How to Use an American Airlines Flight Credit 2025

If you have a flight credit with American Airlines, you’re likely wondering how to put it to use. Flight credits are a handy way to reuse the money from canceled or unused tickets. Unlike other travel vouchers, an American Airlines flight credit is tied specifically to your name and ticket. Knowing how to use an American Airlines flight credit 2025 can save you money when booking your next trip.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything — from understanding what a flight credit is to how to redeem it step by step. Whether you’re trying to figure out the difference between flight credit and trip credit or want to learn how to apply flight credit online, this article has you covered. By the end, you’ll feel confident managing your flight credit and making the most of your travel funds.

 Understanding Your Credit Options

When you talk about American Airlines flight credit, it’s important to know the difference between flight credit and trip credit. A flight credit is usually tied to one passenger and can only be used by that person. Trip credit, on the other hand, is more flexible—it can be shared and used by others. Both credits come with expiration dates, so knowing your flight credit expiration is key.

Some people get confused about travel vouchers, but they work differently from flight credits. Knowing how to use flight credit online starts with understanding these options. This way, you’ll avoid mistakes and make sure you use your flight credit before it expires. Managing your travel credits well means more savings on your next flight.

How to Retrieve and View Your Flight Credit

To use your American Airlines flight credit, you first need to find it. Check your cancellation email for a 13-digit ticket number or confirmation code—that’s how you access your flight credit. Go to AA.com and click on “Manage Trips” to see your travel credits.

You can also use the American Airlines Wallet to view your flight credit balance. If you’re using the mobile app, your flight credit shows up under “My Trips” or “Wallet.” Always check the expiration date of your flight credit before booking. Don’t mix it up with a trip credit—they look similar but work differently. Knowing where your flight credit is stored is the first step to using it the right way.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Your Flight Credit Online

Using your American Airlines flight credit online is simple once you know the steps. First, go to AA.com and search for a new flight. When you get to the payment page, check for an option to apply your flight credit.Enter your 13-digit flight credit number exactly as shown. If the credit is valid, it will be automatically applied to your total fare.

If the price of your new flight is higher, simply cover the remaining balance.You can only use one flight credit per person when booking online. The same process applies when using the AA mobile app. Always check that you’re using your flight credit—not a trip credit—since rules are different. Using flight credit online saves time and gets you flying again fast.

Alternative Redemption Methods

If using your American Airlines flight credit online doesn’t work, don’t worry—you’ve got other options. You can call American Airlines and ask an agent to apply your flight credit for you. Just give them your 13-digit flight credit number. If you’re at the airport, go to the ticket counter—they can help you use flight credit in person.

This is helpful if you’re booking a flight for multiple people or need to combine credits. Remember, flight credit rules online limit you to one credit per passenger. But by phone, you might have more flexibility. Just make sure you’re not confusing flight credit with trip credit—they have different rules. However you redeem it, using your flight credit should be simple and stress-free.

Rules, Limits, and Expiration Policies

Before using your American Airlines flight credit, you need to know the rules. Each flight credit remains valid for one year from the date your ticket was issued.Check your flight credit expiration to avoid losing it. You can’t transfer flight credit to someone else—it must be used by the original passenger. When booking online, you can only apply one flight credit per traveler.

That’s different from trip credit, which allows more flexibility. Also, your flight credit can’t be used for extras like bags or upgrades. If you cancel again, your remaining flight credit might be converted to trip credit. Read all terms before you book. Understanding these flight credit rules helps you avoid mistakes and save money.

 How to Convert Flight Credit to Trip Credit

Sometimes your American Airlines flight credit turns into trip credit—and that can actually be a good thing. If you book a cheaper flight than your original ticket, the leftover value is returned as trip credit. Trip credit is more flexible than flight credit. You can use trip credit for someone else or even apply more than one credit to a booking.

Many travelers use a small flight to trigger the conversion from flight credit to trip credit. Just make sure you know your flight credit expiration so you don’t lose it. Always double-check if you’re holding a flight credit or trip credit—they work differently. Learning how to convert flight credit gives you more control and better options when booking.

What Happens if Your New Flight is Cheaper or More Expensive?

