Here are the rules for Delta, American, JetBlue, United, and SouthWest.
What are flight credits?
Flight credits are essentially vouchers airlines give you when you cancel or change a flight, Neugarten says.
Person booking flight online.Credit:Ralf Hahn/Getty Images
Once issued, credits can be used in full or part toward future travel with the same airline.
Its usually under My Trips or Wallet, Neugarten noted.
Yellin noted, For most U.S. major airlines, flight credits can be applied online during the booking process.
People walking around an airport.Caroline Purser/Getty Images
A few airlines, including Delta, allow travelers to combine multiple flight credits toward one reservation.
Flight Credit Expiration Policies
Expiration dates are probably the most criticaland confusingaspect of flight credits.
Heres a detailed look at the policies for six major U.S. airlines.
Delta Airlines
Delta offerseCredits, which are typically good for one year from the issue date.
Travelers can also apply future flight credits toward some non-ticket items, like an upgrade to Economy Plus seating.
United flight credits are typically valid for a year.
The credits are easy to use as well.
It’s important to consider that different fare classes have slightly different rules.
American Airlines
Americans policies are abit more complexthan others.
The airline issues multiple types of credits, each with different expiration rules.
you’re free to reach the credit via your Travel Bank within your TrueBlue account.
Book now, change later.
you might shift dates later if needed.
That is one tip that we tell our members often that works super well.
Stay organized.
Double-check transferability terms.
Check for policy updates.
A lot can change within a year, especially in the world of travel.