Airline Flight Credits: Don’t Let Yours Expire

If you have ever canceled a flight or given up your seat on an overbooked plane, chances are an airline handed you a flight credit. And if you are like a lot of travelers, that credit is sitting somewhere in your account, quietly ticking toward an expiration date.

Here is what you need to know to prevent it from happening to you.

What Is a Flight Credit, Exactly?

A flight credit is a voucher that an airline gives you when you cancel or change a flight. Instead of getting your money back, you get credit to use on a future booking with that same airline.

“Every airline has different rules, expiration dates, and restrictions,” experts explain, “so knowing the fine print is key to actually using them before they disappear.”

One important note: if you originally bought a refundable ticket, you should receive a refund to your original payment method, not a credit. And if you booked a basic economy fare, you may not be eligible for a credit at all if you cancel.

How to Find and Use Your Credit

Start by logging into your airline account. Most airlines store your credits under a section called “My Trips” or “Wallet.” Once you find it, you can usually apply it during the online booking process.

Keep in mind that your credit may not cover the full cost of a new flight. If it falls short, you pay the difference. If it is worth more than the new ticket, you could lose the remaining balance, so choose your next booking wisely.

What Each Airline’s Rules Look Like

Most flight credits expire within 12 to 24 months. But as Neugarten points out, “expiration” does not always mean the same thing. Some airlines require you to book a new flight before the deadline. Others require you to complete travel before it expires. That is an important difference.

Here is a quick look at the policies for six major U.S. airlines:

• Delta — Credits (called eCredits) are valid for one year from the issue date. You can combine up to five eCredits on a single booking. Find yours on delta.com under “Certificates, eCredits and Vouchers.”
• United — Called Future Flight Credits, these are valid for one year and can be used to book flights on United, United Express, and partner-operated flights through the United website or app. They can also be applied toward certain upgrades, such as Economy Plus seating. United also issues travel certificates if you volunteer to give up your seat on an overbooked flight.
• Southwest — Credits are typically valid for one year after issuance. Southwest notes that flight credits created on or before May 27, 2025, do not expire. Basic fares receive a non-transferable credit, while Choice fares allow transfers.
• Alaska Airlines — Credits are valid for one year from the original booking date. You must use the credit to purchase a new ticket before the expiration date, but travel itself can take place up to 11 months after that purchase.
• American Airlines — American issues multiple types of credits with different rules. Standard flight credits must be used within one year and can only be used by the original traveler. Trip credits offer more flexibility, including the ability to book travel for someone else.
• JetBlue — Credits are valid for one year from the original booking and are accessible through your Travel Bank in your TrueBlue account. JetBlue credits can be used for flights booked in someone else’s name, making them a good option for family travel.

Four Tips to Make Sure You Never Lose a Credit Card

Experts shared practical advice for staying on top of your flight credits.

1. Book now, change later. If a credit is about to expire, go ahead and book any flight. Many airlines now allow free changes, so you can adjust your travel dates afterward.
2. Stay organized. Keep a simple list of your credits, which airline issued them, and when they expire. Set a calendar reminder on your phone well before the deadline so you are not caught off guard.
3. Check transferability before booking for the family. Most airline credits can only be used by the original ticket holder. JetBlue and Southwest are exceptions; they allow you to use credits for flights in someone else’s name. Verify before you assume.
4. Watch for policy changes. Airlines update their rules regularly. Check the airline’s website before your expiration date arrives to make sure nothing has changed that could affect your credit.

A little organization goes a long way here. Once you know where your credits are and when they expire, using them is usually straightforward. The goal is simple: make sure every dollar you are owed actually gets you somewhere.