American Airlines flight credits can be a fantastic way to save on future travel, especially if your plans change unexpectedly. But finding and using them effectively can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you maximize the value of your credit!
Ready to unlock your hidden flight credit? Let's dive in!
How to Find Your American Airlines Flight Credit: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the different types of credit and where to look is key. American Airlines primarily issues two main types of travel credit: Flight Credit and Trip Credit, along with Travel Vouchers. While they all help you fly, their rules and how you use them can differ.
Step 1: Understand the Types of American Airlines Travel Credit
Before you start searching, it's helpful to know what kind of credit you might have. This will influence where you look and how you can redeem it.
Flight Credit:
Issued for: Unused tickets, typically when you cancel a non-refundable ticket yourself through a channel other than aa.com (e.g., through a travel agent, or if you call in).
Who can use it: Only the passenger named on the original ticket. This is a crucial distinction!
Validity: Generally, travel must begin within one year from the original ticket's issue date.
Redemption: Can be used for air travel on American Airlines and its codeshare/oneworld® partners. You can usually only apply one Flight Credit per passenger when booking online; for more, you'll need to call.
Trip Credit:
Issued for: Canceled tickets (often when canceled on aa.com or the American app), significant delays, compensation, or remaining value when exchanging tickets.
Who can use it: The Trip Credit holder can book travel for anyone. This offers much more flexibility!
Validity: Valid until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on the date listed on the Trip Credit. For AAdvantage® members, Trip Credit issued on or after April 2, 2024, is valid for 12 months when canceling on
aa.com/app Redemption: Can be used for non-award trips starting in the U.S. and select countries. You can apply up to eight Trip Credits for up to nine passengers when booking on aa.com.
Travel Vouchers:
Issued for: Usually paper vouchers, often given as compensation for voluntary denied boarding or other situations.
Who can use it: The Travel Voucher holder can book travel for anyone.
Validity: Typically one year from the date issued.
Redemption: Can be used for flights only.
Knowing which type of credit you possess will streamline your search and redemption process considerably.
Step 2: Check Your Email – The First Stop for Flight Credit Clues
Did you know your email is often the primary source for your flight credit information? American Airlines is quite diligent about sending out notifications regarding canceled flights and the issuance of travel credit.
Search your inbox: Open your email client and search for emails from "American Airlines" or keywords like "flight canceled," "travel credit," "refund," or "voucher."
Locate key information: Look for emails that contain your confirmation code, ticket number (often a 13-digit number starting with '001'), and the value and expiration date of your credit. These details are crucial for accessing and applying your credit.
Check your spam/junk folder: Sometimes, these important emails can unfortunately end up in the wrong place. Give your spam or junk folder a quick look, just in case.
Even if you can't find the original email, don't despair! There are other ways to track down your credit.
Step 3: Access Your American Airlines AAdvantage Account
If you're an AAdvantage member (and it's highly recommended to be one for easier credit management!), your account is a centralized hub for your travel information, including any available credits.
Go to AA.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official American Airlines website (aa.com).
Log In: Click on "Log in" in the top right corner and enter your AAdvantage number or username and password.
Navigate to 'Travel Credit' or 'Your Wallet': Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Travel credit" or "Your Wallet" within your account dashboard. The exact wording might vary slightly.
View Available Credits: In this section, you should see a list of any active Trip Credits or Flight Credits associated with your AAdvantage account, along with their values and expiration dates. This is often the easiest and most reliable way to see your credits if they are linked to your AAdvantage number.
What if you're not an AAdvantage member, or your credit isn't showing up here? Move on to the next step!
Step 4: Use the "Find Your Trip" or "Travel Credit" Tool
American Airlines provides a dedicated tool on its website to help you locate your trip details and associated travel credits, even if you're not logged into an AAdvantage account.
Go to AA.com: Visit the American Airlines homepage.
Look for "Manage trips / Check-in": On the homepage, or often in a navigation menu, you'll find an option like "Manage trips / Check-in" or "Find your trip." Click on it.
Enter Your Details: You'll typically be prompted to enter one of the following:
Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-character alphanumeric code found on your original booking confirmation email or boarding pass.
13-Digit Ticket Number: This number usually starts with '001' and can be found on your e-ticket receipt.
Last Name: The last name of the passenger on the original ticket.
View Travel Credits: After entering the necessary information, look for an option to "View travel credits" or "Access your Flight Credit details." This should display any credits linked to that specific booking. You might need to copy the Flight Credit number from this page to use later during booking.
Remember, for Flight Credits, they are typically tied to the specific passenger on the original ticket, so ensure you're entering the details for the correct individual.
Step 5: Contact American Airlines Customer Service (When All Else Fails)
If you've exhausted the online options and still can't locate your flight credit, or if you have complex questions, don't hesitate to reach out to American Airlines directly. This is often the most reliable way to get precise information.
Gather Information Before Calling: To make the call efficient, have as much of the following ready as possible:
Your full name and the name(s) of any other travelers on the original booking.
Original flight date(s) and route(s).
Original confirmation code or 13-digit ticket number (if you have it).
The reason the credit was issued (e.g., voluntary cancellation, airline-initiated cancellation, schedule change).
