Travel credits can be a lifesaver when plans change, but understanding how to use them can sometimes be confusing. If you have an American Airlines travel credit, you might have questions about its usage, expiration, and transferability. This guide will answer the most frequently asked questions and help you maximize your travel credit. Best Ways to Use American Airlines

What Is American Airlines Travel Credit?
American Airlines travel credit is a voucher or credit issued when you cancel a flight, receive compensation, or get a refund in the form of credit instead of cash. It can be used to book future flights with the airline.
There are three main types of travel credits:
- Trip Credit – Issued when you cancel a refundable or non-refundable ticket.
- Flight Credit – Received after canceling a non-refundable ticket.
- Refundable Credit – Given when American Airlines voluntarily refunds your ticket.
Each type of credit has different rules for usage and expiration.
How Do I Check My American Airlines Travel Credit Balance?
To check your American Airlines travel credit, follow these steps:
- Visit the official American Airlines website.
- Log in to your account.
- Navigate to the “Wallet” section under your profile.
- Check the available credits and expiration dates.
If you received a paper or email voucher, the amount should be listed in the email or on the voucher itself.
Where Can I Use My American Airlines Travel Credit?
You can use American Airlines travel credit for:
- Booking flights operated by American Airlines.
- Paying for taxes and fees on new bookings.
- Covering part of a new ticket’s cost.
Travel credits cannot be used for:
- Upgrading to a higher class.
- Purchasing additional baggage or in-flight services.
- Partner airline tickets (unless explicitly stated).
Always check the terms and conditions before using your credit.
How Long Is My American Airlines Travel Credit Valid?

Expiration dates vary depending on the type of credit:
- Trip Credit: Usually expires one year from the date of issue.
- Flight Credit: Typically valid for one year from the date of the original ticket purchase.
- Refundable Credit: The expiration depends on the terms of the refund agreement.
If you’re unsure, log into your account or check the email confirmation from American Airlines.
Can I Transfer My American Airlines Travel Credit?
No, American Airlines travel credit is usually non-transferable. The original ticket holder must use it. However, Trip Credit can sometimes be used for someone else, depending on the terms at the time of issue.
If you’re looking for another person using your credit, check with American Airlines customer service to confirm eligibility.
How Do I Redeem My American Airlines Travel Credit?

Redeeming your credit is simple:
- Go to AA.com.
- Search for your desired flight.
- Select “Travel Credit” or “Flight Credit” as your payment method on the payment page.
- Enter the details from your credit voucher.
- Complete the booking process.
If you experience issues, you can contact American Airlines customer support for assistance.
Can I Use Multiple Travel Credits for One Booking?
Yes, you can combine multiple American Airlines travel credits under certain conditions. However, the system may limit the number of credits applied per booking. If you have multiple credits, you may need to contact customer support for assistance using them all at once.
What Happens If I Cancel a Flight Booked with Travel Credit?
If you cancel a flight booked using a travel credit, the credit will usually be reissued with the same expiration date as before. However, additional cancellation fees may apply depending on the fare rules of your ticket.
Can I Extend My American Airlines Travel Credit?
American Airlines generally does not allow extensions on travel credits. Once they expire, they are no longer usable. If your credit is about to expire and you’re unable to use it, try booking a flight for the future before the deadline to make use of the funds.
Do Travel Credits Cover Taxes and Fees?
Yes, American Airlines travel credits can be used to pay for the base fare, taxes, and other applicable fees when booking a new flight. However, they cannot be used for seat upgrades, baggage fees, or in-flight purchases.
Can I Use My Travel Credit for Someone Else’s Flight?
This depends on the type of American Airlines travel credit you have.
- Trip Credit: Often can be used for another passenger.
- Flight Credit: Usually must be used by the original ticketed passenger.
- Refundable Credit: Subject to the airline’s refund policy.
Always check the terms before trying to book for another person.
Can I Combine Travel Credit With a Credit Card Payment?
Yes! If your American Airlines travel credit doesn’t cover the full price of your ticket, you can pay the remaining balance using a credit or debit card. This allows you to maximize your credit while covering any additional costs.
What If My New Flight Costs Less Than My Credit?
The remaining balance is available for future use if your new booking costs less than your travel credit. However, some restrictions may apply, and you might need to use the entire credit in a single transaction.
How Do I Contact American Airlines About My Travel Credit?
If you have any issues or need clarification about your American Airlines travel credit, contact American Airlines through:
- Phone: Call their customer service at 1-800-433-7300.
- Live Chat: Available on their website.
- Social Media: Tweet at @AmericanAir for quick responses.
Customer service can help you check balances, apply credits, and understand usage policies.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to use your American Airlines travel credit ensures you don’t let valuable funds go to waste. Always check the expiration date, usage restrictions, and terms before planning your next trip. With this guide, you should have all the information you need to use your travel credit effectively and stress-free!
FAQs
1. Can I sell my American Airlines travel credit?
No, travel credits are non-transferable and cannot be sold or exchanged.
2. Can I use my travel credit at the airport?
Yes, you can apply your credit when booking at an airport ticket counter, but online redemption is usually more convenient.
3. What if my travel credit expires before I can use it?
Unfortunately, expired credits cannot be reinstated. Plan to avoid losing them.
4. Can I use travel credit for first-class upgrades?
No, travel credits can only be used for base airfare, not seat upgrades.
5. Can I use my travel credit for international flights?
Yes! American Airlines travel credits can be applied to both domestic and international flights.
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"mainEntityOfPage": {
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://traveloveit.com/2025/01/30/american-airlines-travel-credit/"
},
"headline": "American Airlines Travel Credit- Best Ways to Use 2025",
"description": "Plan your next trip with American Airlines Travel Credit. Enjoy special offers and benefits for easy and convenient travel booking",
"image": "https://traveloveit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/transportation-system-3190760_640.jpg",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "SAYED",
"url": "https://traveloveit.com/SAYED/author"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "",
"logo": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": ""
}
},
"datePublished": ""
}
</script>

I am a travel, travelinsurance specialized writer and blogger in the USA and UK. I have four years of experience in Cyber Security, Technology, Social Media and all types of electronic devices like computer laptops etc.So I work on solving these issues and give various tips on these issues.