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American Airlines clarifies differences between trip credits and flight credits

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American Airlines clarifies differences between trip credits and flight credits
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Emily Thompson Credit cards editor | The Points Guy

American Airlines provides two main types of travel credits for its customers: trip credits and flight credits. Despite their similar names, these credits serve different purposes and have distinct usage policies.

Trip credits are issued for reasons such as flight cancellations, significant delays, compensation, and refunds. They can be used to pay for airfare including taxes and fees on flights operated by American or American Eagle, as well as those marketed by American but operated by codeshare or Oneworld partners. However, they cannot be applied to additional costs like baggage fees or seat upgrades. Trip credits are applicable only to flights originating in the U.S. and certain other countries.

According to the airline's website: "If you cancel your trip on aa.com before departure, we will cancel your ticket and issue a Trip Credit." It's crucial that travelers cancel before the first flight departs; otherwise, they lose the ticket's value. Trip credits are nontransferable but can be used to book travel for others. They must be redeemed through American’s website or reservations phone line.

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Flight credits come into play when a customer cancels their ticket through channels other than AA.com. Like trip credits, they cover airfare but not extras like seats or bags. Flight credit redemption is limited to flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands when booked online; however, tickets can also be purchased over the phone with broader origin options.

The primary difference between the two lies in transferability and expiration policies. Flight credits are tied to the passenger named on the credit and typically require new travel to begin within one year from the original ticket date.

Both types of credit offer flexibility for future travel if passengers understand how each works: trip credits arise mainly from airline-initiated changes while flight credits result from passenger-initiated cancellations.

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