How Travel Credits Work and When They Expire

What travel credits are and how airlines issue them

A travel credit is a voucher issued by an airline that lets you book a future flight instead of receiving a cash refund. The airline holds the dollar amount you paid and lets you use it toward any ticket on their network. You do not get money back to your bank account — you get a code or account entry that works only with that airline.

Airlines issue travel credits when you cancel a flight, when they cancel a flight and you do not want to rebook, or when you change your reservation to a cheaper flight. The credit amount equals what you paid for the ticket, minus any taxes and fees the airline keeps. Some airlines also issue credits for schedule changes, delays over a certain length, or as compensation for oversold flights, though this varies by carrier and by whether the flight was domestic or international.

The credit sits in your name with the airline until you use it. You typically access it by logging into your account on the airline's website, calling their reservations line, or providing the confirmation number to a ticket agent. The airline will show you the credit balance and let you apply it to a new booking.

Key Takeaways

• Travel credits are non-refundable vouchers that work only with the airline that issued them, not with other carriers or for cash refunds.
• Expiration dates range from one year to five years depending on the airline and when the credit was issued, and most airlines do not extend expiration dates even if travel was impossible.
• You must use the credit yourself under the original passenger name — you cannot transfer it to another person or sell it, though some airlines now allow name changes for a fee.
• The credit covers only the base fare, not taxes, fees, seat selections, or baggage charges on the new flight unless you pay those separately.
• If you do not use the credit before it expires, the airline keeps the money with no refund or compensation.

Expiration dates by major airline

Expiration timelines differ across carriers and depend on when the credit was issued. Most major U.S. airlines currently set expiration at one year from the date of cancellation or the date printed on the credit voucher. Some airlines extended this to two or three years during the pandemic, but most have returned to one-year windows as of 2024.

A few carriers hold longer windows: some regional and international airlines set expiration at two years or more. The expiration date is printed on your credit confirmation or visible in your online account. You should check your airline's website or call their customer service line to confirm the exact date for your specific credit, because policies change and the date depends on when the credit was issued, not when you received the notice.

Once the expiration date passes, the airline typically cancels the credit with no refund and no option to extend it. A small number of airlines have allowed one-time extensions in specific situations — such as travel restrictions during lockdowns — but this is not standard practice and requires you to contact the airline directly before the date expires.

How to find your credit balance and expiration date

Log into your account on the airline's website using your frequent flyer number or the email address linked to your booking. Most airlines display active credits in a dedicated section of your account, often labeled "Travel Credits," "Vouchers," or "Account Balance." The display should show the dollar amount and the expiration date.

If you do not have an online account, call the airline's reservations or customer service line with your confirmation number or ticket number. An agent can look up the credit, tell you the balance and expiration date, and help you book a new flight using the credit immediately if you want to.

Keep a record of the expiration date in a calendar or note on your phone. Airlines do not send reminders as the date approaches, and once it passes, the credit is gone. If you are unsure whether a credit is still active, check your account or call before you plan a trip.

Using a credit to book a new flight

When you book a new flight, the airline will ask whether you want to pay with a credit, a new payment method, or both. Select the credit option and enter the confirmation number or let the system pull it from your account. The credit amount will be applied to the total fare.

If the new flight costs less than the credit, you keep the remaining balance for a future booking. If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method the airline accepts. You cannot convert unused credit to cash or transfer it to another person's account, even if that person is a family member.

The credit covers only the base fare. Taxes, airport fees, seat selections, baggage charges, and other add-ons are separate and must be paid in full. Some airlines let you apply the credit to these extras if you want, but most require you to pay them separately.

Name changes and credit transfers

Most airlines require the credit to be used by the person whose name appears on the original ticket. You cannot transfer a credit to a spouse, child, or friend, even if you will not use it. The passenger name on the credit must match the name on the new booking.

Some airlines now allow you to change the name on a credit for a fee, usually between $50 and $100. This is not a transfer — it is a correction that lets you change the passenger name to someone else in your household. Check your airline's policy on their website or by calling customer service to see whether this option is available and what the fee is.

If you have a credit under your name and you want someone else to use it, your only option with most airlines is to contact customer service and ask whether they will make an exception. Some agents will do this as a courtesy, but there is no may provide, and the airline is not required to allow it.

What happens if your credit expires

Once the expiration date passes, the airline removes the credit from your account and keeps the money. You have no recourse to recover it, and the airline has no obligation to refund it or extend the date. The credit is gone.

If you believe the expiration was unfair — for example, if travel was impossible due to a government restriction or airline closure — you can contact the airline's customer service and ask for a one-time exception. Some airlines have granted extensions in extreme circumstances, but this is discretionary and not may provide. Make your request in writing and include documentation of why you could not travel.

If the airline refuses and you believe you have a legal claim, you may be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company if the original ticket was paid by card. However, most chargebacks for expired credits fail because the airline can show that the credit was issued and the expiration date was disclosed.

Credits versus refunds: what you should know

A travel credit is not the same as a refund. A refund returns money to your original payment method — your bank account or credit card. A credit is a voucher that works only with that airline and only for future travel. If you never use the credit, you lose the money entirely.

In some situations, you have the right to a refund instead of a credit. If the airline cancels a flight and you do not want to rebook, or if the airline makes a significant schedule change and you do not accept the new time, you can request a refund. The rules differ between domestic and international flights and depend on the airline's policy and local regulations.

If you received a credit but believe you should have received a refund, contact the airline's customer service department in writing and explain why. Keep copies of your original booking confirmation, cancellation notice, and any communication with the airline. If the airline refuses, you may be able to file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a travel credit on a different airline?

No. A travel credit works only with the airline that issued it. You cannot use an American Airlines credit on United, for example. If you want to fly a different airline, you need a refund, not a credit.

What if I book a flight with my credit and then cancel that flight?

If you cancel the new flight, the airline will issue you another credit for that amount, and the original credit will be restored to your account. You will have two separate credits, each with its own expiration date. Some airlines allow you to combine them; others keep them separate.

Do taxes and fees count toward my credit balance?

No. The credit amount is the base fare only. Taxes and government fees are deducted from your refund or credit, so the credit is smaller than the ticket price. You must pay taxes and fees separately when you book a new flight.

Can I sell my travel credit to someone else?

Most airlines prohibit selling or trading credits. Some third-party websites claim to buy and sell airline credits, but these transactions are risky and may violate the airline's terms. The airline can cancel a credit if they discover it was sold or transferred without permission.

What if the airline goes out of business before I use my credit?

If an airline ceases operations, your credit is typically lost. Airlines are not required to honor credits issued by a competitor or a defunct carrier. Travel insurance or credit card protections may cover this in some cases, but it depends on your policy and the circumstances of the airline's closure.