVoucher (Electronic Travel Voucher)
Proceed to Payment Page: Go to the "Review and pay" or "Payment" section.
Look for "Other forms of payment" or "Voucher": The option for eVouchers might be under a general "Other forms of payment" or specifically labeled as "eVoucher."
Enter Details:
You will need the eVoucher number and the PIN associated with it (both should have been emailed to you).
Apply Voucher: Enter these details exactly as they appear. The system will then apply the voucher's value.
Using Multiple eVouchers: Similar to Trip Credits, you can often use up to eight eVouchers in a single online transaction.
Step 5: Handling Remaining Balance or Residual Value
Sub-heading 5.1: If the Flight Cost Exceeds Your Voucher Value
Pay the Difference: If your new flight costs more than the value of your voucher, American Airlines will prompt you to pay the remaining balance. You can typically do this using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
Don't worry, the voucher's value is applied first, and you only pay the difference!
Sub-heading 5.2: If the Voucher Value Exceeds the Flight Cost (Residual Value)
For Flight Credits: If the value of your Flight Credit is greater than the cost of your new ticket, the remaining value typically stays tied to the original ticket number. You might be able to use it for another booking for the same passenger before the original expiration date. This can be a bit tricky, so it's often best to call American Airlines customer service for clarity on how to use the residual Flight Credit.
For Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers: If your Trip Credit or Travel Voucher exceeds the cost of your new ticket, the remaining balance is usually reissued as a new Trip Credit or voucher (with a new number and sometimes a new expiration date) in the original name. This new credit can then be used for future travel. This is a significant advantage of Trip Credits/Travel Vouchers.
Step 6: Confirmation and Final Steps
Review Your Booking: Before finalizing, carefully review all the details of your new booking: dates, times, passenger names, and the total amount paid (including the voucher application).
Confirm Purchase: Click the final "Confirm" or "Purchase" button to complete the transaction.
Confirmation Email: You will receive a confirmation email from American Airlines with your new itinerary and ticket details. Save this email! It's your proof of purchase and contains important information for managing your trip.
FAQs: How To...
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about using American Airlines vouchers, with quick answers:
How to check my American Airlines voucher balance?
You can check your American Airlines voucher balance by logging into your AAdvantage account on AA.com under the "Travel Credit" or "Wallet" section, or by calling American Airlines Customer Service and providing your voucher details.
How to use an American Airlines flight credit for someone else?
Generally, American Airlines Flight Credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. Trip Credits and Travel Vouchers, however, can often be used to book travel for anyone.
How to apply multiple American Airlines vouchers to one booking?
You can typically apply up to eight Trip Credits or eVouchers online. For Flight Credits, you usually can only apply one per passenger online; if you need to use more, you will likely need to call American Airlines Reservations.
How to extend the expiration date of an American Airlines voucher?
American Airlines vouchers generally have a fixed expiration date (usually one year from issue). Extensions are rare and typically only granted in exceptional circumstances; it's best to call customer service to inquire about your specific situation.
How to use an American Airlines voucher for baggage fees or upgrades?
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
American Airlines vouchers (Flight Credits, Trip Credits, eVouchers) are generally redeemable for airfare only and cannot be used for ancillary services like baggage fees, seat upgrades, or Admirals Club memberships.
How to book a flight with an American Airlines voucher over the phone?
Yes, you can book a flight using your American Airlines voucher by calling American Airlines Reservations. Have your voucher details (number, PIN, original ticket information) ready for the agent.
How to find my American Airlines voucher number if I lost the email?
If you lost the email, and you're an AAdvantage member, check your "Travel Credit" or "Wallet" section online. Otherwise, you'll need to contact American Airlines Customer Service with your original booking details (name, original flight dates, confirmation code).
How to use an American Airlines voucher if its value is less than the flight cost?
If the voucher value is less than the flight cost, you will simply pay the remaining balance using a credit card or other accepted payment method during the checkout process.
How to get a new voucher if my American Airlines voucher has residual value?
If a Trip Credit or Travel Voucher has residual value after a booking, American Airlines typically reissues the remaining balance as a new Trip Credit or voucher with a new number. For Flight Credits, the residual value usually remains tied to the original ticket number for the same passenger.
How to use a paper American Airlines voucher?
Paper American Airlines vouchers must usually be presented in person at an American Airlines ticket counter or mailed in as instructed. Some paper vouchers might have electronic equivalents that can be used online, so check the voucher for specific instructions or contact customer service.
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