Your AAdvantage number.
American Airlines Reservations Number: You can typically reach American Airlines reservations at +1-800-433-7300 (within the U.S. and Canada). Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
Explain Your Situation Clearly: When you connect with an agent, explain that you are trying to locate an existing flight credit and provide them with the details you've gathered. They have access to comprehensive systems and can often find credits that aren't readily visible online.
Request Confirmation: Once they confirm your credit, ask them to send you an email with the credit details, including the value, expiration date, and any specific redemption instructions or credit numbers. This provides a written record for your peace of mind.
A note on calling: Some users report that certain types of flight credits, particularly older ones or those with complex scenarios, can only be redeemed by calling customer service. Even if you find the credit online, you might still need to call to finalize the booking with it.
Important Considerations When Managing Your Flight Credit
Expiration Dates are Key: Flight credits and trip credits have expiration dates. Do not let them expire! American Airlines generally has a strict policy regarding expired credits, and extensions are rare unless due to specific circumstances (like a significant DOT-mandated schedule change).
Flight Credit is Non-Transferable (Generally): As mentioned, Flight Credits (those beginning with '0012' on the ticket number) are typically tied to the original passenger. Trip Credits, however, are more flexible and can be used to book travel for anyone.
Partial Use and Remaining Value: If you use a flight credit for a flight that costs less than the credit's value, the remaining balance will usually be issued as a new Trip Credit. This new Trip Credit will have its own expiration date and can typically be used by anyone.
Online vs. Phone Redemption: While American Airlines has improved its online redemption process, some scenarios (e.g., using more than one Flight Credit, combining different credit types, or booking complex itineraries) might still require you to call customer service.
No Combining Flight Credit and Trip Credit: You generally cannot combine a Flight Credit and a Trip Credit on the same booking.
Not for Extras: Travel credits are usually redeemable for airfare only. They typically cannot be used to pay for extras like seat selection, baggage fees, or upgrades.
By following these steps and keeping the key considerations in mind, you'll be well-equipped to find and utilize your American Airlines flight credit for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about American Airlines Flight Credit
Here are 10 common questions related to finding and using American Airlines flight credit, with quick answers:
How to Check My American Airlines Flight Credit Balance?
You can check your Flight Credit balance by logging into your AAdvantage account on aa.com and going to the "Travel credit" or "Your Wallet" section, or by using the "Manage trips / Check-in" tool on aa.com with your original confirmation code or ticket number. Alternatively, call American Airlines customer service with your details.
How to Use American Airlines Flight Credit for a New Booking?
To use your Flight Credit, select your desired flight on aa.com. During the payment process, look for an option to "Apply travel credit" or "Add flight credit." Enter your credit details (usually the 13-digit ticket number from the original booking). If booking with multiple flight credits or for complex itineraries, you might need to call American Airlines reservations.
How to Find a Lost American Airlines Flight Credit Number?
If you've lost your Flight Credit number, first check your email for the original booking confirmation or credit issuance email. If unsuccessful, log into your AAdvantage account (if applicable) or use the "Manage trips / Check-in" tool on aa.com with your original confirmation code and last name. If all else fails, contact American Airlines customer service directly.
How to Transfer American Airlines Flight Credit to Another Person?
Generally, American Airlines Flight Credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger named on the original ticket. However, Trip Credits (often issued for cancellations on aa.com) can be used to book travel for anyone. Always check the specific terms of your credit.
How to Extend the Expiration Date of an American Airlines Flight Credit?
American Airlines generally has a strict policy on credit expiration dates. Extensions are rare and usually only granted under specific circumstances, such as significant schedule changes initiated by the airline. It's best to use your credit before it expires or contact customer service before the expiration date to inquire about any possible exceptions.
How to Combine Multiple American Airlines Flight Credits?
You can typically apply one Flight Credit per passenger when booking online. If you have multiple Flight Credits for a single passenger or need to combine different types of credits, you will usually need to contact American Airlines Reservations to complete the booking.
How to Redeem an American Airlines Trip Credit vs. Flight Credit?
Both Trip Credit and Flight Credit are redeemed during the payment step of booking on aa.com or through reservations. The key difference is that Trip Credits are more flexible (can be used for anyone, multiple per booking) while Flight Credits are tied to the original passenger and often limited to one per online booking.
How to Apply an American Airlines Flight Credit to a Partner Airline Flight?
American Airlines Flight Credit can often be used for flights marketed and operated by American, by American Eagle carriers, or on flights marketed and sold by American but operated by one of American's codeshare or oneworld® partners (flights designated with an "AA*"). Confirm eligibility with customer service if unsure.
How to Get a Refund Instead of American Airlines Flight Credit?
For non-refundable tickets, flight credit is typically issued instead of a cash refund. However, if American Airlines significantly changes or cancels your flight and you decline their rebooking offers, you may be entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment, even for non-refundable tickets, according to DOT regulations.
How to Use American Airlines Flight Credit for Baggage or Seat Selection?
American Airlines Flight Credit (and Trip Credit/Travel Vouchers) can generally only be applied towards the base airfare. They typically cannot be used to pay for ancillary services like baggage fees, seat selection, Wi-Fi, or in-flight purchases.
