How to Use American Airlines Flight & Trip Credits?

Unlocking American Airlines Flight & Trip Credits

Ever had a canceled flight and received a credit you’re not quite sure how to use? You’re not alone. Thousands of travelers are holding onto valuable American Airlines flight credits or trip credits, but don’t fully understand how to use them, or worse, they lose them before ever redeeming a cent.

In this post, we’re diving deep into the world of AA travel credits, breaking down what they are, how to use them wisely, and what to do if they’re giving you trouble. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer, this guide will help you make the most of your credits—and never leave money on the table again.

Let’s begin.

What Are American Airlines Flight and Trip Credits?

To understand these credits, walk through the following points -

• Flight Credit – Issued when you cancel a non-refundable ticket or flight change when the new flight is cheaper. Only the original passenger can use it, and that too for future AA flights.

• Trip Credit – More flexible than Flight Credit, Trip Credit is more like AA’s digital gift card, issued for various reasons. It can be used for multiple passengers and covers various travel expenses.

Both credits have expiration dates, so it’s crucial to use them before they lapse. To understand both better, let’s look at the table below -

Source: Travel-Credit

How Can I Book an AA Flight with My Flight Credits?

You can easily redeem your AA flight credits to book your next trip. Here’s how -

• Find Your Canceled Trip: Locate your confirmation email with the 6-character code or 13-digit ticket number (starts with ‘001’).

• View Your Canceled Trip: Go to American Airlines’ website, click on ‘Manage trips,’ choose ‘View travel credits.’

  • Enter your confirmation code or ticket number to see your Flight Credit info under the ‘Your trip’ section.
• Go to the Payment Page - Copy your Flight Credit number to use here.
• Rebook a Flight and Apply the Flight Credit: When booking your new flight on aa.com, proceed to the payment step, click on ‘Add travel credit,’ enter your Flight Credit details, and apply it toward your total fare. Pay any remaining balance.

Pro Tip: If your flight credit is not visible online, call AA customer service—they may need to reissue it manually.

How to Use American Airlines Trip Credits?

Using your trip credits with American Airlines is a breeze. Follow the steps mentioned below, and you will be good to go -

• Locate Your Trip Credit – Check your email or log into your account to find your credit details.
• Choose Your Flight – Visit AA’s website and book a suitable flight.
• Redeem the Credits - Go to the ‘Review and pay’ page and choose ‘Add travel credit’.
• Finalize Your Booking – Pay any balance charges and confirm your trip.

Please note

• Your Trip Credit number is a 13-digit code starting with '001.'
• Add-ons like bags, seat selections, and upgrades come with their own unique ticket numbers, separate from your main flight ticket.

What to Do If Your AA Flight Credit or Trip Credit Isn’t Working?

When your American Airlines flight credit isn’t working or your trip credit gets rejected, the situation is frustrating. Worry not. Here’s how you can sort it -

• Watch those Dates - Most travel credits are only good for 12 months from when they’re issued. Always double-check to make sure yours hasn’t expired.
• Verify Eligibility – Flight Credits can only be used by the original passenger.
• Contact Customer Support – Reach out to American Airlines for assistance.
• Try Booking Over the Phone – Some credits may require manual processing.

Check if you are -

• Trying to use a flight credit for someone else? That won’t work.
• Booking with a partner airline like British Airways or Alaska? Credits won’t apply.
• Entering the code exactly as it appears? Trip credit codes are case-sensitive.

Pro Tips to Maximize Your AA Travel Credits

• Set a reminder for the expiration date as soon as you receive the credit.
• Use credits for off-peak travel to stretch their value further.
• Combine trip credits with AAdvantage miles for even bigger savings.
• Keep a record of all communications with AA, especially when credits are reissued.
• If you’re not traveling, consider transferring trip credits to a friend or family member.

Use Your Travel Credits Smartly

American Airlines flight and trip credits are like little golden tickets—valuable, but easy to misplace or misunderstand. With the right knowledge, you can confidently use them to fuel your next adventure without a hitch. Whether you’re rescheduling a vacation or just trying to make the most of a canceled trip, now you know exactly how to get value from what you’re owed.

So don’t let your credits sit in your inbox idle. Redeem them, travel smart, and never lose another dollar in flight limbo again. Now, use your AA credits in your best interest.