Travel Credit Expiration and Restrictions Guide
A travel credit is conditional value, not cash. Expiry dates, traveler limits and booking rules decide whether you actually get to use it. If you want help with your own booking, call 1-855-365-0395.
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At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical limits | Expiry date, same-traveler rule, booking conditions |
| Southwest note | Basic credits have a shorter validity than Choice credits |
| Before accepting | Check if cash is owed instead |
| Next step | Read terms and set a reminder |
| Help line | 1-855-365-0395 |
Ask before you accept
If the airline cancelled or significantly changed your flight, you may be owed a refund. See refund eligibility.
Using the credit
Credits usually need to be used for the named traveler and by the expiry date. Ask about partial use.
Step by step
- Read the credit terms.
- Record expiry and traveler name.
- Ask about partial use.
- Set a reminder.
How major airlines handle travel credits
Fare names and rules differ by airline and change often. Use these notes as a starting point and confirm your own fare.
Delta Air Lines
Its Basic Economy fare (also shown as Main Basic) is usually the most restricted option. For travel credits, check the rules attached to your own fare on Delta Air Lines’s website or app.
American Airlines
Basic Economy is generally the least flexible fare, while higher fares allow more. For travel credits, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
United Airlines
Its Basic Economy fare is usually the most restricted option. For travel credits, check the rules attached to your own fare on United Airlines’s website or app.
Southwest Airlines
The four fare types differ on credits and same-day changes, and Basic credits have a shorter validity. For travel credits, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
Alaska Airlines
Its Saver fare is usually the most restricted option. For travel credits, check the rules attached to your own fare on Alaska Airlines’s website or app.
JetBlue Airways
Blue Basic is the most restricted, while Blue fares allow more. For travel credits, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
Air Canada
Its entry-level economy fare is usually the most restricted option. For travel credits, check the rules attached to your own fare on Air Canada’s website or app.
Lufthansa
Flights from or within the EU may also fall under EU passenger rights rules. For travel credits, what you can do still depends on your fare, so confirm it before you decide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting it lapse.
- Using it for another person.
- Taking it when cash applied.
Questions people ask
Do credits expire?
Many do; check.
Are they transferable?
Usually not.
Can I convert to cash?
Usually not.
Ready to sort this out?
Call the travel assistance line and have your confirmation code and travel dates ready.
Call 1-855-365-0395Independent travel assistance line. Not an airline phone number.
Independent information service. VerdictSpot Travel Help is not an airline and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any airline. Airline names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the topics covered. Airline rules change often; confirm current terms for your own ticket. You can also manage many bookings yourself on the airline’s own website or app. If you call, ask the agent to explain any service fee before you agree to anything.