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What to Do If Your Airline Voucher Is About to Expire

Pressure is growing on airlines to give fliers with an expiring credit for a pandemic-canceled flight an indefinite extension or a refund

Pressure is growing on airlines to eliminate expiration dates on travel vouchers or to give refunds to people for flights they didn’t take because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Edward Markey, D-Mass., sent letters to 10 major U.S. airlines calling on them to make all pandemic-related flight credits, including those that have already expired, valid indefinitely or to provide cash refunds to travelers who want them. The senators asked for airlines to respond by May 28.

Consumers are entitled to a full refund only if an airline cancels a flight. If you choose not to take a trip, you are entitled only to a credit for a future flight. Amid uncertainty about the pandemic, many travelers decided on their own not to fly and have been issued billions of dollars in vouchers.

But those vouchers have use-by dates , and many were initially issued with one-year expiration deadlines. While a number of U.S. airlines have extended the dates by which they must be used, policies on when and how to use the vouchers vary widely across airlines, which is confusing to consumers.

If you’re in that situation, see below for tips from Consumer Reports and other experts .

It’s a hot-button issue for consumers. People filed almost 90,000 complaints about refunds last year with the Department of Transportation. That’s an astonishing 57 times as many as in 2019, when there were 1,574 refund complaints.

In their letter to airline CEOs, Blumenthal and Markey said, "Americans need cash in their pockets to pay for food, housing, and prescriptions during this emergency. It is unconscionable that airlines are largely refusing to return customers' money even as the industry sits on more than $10 billion in unused travel credits.

While most airlines have eliminated change fees for travelers who want to rebook a flight, Consumer Reports, which last month sent letters to the 10 biggest U.S. airlines calling for extensions of credits till the end of 2022 or a refund option, has heard directly from thousands of frustrated consumers trying to use soon-to-expire vouchers or get their money back.

That includes Craig Evans of New York. When the pandemic hit last spring, he put off a family trip to Hawaii planned for last summer and was given $2,200 worth of vouchers. He originally planned to use them this April, but with the pandemic still raging he asked for a refund. He was told no, and now he has travel credits, some of which expire in August and some by January 2022. “While that may seem reasonable in normal times, it is not while we are still in the midst of a pandemic,” Evans says. “The airlines act like everything has been postponed,” says William J. McGee, an aviation adviser for CR. “But many people still don’t want to fly or no longer have a need to travel. The tickets were for weddings, graduations, and conferences that will never happen.” And some are suffering financial hardship because of the recession, McGee says, and they just need the money.

Blumenthal and Markey said they are concerned that with the pandemic ongoing and expiration dates looming, consumers will lose their flight credits or travel before they feel safe just so they won’t lose the money they spent.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing seven of the 10 largest U.S. airlines, says carriers have been flexible throughout the pandemic, issuing $12.84 billion in cash refunds last year, in addition to billions of dollars of travel credits. And even though air travel numbers have picked up, carriers are still in a precarious financial position. As of May 4th, carriers represented by Airlines for America have 40 percent fewer passengers and 32 percent fewer flights than pre-pandemic.

Go to the Source

Confirm the due date on your voucher. As the pandemic has gone on, many airlines have extended the expiration dates on vouchers to give flyers more leeway. But they haven’t always told passengers directly about those changes, says Zach Griff, an analyst at The Points Guy, a travel advice website. So call your airline to see whether it has extended those voucher use-by deadlines. About half of airlines now offer them through the end of 2022.

Most recently, in late March, American Airlines and United Airlines extended use-by dates on vouchers with 12-month expirations to March 31, 2022. And earlier this week Delta, which now has one of the most flexible policies, extended its deadline until Dec. 31, 2022, on all tickets that would have expired this year or were purchased in 2021.

Mary Ann Carr, who lives in Washington state, was happy to find out that an Alaska Airlines ticket credit that she thought was set to expire is good until the end of the year, a change Alaska made in mid-January and posted on its website, though Carr never received a direct notice informing her about it. “No news of this till I called,” Carr says.

Check your records. Voucher rules can be confusing and vary dramatically depending on when you bought your ticket and which airline you were flying on, according to McGee, who looked at the policies from the 10 biggest U.S. airlines. Some, for example, tie expiration of the voucher to the original date of travel, and others anchor it to when you canceled your reservation.

