How to Use an American Airlines Voucher: A Complete Guide

Did you receive an American Airlines voucher for a canceled flight or other issue? While vouchers offer value for future travel, using them does come with some limitations and rules. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about American Airlines travel vouchers, including how to use them, restrictions, expiration policies, and tips to maximize their value.

What is an American Airlines Travel Voucher?

An American Airlines travel voucher is a credit issued to you when:

Your flight was significantly changed, delayed, or canceled by American Airlines
You chose to voluntarily cancel your non-refundable ticket
You had another qualifying irregularity

Vouchers provide an alternative to refunds, with credit toward future American Airlines travel instead of cash back. The value is typically based on the base fare and taxes paid on your original disrupted trip.

How Do American Airlines Vouchers Work?

American Airlines travel vouchers function similarly to gift certificates. The vouchers have a specific dollar value that can be used to “pay” for future American Airlines airfare and ancillary fees. Some key points:

Vouchers are applied as a form of payment on aa.com like a gift card.
Any unused voucher balance remains available for future ticketing.
Vouchers are tied to the original passenger name but can be transferred.
Voucher amounts can be combined, split, or partially used across bookings.
Changes or cancellations result in any voucher amount being redeposited.

American Airlines Voucher Restrictions

American Airlines travel vouchers come with some limitations:

Vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash back, only future travel.
Flights must be booked directly via aa.com or American’s reservations desk.
Voucher amounts cannot be applied retroactively to existing bookings.
Paying for flights with a mix of vouchers and other payment is restricted.
Vouchers cannot be used for non-air purchases like seat upgrades, checked bags, etc.
Combining vouchers requires all vouchers be issued in one name.

Do American Airlines Travel Vouchers Expire?

Yes, American Airlines voucher expire 1 year after the date of issue. The exact expiration date is printed on each voucher.

Partially used vouchers will retain any remaining balance until the expiration date, unless fully depleted.

American does not make exceptions for expired vouchers, so be sure to use any available credit before the voucher term ends.

Tips for Using American Airlines Vouchers

Follow these tips to maximize value when redeeming your American Airlines travel vouchers:

Book early to access lower fares and desired flights.
Use for expensive one-way or last-minute fares to get more bang for your voucher buck.
Combine voucher amounts on a single booking for simpler application.
Purchase ancillary fees like bags and seats separately with another form of payment.
Save vouchers for big trips rather than small hops.
Transfer to others if you can’t use before expiry.
Carefully track expiration dates and remaining balances.

Get the Most Value from Your Vouchers

American Airlines travel vouchers provide an alternative to refunds during disruptions. While they do come with restrictions, planning ahead and smart redemption allows you to unlock great value from your vouchers. Use them for flights you may not otherwise splurge on and maximize their benefit before expiration.

Steps for Using American Airlines Vouchers

Here is a summary of the basic steps for redeeming American Airlines travel vouchers:

Check your voucher balance and expiration date.
Book your flights on aa.com like normal.
On the payment page, select "Apply Travel Voucher” and enter the voucher information.
The voucher value will be applied to the fare, with any remainder due charged to your card.
Pay any ancillary fees separately with another payment method.
Print or save your updated itinerary confirmation showing the voucher payment.
Check your remaining voucher balance for future redemptions.