How to Use American Airlines Flight & Trip Credits?

Wondering how to use American Airlines flight & trip credits? Whether you’ve received credits due to a flight cancellation or as part of a promotion, understanding the process can make your next booking a breeze. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to redeem your American Airlines credits effectively. From booking a new flight to managing your account, you'll learn how to make the most of these valuable credits and get back in the air with ease. Let's dive into the simple steps you need to follow!

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.’
• Check Your Flight Credit - 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.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

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

In conclusion, your American Airlines flight and trip credits are valuable. These credits fuel your trips while saving you money. At the same time, it is important to understand their significance and the best way to use them. So, keep the above-mentioned guidelines in mind and avoid misplacing or misunderstanding these credits.

If you have to cancel a booking or reschedule a holiday, you are in control and get the most of what you owe. Put your credits to work. Fly smart and redeem them. Use your AA flight and trip credits now!

FAQs

1. What are American Airlines flight & trip credits?

Flight and trip credits are vouchers or refunds issued by American Airlines for canceled flights, schedule changes, or promotions, which can be applied toward future bookings.

2. How do I check my American Airlines credits?

You can check your flight and trip credits by logging into your AAdvantage account or visiting the “Manage Trips” section on the American Airlines website.

3.Can I use American Airlines credits for any flight?

Yes, American Airlines credits can be used for most flights, but they may be subject to certain restrictions, such as destination or travel dates.

4. Do American Airlines credits expire?

Yes, flight and trip credits typically have an expiration date, usually one year from the date of issuance. Be sure to check the expiration on your voucher.

5. Can I combine American Airlines credits with other discounts?

Yes, you can combine flight credits with other offers, such as promotional codes or special deals, when booking a flight, as long as the terms allow it.