So instead of trying to decipher an airline’s voucher policy, which can be hard to find online, review the email confirmation you got when you canceled the flight or the physical voucher if you got one. Then you’ll be prepared with all the information you need when you contact your airline to find out your options.

Get Creative

Be flexible. Vouchers are issued as dollar amounts, not as replacement tickets for the same itinerary. So even if you’re trying to book the same exact trip, you might have to pay more for it. If price is really important, you might have to be more flexible on dates or seating class for the voucher to cover the same flights.

Be aware that if you buy a ticket that’s cheaper than the voucher amount, some but not all airlines will give you a credit for the difference. For example, on JetBlue if you rebook to a lower-price ticket, you’ll get a credit good for 12 months. But United and Frontier are among the airlines that don’t issue a credit or refund if the new itinerary costs less than the original booking.

Ask about other options. Most airlines offer vouchers only to the original flyer named on the ticket. But some might make an exception and allow you to transfer it to someone else.

You may also be able to turn the voucher into another type of credit the airline offers that is more flexible. On United, for example, you can ask to have your voucher converted to an electronic travel certificate , which can be used by other travelers, are good for two years, and have no restrictions on travel-by dates, Griff says.

Another option: If you’re a member of an airline’s loyalty program, you might be able to turn the voucher into frequent-flyer miles.

Be prepared. Travel volume is picking up, but the pandemic isn’t over yet. If you have a ticket for a future trip and you’re still uncertain about taking it, hold off canceling your flight and see whether the airline does it first, Griff advises. If it gets canceled, you shouldn’t have trouble getting a cash refund if you insist on it.

Make Some Noise

Dispute the charges. Airlines must issue you a refund if they cancel a flight, according to Department of Transportation rules. But in many cases at the peak of the pandemic, they didn’t cancel a flight until the last minute—after they had already issued vouchers to people who voluntarily decided not to travel, McGee says.

If you voluntarily cancel your flight first, even if the airline later cancels it, you might not be due a refund. But if you bought your ticket with a credit card, you can try disputing the charges. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you are entitled to your money back for goods and services that are not delivered. The Federal Trade Commission offers advice on how to dispute a charge .

Be persistent. As with any customer service problem, patience and persistence are key. Many flyers told CR that they had made multiple calls and sent numerous emails before successfully getting what they wanted, whether it was a refund or more time to use the voucher. Use social media. Complaining on social media is often an effective strategy. Most large companies monitor sites like Facebook and Twitter and respond directly to complaints if their company is called out. You can also file a complaint with the DOT, which may take action if enough people report the problem. You can submit a complaint to the agency using this using this online form .

Donna Rosato

As a journalist on the special projects team at Consumer Reports, I investigate issues that affect consumers' health, finances, privacy, and safety. My particular focus is on helping people untangle problems with medical bills, cover steep healthcare costs, finance the skyrocketing cost of college, and manage student debt. I was previously a writer at Money magazine, wrote for The New York Times and was a business reporter at USA Today. If you have a tip, follow me on  Twitter  (@RosatoDonna).

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What to do if you can't use your airline credit by its expiration date

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world, people are making major adjustments to their everyday life — namely, by social distancing and staying home except for essential errands or mandatory work assignments.

While we're a community of avid travelers, we're not encouraging any travel right now unless it's absolutely essential. There will come a time for your next trip — we promise! But the best way for things to return to normal as quickly as possible is for you to stay put.

Visit TPG's guide to all coronavirus news and updates

As airlines are slashing their schedules and reducing their capacity to unparalleled lows, we know many of you may be wondering what to do with your travel credits. Even if you'd planned to put them to good use on a flight in the next few weeks or months, it's too soon to say when we might be able to pack our bags and travel again. So, here's everything you need to know about your airline credits, including what airlines are providing increased flexibility — and how to get an extension if they're not.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Alaska Airlines

"Credit certificates may be issued when you exchange or cancel a nonrefundable Alaska Airlines ticket," says Alaska's official policy . "Your credit certificate will remain valid for 12 months from the issuance date of your original ticket, or 30 days from the date of exchange or cancellation, whichever is greater."

We reached out to Alaska Airlines to see if they have any specific policies in place to help travelers during the coronavirus outbreak, but did not hear back by the time of publication.

American Airlines

As for American Airlines , the airline's eVouchers are valid from one year of the date they were issued. They can be used on American Airlines or any Oneworld partner or American Airlines codeshare flight. You can redeem them online or by calling American Airlines reservations.

