How to Use American Airlines Travel Credit

Navigating airline travel credits can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. If you've found yourself with an American Airlines travel credit, you're holding onto valuable flexibility for your next journey. But how exactly do you unlock its potential? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to use American Airlines travel credit, ensuring you maximize its value and embark on your next adventure with ease.

Understanding American Airlines Travel Credits

Before diving into the "how-to," it's essential to understand the different types of travel credits American Airlines issues. This knowledge is key to knowing their specific rules and limitations.

American Airlines primarily offers two main types of travel credits: Flight Credits and Trip Credits.

What Are Flight Credits?

Flight Credits are typically issued when you cancel a non-refundable ticket or have an unused ticket. They are essentially the value of a wholly unused ticket.

Key characteristics of Flight Credits:

• Passenger Specific: Flight Credits can generally only be used by the passenger whose name was on the original ticket.
• Usage: They are redeemable for air travel on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, or flights marketed by American but operated by codeshare or Oneworld partners. They cannot be used for extras like seats or bags.
• Expiration: Most Flight Credits are valid for one year from the original ticket's issue date, and the new travel must begin by this date.

What Are Trip Credits?

Trip Credits are often issued for canceled tickets, significant delays, compensation, refunds, or remaining value when exchanging tickets. They offer more flexibility than Flight Credits.

Key characteristics of Trip Credits:

• Transferability: A significant advantage of Trip Credits is that the credit holder can use them to book travel for themselves or for another person.
• Usage: They are eligible for use on domestic or international flights originating in the U.S. or select other countries. Like Flight Credits, they generally cannot be used for ancillary services like seat selection or baggage fees.
• Expiration: For AAdvantage members, Trip Credits are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Non-AAdvantage members usually have six months. You only need to book your travel by the expiration date; the travel itself can occur after this date.
• Combining Credits: You can often use multiple Trip Credits (up to eight) on a single reservation when booking on AA.com or by contacting American Airlines.

How to Find Your American Airlines Travel Credit

Knowing where your credit details are is the first step to using them.

• Email Confirmation: When American Airlines issues a flight or trip credit, they usually send an email with the details, including the amount and ticket number.
• AAdvantage Account: If you are an AAdvantage member and your member number was linked to the original booking, your available Trip and Flight Credits should appear in your AAdvantage account under the "Travel credit" or "Wallet" section. Here, you'll find details like the amount, ticket number, and expiration date.
• AA.com Search: You can also search for your credit on AA.com by entering your trip or travel credit details.

It's a good practice to keep the email from American Airlines or note down the 13-digit credit number and any associated confirmation codes, especially if you're not an AAdvantage member.

Step-by-Step Guide: Redeeming Your Travel Credit Online

Once you've identified your travel credit, the online redemption process is straightforward.

1. Log In (if applicable) and Search for Flights

If you're an AAdvantage member, log into your account on AA.com. Then, proceed to search for your desired flight as you normally would.

2. Select Your Flight and Proceed to Payment

Choose the flight that best suits your travel plans. As you proceed through the booking process, you'll reach the "Review and pay" or payment page.

3. Apply Your Travel Credit

On the payment page, look for an option to "Add travel credit," "Apply available credits," or "Add Trip Credit/Flight Credit."

• Clicking this option will typically display your eligible credits if you're logged into your AAdvantage account.
• If your credit doesn't appear automatically, you may need to manually enter the 13-digit credit number.

4. Handle Remaining Balance or Leftover Credit

• If the new ticket costs more than your credit: You will need to pay the difference using a credit card or another accepted payment method.
• If the new ticket costs less than your credit: The remaining balance will typically be issued as a new Trip Credit. This new Trip Credit will have its own expiration date.

Key Considerations When Using Your American Airlines Travel Credit

To ensure a smooth redemption process and avoid losing value, keep these important points in mind.

Expiration Dates Are Crucial

Most American Airlines travel credits have an expiration date, typically one year from the date of issue for Flight Credits (travel must begin by this date) and one year from the date of issue for Trip Credits (travel must be booked by this date for AAdvantage members). Always double-check the specific expiration date on your credit, as American Airlines generally will not extend or reissue expired credits.

Transferability Rules Differ

As highlighted earlier, Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger. However, Trip Credits offer more flexibility, allowing the holder to book travel for themselves or others.

Restrictions and Limitations

• What Credits Can Be Used For: Both Flight and Trip Credits are primarily for air travel and cannot typically be used for extras like seat selection, baggage fees, or American Airlines Vacations packages.
• Combining Credits: While you can use multiple Trip Credits on a single reservation (up to eight online), you can generally only use one Flight Credit at a time when booking online. If you need to combine multiple Flight Credits, you may need to contact American Airlines Reservations.
• Originating Country: Trip Credits are usually valid for flights originating in the U.S. and select other countries.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a clear understanding, you might encounter minor hurdles.

• Credit Not Showing Up: Ensure you're logged into your AAdvantage account if you have one. Double-check the 13-digit credit number and any associated confirmation codes. Sometimes, it might take a moment for recently issued credits to appear.
• Error Messages During Redemption: Verify that the credit type is compatible with your chosen itinerary (e.g., Flight Credit for the original passenger). If issues persist, it's best to contact American Airlines customer service.
• Need for Customer Service: For complex bookings, combining multiple Flight Credits, or if you're having persistent issues, reaching out to American Airlines Reservations is always an option. They can assist with applying credits, clarifying rules, and resolving discrepancies.

Conclusion

Using your American Airlines travel credit doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding the distinction between Flight Credits and Trip Credits, knowing where to find your credit details, and following the straightforward online redemption process, you can easily apply your credit towards your next flight. Remember to always keep an eye on those expiration dates and be aware of the specific rules that apply to your credit type.

Have you successfully used your American Airlines travel credit? Share your experiences or any tips you've discovered in the comments below! Or, if you're looking for more ways to save on travel, explore our other articles on maximizing airline rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use my American Airlines travel credit for someone else?

A1: It depends on the type of credit. If you have an American Airlines Trip Credit, yes, you can use it to book a flight for someone else. However, Flight Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger named on the original ticket.

Q2: What happens if my American Airlines travel credit expires?

A2: American Airlines generally does not extend or reissue travel credits once they have expired. It's crucial to use your credit before its expiration date, which is typically one year from the date of issue for both Flight and Trip Credits (though the specific "use by" rule differs).

Q3: Can I combine multiple American Airlines travel credits for one booking?

A3: You can combine up to eight Trip Credits for a single reservation when booking on AA.com or by contacting American Airlines. However, when booking online, you can typically only use one Flight Credit per passenger. To use more than one Flight Credit for a single reservation, you may need to call American Airlines Reservations.

Q4: How do I check the balance or details of my American Airlines travel credit?

A4: If you're an AAdvantage member, you can log into your account on AA.com and navigate to the "Travel credit" or "Wallet" section. There, you'll find a list of your available credits, including the amount, ticket number, and expiration date. If you're not an AAdvantage member, you can often find the details in the email American Airlines sent when the credit was issued, or by searching on AA.com with your credit details.