Turn your canceled flight into your next adventure—discover the smartest way to use American flight credits.
Got an American Airlines flight credit, but not sure how to use it? Can it cover your next trip? Does it expire? If these questions are on your mind, you’re not alone! Many travelers receive flight credits due to cancellations or changes but aren’t sure how to redeem them effectively. Whether you’re planning a new adventure or looking for the best airline deals, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—so you can book your next flight with ease!
What is a flight credit on American Airlines?
A Flight Credit with American Airlines is the Unused value of a cancel ticket that can be applied toward future travel. This credit is valid for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, or codeshare partners designated with an AA flight number.
Key Details about American Airlines Flight Credits:
- Eligibility: Flight Credits are issued when you cancel a flight before its departure. They are tied to the original ticket’s value and can be used for new bookings.
- Redemption: You can redeem Flight Credits online at aa.com or by contacting American Airlines Reservations. They are applicable toward the base fare and associated taxes and fees of a new ticket.
- Restrictions: Flight Credits cannot be used for extra products and services sold separately from the fare, such as upgrades, baggage fees, or AAdvantage award travel.
- Multiple Credits: You can combine up to two Flight Credits in a single transaction when booking through American Airlines channels. If you want to use more than two, you will need to contact American Airlines Reservations directly.
- Validity: Flight Credits are valid for one year from the date of issue. It’s important to use them within this period, as expired credits cannot be reinstated.
Note: Always check the terms before booking to make the most of your credit.
How do American Airlines Flight Credits work?
American Airlines flight credits work as a form of compensation when you cancel or change a flight. These credits can be used to book future travel but come with specific conditions. Here’s what you should know about flight credits:
- Flight Credits Usage: Flight credits can only be used to book flights.
- Exclusions for Additional Services: Flight credits cannot be redeemed for extras such as seat upgrades or baggage.
- Validity Period: Flight credits are valid for one year from the issue date unless otherwise stated.
- Booking Limitations: Only one flight credit can be used per passenger when booking on AA.com. To use more than one credit, you will need to contact American Airlines.
- Passenger-Specific: Only the passenger named on the flight credit is allowed to book and travel with it.
Flight credits are non-transferable and may not be valid on partner airlines. Always review the terms and expiration date to ensure you use them before they expire. Contact FondTravels at +1-866-421-6579 for hassle-free bookings!
Fond Tip: Flight credits must be used by the original passenger and typically expire one year from the date of issue.
What are the benefits of flight credits for American Airlines?
Flight credits on American Airlines provide flexibility and value when rebooking canceled flights. Whether you’re adjusting travel plans or rescheduling a trip, AA flight credits allow you to retain the value of your ticket for future travel. Here’s how you can benefit:
✅ 1. Flexibility & Ease of Use
- Use your American Airlines flight credits to book new flights without losing the money spent on your original ticket.
- Redeem credits online, over the phone, or at the airport for added convenience.
- You can use your American Airlines flight credits to book future flights with American Airlines. Sometimes, you might be able to use them on partner airlines, too—but only if specific rules are met.
✅ 2. Earn Miles & Loyalty Points
- When you book with AA flight credits, you continue to earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points.
- These points help you reach elite status faster, unlocking more travel perks.
✅ 3. Unlock Loyalty Point Rewards
- The more Loyalty Points you earn, the more rewards you unlock—even before reaching elite status.
- Enjoy free checked bags, complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and extra partner benefits.
✅ 4. Enhanced AAdvantage® Status Benefits
- Flight credits help you stay active in the AAdvantage® program, ensuring you qualify for premium travel experiences.
- Earn one Loyalty Point per eligible mile when booking with your flight credits.
- Status qualification is based on Loyalty Points earned over 12 months.
✅ 5. Additional Benefits
- When booking online, use credits for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- If your flight credit isn’t fully used, the remaining balance is often converted into trip credit for future travel.
📞 Need help redeeming your flight credits? Call FondTravels at +1-866-421-6579 for expert assistance!
How to get American Airlines Flight credits?
American Airlines flight credits, now called Trip Credits, are issued when a flight is canceled, significantly delayed, or when you exchange a ticket with a remaining balance. These credits can be used toward future flights, giving you flexibility when travel plans change. Here’s how you can get them:
✈ 1. When American Airlines Cancels Your Flight
- If American airlines cancels your flight, you can choose a full refund to your original payment method or a Trip Credit for the ticket’s value’s to use for future travel.
- This applies whether the cancellation is due to operational reasons, weather, or other disruptions.
⏳ 2. If Your Flight Is Significantly Delayed
- If your flight experiences a major delay, you may be eligible for a Trip Credit.
- The exact delay time required for eligibility varies, so check with American Airlines for specific policies.
🔄 3. When You Exchange a Ticket
- If you exchange your ticket for a different flight and there’s a remaining balance, that amount will be issued as a Trip Credit.
- This ensures you don’t lose the full value of your original booking.
❌ 4. When You Cancel Your Own Ticket
- If you cancel a non-refundable ticket before your first flight, you’ll usually get a Trip Credit for the ticket’s value—unless fare rules like Basic Economy restrictions apply. If your ticket is refundable, you can cancel and get a full refund
- To keep your ticket’s value, you need to cancel before your first flight takes off. If you don’t, you’ll lose the full value of the ticket.