A spokesperson for American Airlines told TPG that travelers with questions about their eVouchers should contact a customer relations specialist.

TPG reader Dominique B. had a voucher from American Airlines that was set to expire on March 25. Dominique replied to the email the voucher was sent in, and the airline agreed to extend it for one year. The process, Dominique said, was "very simple and easy," and only took about two days from start to finish.

Delta Air Lines

Delta's eCredits , such as Delta Travel Vouchers, Delta Dollars (typically compensation from an oversold flight) and Transportation Credit Voucher (such as compensation from a service issue), can be applied toward a Delta ticket.

Currently, any Delta ticket expiring in March or April will be extended to enable rebooking and travel until Dec. 31, 2020. If you don't take your flight, your ticket number automatically becomes an unused eCredit within 24 hours. A Delta spokesperson confirmed to TPG that "eCredits, like tickets, expiring in March and April will be automatically extended to Dec. 31, 2020."

Hawaiian Airlines

Credits on Hawaiian Airlines are also valid one year from the date they're issued. Reservations must be booked within one year of the date the credit was issued, as well. A spokesperson said, at this time, the airline will suspend mileage expirations through Dec. 31. TPG asked for clarification about travel credits, but did not hear back in time for publication.

On JetBlue , your credits are valid one year from the date they were issued until 11:59 p.m. on the date of expiration. You can refer to your Travel Bank statement to view your current balance, as well as transactions and each credit's expiration date.

We reached out to JetBlue to see if they have any temporary policies regarding Travel Bank Credits in place to help travelers during the coronavirus outbreak, but did not hear back by the time of publication.

TPG reader Jeremy C., however, told the TPG Lounge he was able to get a JetBlue credit extended by two weeks by using the airline's online chat service.

If you cancel your Southwest reservation at least 10 minutes prior to departure, the fare paid for by the unused ticket will be applied as travel funds toward your future flights. All travel booked with unused funds or a Southwest LUV Voucher must be completed by the expiration date listed on your ticket.

Travel Funds expire 12 months from the date the original flight was booked — not from when the flight was canceled and the Travel Funds issued. This expiration date is also a "must-fly-by date," not a "book-by date."

In light of recent events, Southwest has modified this policy. Funds that have expired or will expire between March 1 and May 31, 2020, will now expire on June 30, 2021. In addition, any newly created travel fund generated because of a flight cancellation between March 1 and May 31, 2020, will have an expiration date of June 30, 2021, a spokesperson told TPG.

United Airlines

You can use your United electronic certificate only on United and United Express-operated flights, as well as United Express-marketed flights operated by other airlines. Your credits aren't valid on other Star Alliance airlines, unfortunately.

Your credit will expire expire one year from original date of issue, unless otherwise noted.

In the TPG Lounge, Jon W. said he called the [United] 1K desk and asked about his credit. "They extended it 60 days," he said. So, if you have elite status , be sure to leverage it during this unprecedented time.

If your credit isn't automatically extended

Message the airline.

Your best bet for finding the most current information about your personal airline credit — and asking for an extension if you need one — is going to be to get in touch with the airline. But, as you can imagine, call lines are swamped (yes, even on the elite status lines). Many airlines are asking travelers to only call if it's an urgent travel matter and, if not, to call back at a later time and date.

That said, we have some strategies up our sleeve for getting in touch with them. Messaging them on Twitter or Facebook can't hurt, and they may be able to extend the expiration date of your credits for you. As many TPG readers pointed out, they were able to get travel credit extensions by messaging the airline on social media and sending emails.

Related: How to quickly reach an airline customer service agent

Rebook your flight

In some situations, it might make sense to cancel your flight and rebook at another time.

For example, if you're a United flyer with a voucher, you can book a ticket with the voucher by March 31 (or earlier if it expires before then). If you want to change or cancel, the flexible booking policy will apply , a spokesperson for the airline confirmed.

Plus, if you're already scheduled to travel before April 30, there is currently no fee to change your flight. This is in addition to the airline's previous waiver, which scrapped all change fees for domestic and international tickets purchased between March 3 and March 31. This policy is in place for any of United's published nonrefundable fares, and if you end up canceling your flights, you can retain the value of your ticket to be applied to a new ticket without a fee for up to 12 months after the original issue date. This applies to Electronic Travel Credits, the spokesperson confirmed.

