What to do with your travel vouchers and credits
This is mainly in regards to traveling during COVID-19 restrictions. I’ll update or write a new post once things hopefully return to normal.
It has been about a full year since COVID-19 shut down borders, businesses, and plans. As everything started closing and restricting, thousands of flights were canceled. Chances are, if you bought a ticket during COVID and were unable to fulfill your travel trip, you were likely given a voucher from the airline.
Thankfully, most vouchers have been extended. Expiration dates vary by airline and the type of credit you have. If you’re unsure what type of credit or voucher you have, you can look it up on their website using the links below.
Here is what the major airlines are doing:
United: Travel certificates are valid for up to 24 months after the date they were issued. Flight Credits for tickets issued between May 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, are valid for 24 months after the original issue date. This means you need to book by the expiration date, but you can travel after it.
American: Flight credits are good for travel within one year from the issue date. However, if your credit expires before March 31, 2021, it can be used for a travel date through December 31, 2021. A travel voucher must be used within one year of issue though the travel date doesn’t have to be within the year.
Delta: Vouchers must be used within the year. However, if you purchased a ticket before April 17, 2020, for original travel by March 31, 2021, you can use your voucher for travel up to December 31, 2022.
Fare Differences:
If the price is higher than your credit, then you have to pay the difference. If the price is lower, generally they’ll give you the difference in travel credit, except for United (boo).
Changes you can make:
Most airlines are treating the vouchers or credits like a gift card balance. You don’t have to book the same route, and on most major airlines, you can use your voucher or credits for another traveler. Though on Delta, you have to be on the same reservation.
Rules:
Some airlines allow you to combine multiple vouchers, but be sure to check.
Some allow you to use it toward bag fees and other extras. Some only allow this for the fare.
Some allow you to use it on partner airlines.
There are tons of fine print, so be sure to look that over before booking!
Final thoughts:
If your voucher is about to expire and you don’t have any plans or you’re nervous to travel, the best option is to call the airline and ask for an extension on your voucher. Airlines have been uncharacteristically accommodating during COVID, but you still need to ask.
If your voucher cannot be extended, book a flight that offers free changes. Most major airlines are offering free changes on all fares, but in a few weeks, they’ll only allow changes on fares above basic economy.
If you’ve used your voucher or credit during COVID, please leave a comment and let us know how it went :)