Fond Tip: American Airlines flight credits cannot be used for add-ons like baggage fees or seat upgrades. They are only valid for airfare and must be used before the expiration date.
How to use American Airlines Flight credit?
American Airlines flight credit is issued when you cancel an eligible ticket, allowing you to use the value of your unused fare toward a future flight. However, flight credits work differently from trip credits, so it’s essential to understand their rules and restrictions.
✈ Key Rules for Using American Airlines Flight Credit:
✔ Valid for Flight Bookings Only – Flight credits can only be used for airfare and cannot be applied to extras like seat selection, baggage fees, or upgrades.
✔ Passenger Name Restriction – Only the same passenger listed on the original ticket can use the flight credit. It cannot be transferred to another person.
✔ One-Year Expiration – Flight credits are valid for one year from the issue date unless stated otherwise. If unused within that period, they expire.
✔ Booking Restrictions – You can only use one flight credit per passenger when booking online at AA.com. To use multiple flight credits for a single booking, you must call American Airlines directly.
How to redeem AA Flight credit?
To redeem your flight credit, log in to the American Airlines website, check your balance in the “Wallet” section, and apply the credit when booking a flight. Most credits expire within a year and cannot be used for taxes, fees, or seat upgrades.
Here are several steps that you need to follow:
1️⃣ Find Your Flight Credit
Locate your 6-character confirmation code or 13-digit ticket number from your canceled trip email.
2️⃣ Go to AA.com
Click on “Manage trips / Check-in” and select “View travel credits” to find your available flight credit.
3️⃣ Book a New Flight
Search for your preferred flight on AA.com and proceed to the checkout page.
4️⃣ Apply for Flight Credit
On the “Review and Pay” page, click “Add travel credit,” enter your flight credit details, and follow the prompts to apply it.
5️⃣ Pay the Remaining Balance (if applicable)
If the new ticket price is higher than your flight credit, you’ll need to pay the difference using another payment method.
📞 Need assistance using your flight credit? Contact FondTravels at +1-866-421-6579 for expert booking help!
How to book a flight with American Airlines Flight credits?
If you have an American Airlines flight credit, you can use it to book a new trip through the Airlines Manage Bookings feature. Follow these four simple steps to apply for your credit and complete your booking.
✈ 4 Steps to Book a Flight with American Airlines Flight Credit
1️⃣ Find Your Flight Credit Details
- Locate your flight credit ticket number in your cancellation email from American Airlines.
- You can also check your AAdvantage account wallet for available credits.
2️⃣ Search for Your New Flight
- Visit AA.com and enter your travel details to find available flights.
3️⃣ Apply Your Flight Credit
- On the payment page, click “+ Flight Credit” to enter your flight credit information.
4️⃣ Complete Your Booking
- If your new ticket costs more than your credit, pay the remaining balance.
- Once the payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your new flight details.
💡 Important Note: If you need multiple AA flight credits for one booking, contact American Airlines Reservations or a travel expert.
📞 Need help booking your flight? Call FondTravels at +1-866-421-6579 for expert assistance!
What to do if your AA Flight Credit isn’t working?
If your American Airlines flight credit isn’t working, don’t worry—there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully redeem your credit.
🔎 1. Verify Your Flight Credit Details
| Step | Action |
| Check Expiration | ✅ AAdvantage: 12 months, Non-members: 6 months |
| Locate Credit | ✅ Check email or AAdvantage account under “Manage Trips”. |
| View Travel Credits | ✅ Enter confirmation code or 13-digit ticket number on AA.com |
| Verify Details | ✅ Ensure flight credit number and booking details match |
| Rebook Flight | ✅ Book on AA.com and proceed to checkout |
| Apply Credit | ✅ Click “Add Travel Credit” on “Review and Pay” page |
| Pay Balance | ✅ Cover any remaining fare difference |
| Need Help? | 📞 Call AA customer service with ticket details |
🔹 Need expert assistance? Call DelayFlights at 1-866-421-6579 for help with your booking!
Final Thoughts
Overall, American Airlines flight credits provide a flexible way to rebook your travel plans without losing your investment. Whether you have a Trip Credit, Flight Credit, or Refund Credit, understanding the rules and expiration dates ensures a smooth rebooking process. Easily redeem them online at AA.com or reach out for personalized assistance by calling FondTravels at +1-866-421-6579—we’re happy to assist you!
FAQ’s
Q1: What is the best American Airlines credit card offer in 2025?
A1: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® currently offers a compelling package: 75,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months, with the first year’s $99 annual fee waived.
Q2: Which American Airlines credit card is best for lounge access?
A2: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® stands out for lounge access, providing complimentary Admirals Club membership and priority check-in/security screening.
Q3: Which card offers the easiest welcome bonus?
A3: The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® offers 60,000 bonus miles after the first purchase and payment of the $99 annual fee, with no minimum spending requirement.
Q4: Which card is best for occasional American Airlines travelers?
A4: The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card is ideal for infrequent flyers, offering 15,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months and no annual fee
Q5: Which card provides the most comprehensive travel benefits?
A5: The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers extensive travel perks, including Admirals Club access, priority check-in/security screening, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