Related: Can I cancel or change my award ticket due to coronavirus travel waivers?

Book a ticket

This may seem counterintuitive, but hear us out.

It's something of a gamble, but you can book a ticket using your airline credit and then cancel it to reset the expiration date. Keep in mind travelers have had mixed results with this method, but it's worth a shot if none of the aforementioned avenues work.

Bottom line

It's a weird time, to be sure, but it will pass. Again, you should only be traveling right now if it is absolutely essential and urgent.

We know you had some amazing plans lined up, and while they might need to be put on hold for the time being, your trip will happen sooner or later. In the meantime, keep these strategies in mind so that your credits don't expire — and that you can keep them around when the time does come to plan that trip.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As Airlines Refund Travelers, Here's How to Get Cash Instead of a Voucher

The current coronavirus pandemic has thrown air travel and regular flight schedules in flux. Fearful fliers are canceling long-planned trips as airlines themselves slash daily services by up to 80 percent. The result? Widespread confusion on fliers’ rights, especially when it comes to the thorny question of refunds: cash, credit, or nothing at all. What’s more, there’s little or no end in sight to the confusion. So much so that both the U.S. Department of Transportation and the E.U.'s Transport Commissioner were forced to step in last week and clarify fliers’ legal entitlements to refunds.

While we're encouraging travelers to postpone their trips instead of canceling them outright, there are several reasons why you might need to a true refund. So what exactly are your rights as an American flier right now? We've taken a look at four different scenarios.

You bought a ticket directly from the airline, and the airline canceled your original flight

You are entitled to a full refund, in the original payment method—no exceptions. The airline might offer you an alternative, usually a voucher that is valid only on that carrier. It is legally allowed to make that offer, but you are also entitled to decline and insist instead on a full refund, via the original method of payment. This is a longstanding DOT rule.

But it was murky behavior around refunds—and subsequent outcry from customers—that led the department to reiterate this last week. Carriers like United and JetBlue claimed that the pandemic was such an exceptional circumstance that those long-standard laws did not apply. They tried to argue, instead, that vouchers could substitute for refunds. “The airlines were trying to hold your money hostage, like an interest free loan from you,” says Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights . “You can’t pay for your groceries with an airline voucher.”

Any flight that originates or terminates in the U.S. is covered by these regulations from the DOT. The same applies in the E.U., where British Airways and EasyJet were called out for removing a refund option from their websites, instead funneling such requests to call centers—and testing fliers’ resolve via enormous waits. As in the U.S., the EU’s transport commissioner weighed in, restating travelers’ rights to a refund on both inbound and outbound flights. (Though the U.K. has officially exited the European Union, it remains in a transition phase and still has to comply with these rules.) Note, however, that directive EC261, a consumer-friendly E.U. law that guarantees extra compensation for delays, has been temporarily suspended: You won’t earn extra money for cancelations right now, but you’ll receive a 100 percent refund.

One unfortunate exception to this consumer-friendly approach is Canada. The transport authority there, CTA, has effectively sided with the airlines, ruling that in this case a voucher is an acceptable substitute for cash. However, if your booking begins or ends in the U.S, you’re still covered by the DOT’s rules.

You bought a ticket directly from the airline, but you can no longer fly (or don't want to fly)

There is no legal mandate requiring that airlines refund travelers who are suddenly unable to fly, even in a pandemic. However, most carriers have drastically loosened their usual rules and change fees —these often shift daily, so check the airline’s homepage for the current policy. “It really is a moving target, because every time an airline announces a policy that is less than consumer-friendly, the pushback forces the airline to reconsider,” explains AirFareWatchdog co-founder George Hobica.

If you’re unhappy with what the airline offers in return, be patient, says Keyes. After all, if you initiate a cancelation, the airline will likely say you can only get a voucher. But if the airline itself eventually nixes that route, the DOT rules on automatic refunds are triggered. If you’re traveling in early June, for example, it’s very possible the airline could cancel that flight between now and then, but the airlines refund rule will only cover those who are current ticket holders. “There’s no penalty to waiting as long as possible to cancel, but the potential benefit might be a cash refund,” says Keyes.

