Airlines extend trip credit expirations amid new DOT regulations

Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines have extended the expiration dates for trip credits in customer accounts. This extension, which adds five years to the validity of these credits, aligns with new regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The rules were included in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024.

An email from Alaska Airlines indicated that flight credits issued due to disruptions are now valid for five years. "Earlier this year you were issued an Alaska Airlines flight credit following a flight disruption," the email stated. Delta's communication was less specific but confirmed an extension for "eCredits."

The change is part of broader efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance passenger rights. DOT spokesperson Sean Manning said, "Thanks to the FAA Reauthorization Law and Secretary Buttigieg's push for stronger refund protections for passengers, any flight voucher given to passengers for significantly delayed or canceled flights must now be redeemable for at least 5 years before it expires." Manning added that this represents a significant expansion of airline passenger rights.