The cost of your new flight is important when using your American Airlines flight credit. If your new flight costs more than your credit, you just pay the difference. However, if the new flight is less expensive, the remaining balance will be converted into a trip credit. That trip credit works differently—it can be shared and used later.

This is how flight credit turns into trip credit automatically. Just remember, you can’t combine multiple flight credits online, so plan ahead. Be sure to verify your flight credit balance and expiration date before making a booking. Using flight credit smartly helps you save money or keep credit for future trips. Whether your flight costs more or less, you’ll still get value from your American Airlines flight credit.

 Can You Extend or Combine Credits?

With your American Airlines flight credit, many people ask if they can extend the expiration.Unfortunately, flight credit expiration is strict—typically one year from the original ticket issue date. You can’t ask for an extension online, but calling American Airlines sometimes helps. If you have more than one flight credit, you can’t combine them when booking online.

That’s a significant distinction from trip credit, which can be combined. If you want to use multiple flight credits, you’ll have to contact an agent.Always double-check if you’re using flight credit or trip credit—they follow different rules. Managing your flight credit the right way means planning before it expires. Use the credit early, check your options, and contact AA if you’re unsure how to apply it.

 International and Region-Specific Use

Using your American Airlines flight credit for international trips can be tricky. Some flight credits only work for U.S. departures, so always check before booking. Region rules matter when using flight credit outside the U.S. If you’re flying with a codeshare partner like British Airways, your flight credit might not apply.

That’s different from trip credit, which usually has fewer limits. Always review the flight credit terms for international use. If your flight credit doesn’t work online, give American Airlines a call to explore your options. Many travelers find their flight credit rejected because of region restrictions. Understanding where and how to use your flight credit saves time, prevents mistakes, and makes booking international trips hassle-free.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people lose their American Airlines flight credit by making simple mistakes. The biggest one? Letting the flight credit expiration date pass. Always set a reminder to use your flight credit on time. Another mistake is confusing flight credit with trip credit—they have different rules. You also can’t use your flight credit for someone else; it’s non-transferable.

Trying to book extras like bags or seat upgrades with flight credit won’t work either. Some travelers enter the wrong flight credit number or forget where to find it. Always check your AA Wallet or email for the right info. Knowing these flight credit rules helps you avoid problems and keeps your travel credits safe and ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an American Airlines flight credit?

 Flight credit is a refundable amount from canceled tickets, tied to the original passenger, usable toward future American Airlines flights within a set expiration period.

How do I check my flight credit balance?

 Log into your American Airlines account, visit “Manage Trips” or use the AA Wallet in the app to view your flight credit balance and expiration date.

Is it possible to transfer my flight credit to another person?

 No. American Airlines flight credit is non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger named on the canceled ticket.

What’s the difference between flight credit and trip credit?

 Flight credit is passenger-specific and limited to one use. Trip credit is more flexible, can be shared, combined, and used by others.

How do I use my flight credit online?

 Book a new flight on AA.com or the app, enter your 13-digit flight credit number at payment, and the credit will apply to your booking.

Can I combine multiple flight credits?

 No, you cannot combine multiple flight credits online. To use more than one, you need to call American Airlines customer service for assistance.

What happens if my new flight costs less than my credit?

 The leftover value from a cheaper flight is converted into trip credit, which has more flexible usage and can be applied to future bookings.

Can I extend the expiration of my flight credit?

 Flight credit expiration is usually one year and cannot be extended online, though calling American Airlines may provide limited assistance in some cases.

Can I use flight credit for international flights?

 Some flight credits apply only to U.S. departures. Always check region restrictions, especially when booking codeshare flights with partners like British Airways.

What common mistakes should I avoid with flight credit?

 Don’t miss the expiration date, confuse flight credit with trip credit, try to transfer it, or use it for extras like baggage or upgrades.

Conclusion:

To make the most of your American Airlines flight credit, always verify the expiration date and keep your 13-digit ticket number easily accessible.Use the AA mobile app or AA.com to track and manage your flight credit easily. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to American Airlines customer support—they can assist you with using your flight credit online or over the phone.

Set calendar reminders so you don’t forget to use your flight credit before it expires. Remember, flight credit and trip credit have different rules, so know which one you have. By managing your flight credit carefully, you’ll save money and enjoy your next flight without stress.