If your flight is sooner, try reaching out to the airline via Twitter—often the fastest way to connect with customer service when phone lines are swamped. As always, remember that politeness is prime: Ask nicely if it is possible to cancel your ticket, given the circumstances, and anticipate accepting a voucher for the amount you paid and all fees waived. If you’re hoping for something different, and need to discuss options with a representative, consider calling a carrier’s overseas call center to shorten your wait. Most U.S. airlines will operate local customer service in most territories they serve; look for English-speaking operations in Singapore, India, or the U.K., though confirm how much that call might cost you beforehand, of course.

According to Hobica, a credit card might help if an airline refuses to waive certain fees even in the current climate. Some travel-friendly brands, like the American Express Platinum Card , offer reimbursement of change or cancelation fees in case of illness, whether yours or someone in your extended family. If you’re still being charged a fee, you might be able to offset it this way.

You bought a ticket from an online travel agent, like Expedia, Travelocity, or Orbitz

Third-party booking platforms like Expedia or Travelocity add an extra wrinkle. Technically, you purchased your ticket from them, so all refunds or vouchers should come from that agent rather than the airline. Right now, thankfully, such conventions are largely suspended, and most airlines are treating OTA customers much the same as those who bought tickets from them directly. In other words, the policies outlined above should apply.

Remember, though, that the small print still matters, especially if you’re the one initiating the cancelation. If the flight was sold as non-refundable, for instance, the booking platform must seek authorization for the waiver from the airline, so the final verdict on diverging from policy lies with the carrier. If you have questions or disputes, you’ll usually need to contact customer service at the OTA first—try Twitter if hold times are long, rather than starting with the airline.

What to do if an airline still refuses to give you a refund

Remember your rights—and invoke the DOT. Don’t hesitate to file one of those complaints using its form; after all, it was consumer feedback that nudged the department into issuing its reminder last week. “It normally feels like something you do to blow off steam, but [the DOT has] been receiving hundreds of thousands of complaints,” says Keyes. “That’s why they’ve been cracking the whip a little to strike fear into the airlines.”

If all else fails, consider disputing the charge on your credit card. This delegates the argument from you to a major financial institution, which can then tussle with the airline more effectively than you, a single customer, might be able to.

If you’re faced with a stubborn airline, or a situation where a customer service representative seems unwilling to budge, here’s a script that might help: “Thank you for all the information. I know it must be a stressful time for the airlines right now. However, I did see the notice from the DOT last week, reminding all airlines of their obligations—specifically pointing out the laws around refunds and cancelations. I believe that regulation applies to my circumstances. If you continue to deny that, unfortunately, I’ll have to file a complaint with the DOT about this, while also disputing the charge with my credit card issuer. I would much prefer simply to resolve this now. Can you confirm for one final time that [insert name of airline] will not be refunding all the money I paid for my ticket? If not, I will contact the DOT and my card issuer now.”

And just remember, even if you end up with a full refund, it doesn’t mean you can’t spend it on a different, later flight whenever you’re ready to reschedule your vacation .

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

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Welcome to Consumer Rescue

Fiascos and Fixes

Can United Airlines really give me a voucher instead of a refund?!

Michelle Couch-Friedman

Consumer reporter and ombudsman

December 15, 2022

United Airlines canceled many flights early in the pandemic and routinely shoved vouchers instead of refunds at its disgruntled passengers. This unorthodox (and illegal) practice continued until the Department of Transportation put the brakes on it in April 2020.

Earlier that month, United Airlines canceled Michelle Noppenberger’s flight and automatically issued her a voucher instead of a refund. Two years later, she’s still fuming about the situation and wants the airline to give her money back. And she’s asking our advocacy team to help her get it.

But after all this time, will United Airlines take back this unwanted voucher and refund her $1,764?

Let’s find out.

This cautionary tale shines a light on one significant way that airlines mistreated their customers during the pandemic. Michelle is just one of many who United Airlines “awarded” a voucher instead of a refund as the DOT requires. 

Now that the dust has settled and air travel appears to be returning to normal, is there any way for a passenger to correct this injustice?

Going to see the Bangton Boys on United Airlines

In February 2020, Michelle bought tickets for her family to see The Bangton Boys (BTS), a popular South Korean boy band. The concert was scheduled for May in New York City.

“My kids were really excited,” Michelle recalled. “After I bought the concert tickets, I went to Expedia to look for flights.”

The family needed to fly from their home in Indiana to the Big Apple. They chose to fly into Newark, New Jersey, a United Airlines hub.

“I found four tickets for nonstop flights on United Airlines,” Michelle remembered. “The total cost came to $1,764.”

It was a pricey flight for the short, 2-hour journey. But finding no better options, Michelle says she didn’t have a choice. She confirmed the United Airlines itinerary and paid for the tickets through Expedia.

The family was all set for their adventure.

But there was a wild storm brewing just over the horizon. The coming chaos would make certain that the much-anticipated trip could not happen.

Within weeks, the coronavirus started turning the world upside down.

United Airlines: “Have your plans changed?! Would you like to cancel your flight?”

By the end of March, it was becoming clear to Michelle that her children were in for a giant disappointment. The Bangton Boys likely weren’t going to be flying from South Korea for a concert in New York any time soon. But she still held a tiny hope that things might suddenly improve.

But in April, BTS announced the cancellation of their entire world tour, squashing her last shred of hope.

Now the reason for the United Airlines flight to New York City no longer existed. And she really wanted her money back. But she was aware that the Department of Transportation only required United Airlines to refund her flight if the airline canceled the trip.

So she decided to wait it out.

At that time, I was doing my best to warn readers of my column not to cancel any plans preemptively. Our advocacy team had become aware that United Airlines was actively reaching out to passengers and asking them if they wanted to cancel flights. These were flights that the airline likely already knew it would soon need to cancel. And, of course, if the airline canceled first, it owed the passengers refunds. But if the passengers canceled first, United could keep the revenue.

This scheme was presented to the passenger as a courtesy call, but it wasn’t. Unfortunately, many passengers fell for it, and United happily pocketed their money.

Lon Allen was one of those United Airlines customers who got that deceptive call . He almost lost nearly $9,000 that the airline owed him because of it. Almost. After his request for help landed in my inbox, I was determined to correct the “misunderstanding.” Lon and his wife received the cash refund the airline owed them.

But back to Michelle’s 2022 request for help. 

United Airlines: “We’ve canceled your flight, and here’s your voucher.”

Michelle, though, had waited it out. In fact, she didn’t have long to wait. Because her trip was on a regional jet, United Airlines canceled the flight without any outreach at almost the same time as BTS canceled the concert.

But instead of the refund that the DOT required United Airlines to process, Michelle soon received a voucher notification.

“And there was no way to reach anyone at United Airlines or Expedia to protest,” Michelle recalled.

So she didn’t.

“I want United Airlines to refund my voucher! Can you help me?”

When Michelle reached out to our team, she’d been ruminating about her unwanted United Airlines voucher for a very long time. But with the current expiration date of the flight credit fast approaching, her frustration had turned to anger.

After she read some of the articles that I had written about the similar struggles of other travelers ( including cruise ship passengers ), she hoped we might be able to help her too. 

On April 9, 2020, United airlines canceled my flight and issued this voucher for $1,764. I know United Airlines owed me a refund — because the airline canceled my flight. I didn’t cancel. Instead, they forced this future flight credit on me. I haven’t been able to reach anyone at Expedia or United Airlines who will help me. Each company points the finger at the other. I don’t want this voucher, and it’s going to expire soon. I have no plans to travel. This isn’t fair. Can you help me!?

When I went through Michelle’s paper trail, I saw that the timing of her cancellation matched the time when we were receiving a high volume of complaints about United Airlines. In an effort to combat the devastation that the pandemic was causing the airline, United appeared to be implementing a variety of questionable business practices. The goal of these practices seemed to be to shift the financial impact of the pandemic from the airline to its customers.

There was rarely a day that I wasn’t reaching out to our United Airlines contact with a new complaint.

Brian Ostenso was stunned when United Airlines refused to give him a refund after it canceled the most critical leg of his journey to Australia — the flight that would actually take him to Australia.

And my own daughter was impacted by these shenanigans when United Airlines canceled her flight to Greece. The airline wanted to transfer her group to a different airline – with a much, much longer journey – against their will. United refused her refund request, too — at least initially.

The Department of Transportation issues an enforcement order

But all of this nonsense came to a screeching halt after the Department of Transportation received one too many complaints. In early April, the DOT issued an enforcement order. This notification made it crystal clear that the pandemic was not an excuse for United Airlines to ignore the refund requirements as outlined by the DOT.

Enforcement Notice Regarding Refunds by Carriers Given the Unprecedented Impact of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on Air Travel This notice reminds the traveling public and U.S. and foreign carriers that passengers should be refunded promptly when their scheduled flights are canceled or significantly delayed. Although the COVID-19 public health emergency has had an unprecedented impact on air travel, the airlines’ obligation to refund passengers for canceled or significantly delayed flights remains unchanged. The DOT’s April 2020 enforcement order

In other words, customers should not be absorbing the financial impact the pandemic was having on the airline industry. The full text of the order required the airlines to refund vouchers that they had previously issued in violation of the DOT’s rules.

Unfortunately for Michelle, she seems to have been one of the last United Airlines passengers hit by this unapproved standard voucher policy. (FYI: The Consumer Rescue case files show that United Airlines’ practice of issuing vouchers instead of refunds hasn’t completely stopped — even in late 2022.)

Asking Expedia for help righting this wrong

Because Michelle had booked this itinerary through Expedia, that was my first stop in trying to right this wrong.

The Expedia team is always willing to correct problems that our team brings to them. I hoped that with their team’s help, we could make sure that United Airlines took back the voucher and provided the required refund for its passenger.

Hi ****! Michelle had a flight on United Airlines that United canceled in April 2020. That was at a time when United had adopted a scheme of automatically awarding vouchers to customers even when they were owed a refund. Michelle was one of those unlucky passengers. United refused her refund request. But in April 2020, the DOT sent out that enforcement warning telling the airlines (specifically United) that it did not approve this practice. United was instructed to retroactively refund the passengers to whom it had given vouchers when it really owed them a refund. Michelle never received a refund for the flight that United canceled. I believe she has a credit with Expedia. Would it be possible for your team to ask United if it will process that voucher as a refund instead, given the details of this case? I could also contact United directly, but I think if the credit is with Expedia, that might be a little more complicated. Thanks! Michelle to Expedia

Expedia: “We will process the refund because it’s the right thing to do.”

Unfortunately, nearly a month later, Expedia was still working on what should have been a simple case for United Airlines to resolve. I followed up with our executive contact at Expedia, and she filled me in on United’s response — and what Expedia intended to do to make things right for its customer.

Hi Michelle! I was just about to follow up with you. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck with pushing United Airlines to process the refund. Their point of view is when a customer agrees to the credit, they forfeit the right to the refund. So instead, we will refund on our end, as we agree that this is the right thing to do. Expedia spokesperson

Of course, this is good news for Michelle, but she wants to clarify that United Airlines is wrong yet again. She never “agreed to a flight credit.” United Airlines never gave her the option of a refund; it canceled her flight and made her take a voucher.

She is grateful for Expedia’s goodwill — and so are we.

How to get United Airlines to give you a refund instead of a voucher

If United Airlines (or any other airline) tries to give you a voucher instead of a refund after it cancels flight, here’s how to fix that problem.

• Make sure you qualify for a refund. Remember, the Department of Transportation only requires an airline to refund a passenger if the airline cancels the flight first. If you preemptively cancel a flight, the airline will not owe you a refund. This is true even if the airline later cancels the flight. Before you start to try to get a refund from United Airlines for your voucher, make certain you qualify. Do you have a notification from the airline that it canceled your flight? And did you suddenly receive an unwanted future flight credit? If so, you can proceed to step 2. 
• Ask United Airlines to refund your voucher. Now that you’ve confirmed that United Airlines should’ve given you a refund instead of a voucher, you need to ask. Make sure to keep your request polite and concise, as we recommend in our article about fixing a consumer problem . Be forewarned that you will need to be persistent with your request, as the airline will not easily acquiesce. But remember — you have the Department of Transportation’s refund regulation on your side. Persistence will pay off in this case. But you may need to go on to step 3.
• File a complaint with the Department of Transportation. Mentioning that your next step is to file a complaint with the Department of Transportation may give United Airlines the nudge it needs to change your unwanted voucher to a refund — if you are actually entitled to it. However, if the airline remains resistant to your request, here’s how to file your complaint with the DOT . The enforcement order last year by the DOT warned United Airlines the pandemic was not an excuse to ignore its regulations. When you file a complaint with the DOT, United Airlines will be required to respond and justify its actions. If it can’t, you’ll likely find your refund soon on its way.

And don’t forget, if at any time along your self-advocacy journey you need moral support or calming guidance, send us a message. One of us will respond ASAP. The Consumer Rescue team is here to help . Always. 😊 (Michelle Couch-Friedman, Consumer Rescue)

* Before you go: Wondering what United Airlines owes you after a flight delay? (Hint: Not $10,000!)

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Transportation | What do airlines owe passengers for flight…

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Transportation | What do airlines owe passengers for flight delays, cancellations at DIA?

Airlines are only required to provide compensation for “controllable” delays and cancellations, according to the u.s. department of transportation.

So what do airlines offer passengers for the inconvenience?

All U.S. airlines are required to follow through on promises made in customer service plans and to refund travelers if their flights are canceled or “significantly delayed,” according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed or canceled passengers,” federal transportation officials said . “If an airline has made a commitment to provide a particular service or compensation, then the Department can hold the airline accountable.”

However, airlines only have to adhere to their customer service plans when the delays and cancellations are “controllable” — such as for maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling, according to federal transportation officials.

When flights are delayed or canceled because of the weather, disasters or air traffic control conditions, airlines do not have to honor any promises in their customer service plans.

Even if airlines don’t have to follow through on promises of meals and hotels during uncontrollable situations, they still have to follow federal rules surrounding refunds.

If a U.S. airline cancels a flight or significantly delays takeoff — regardless of the reason — airlines are required to refund ticketed passengers if they choose not to accept the alternative offered — such as rebooking on another flight — federal officials said. This includes passengers with nonrefundable tickets.

The DOT has not specifically defined what constitutes a “significant delay,” claiming it depends on the length of the delay, the length of the flight and the passenger’s specific circumstances. Federal transportation officials review delay-based refund claims on a case-by-case basis.

Other federally protected refunds include:

Class of Service Change: A customer is entitled to a refund if they are involuntarily moved to a lower class of service. For example, if the passenger purchased a first-class ticket and was downgraded to economy class due to an aircraft swap, the consumer is owed the difference in fares.

Optional Service Fees: A consumer is entitled to a refund of fees paid for an optional service — including baggage fees, seat upgrades or in-flight Wi-Fi — if they were unable to use the optional service because of a flight cancellation, delay or schedule change or if they were involuntarily denied boarding. If passengers purchase an optional service and the amenity does not work or is not available on the flight, they are also entitled to a refund, according to the U.S. DOT.

Baggage Fees: A passenger is entitled to a refund if the customer paid a baggage fee and their luggage was lost by the airline.

• Airlines may have different policies to determine when a bag is officially lost. Most airlines will declare a bag lost between five and fourteen days after the flight.

• If an airline unreasonably refuses to consider a bag lost after it has been missing for an “unreasonable period of time,” the airline could be subject to enforcement action by the DOT.

• Airlines are also responsible for repairing or reimbursing a passenger for damaged baggage and/or its contents when the damage occurs while the bag is under the airline’s control. When the damage to the bag cannot be repaired, airlines will negotiate a compensation amount based on the value of the bag and its depreciation.

• More information about baggage policies, what airlines can restrict from their policy and how much airlines owe customers for damaged and lost bags is available on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website .

So, if airlines have to honor their customer service plans, what does each company promise customers?

If a flight is canceled and the airline could have prevented it, Southwest will :

• Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost.

• Provide meals, meal cash or meal vouchers for passengers waiting three hours or more for a new flight.

• Offer hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the airport for passengers affected by an overnight cancellation where the next available option isn’t until the next day.

• Give passengers a flight credit or travel voucher when the cancellation results in passengers waiting for a new flight three or more hours past their scheduled departure time.

If a flight is “significantly delayed” — which is determined on a case-by-case basis — passengers have essentially the same options as with cancellations.

“If you ask, we’ll give you a voucher for food at airport vendors who accept our vouchers,” Southwest officials stated . “If there’s no place to use the voucher or no vouchers available, we may honor reasonable requests for reimbursement of meal costs.”

Passengers stranded by extended overnight delays and cancellations also have to ask for hotel lodging and transportation — Southwest officials said the airline won’t announce it, but it will provide accommodations if the situation was caused by something officials “determined was within (the airline’s) control.”

To get reimbursed for meal, hotel and transportation expenses, passengers can fill out the form on Southwest’s website within one year of their flight.

If a flight is canceled and the airline could have prevented it, or a flight is significantly delayed, Frontier will :

• Rebook the passenger on the same airline at no additional cost.

American Airlines

If a flight is canceled and the airline could have prevented it, American Airlines will :

• Rebook the passenger on the same airline or another partner airline at no additional cost.

If a flight is “significantly delayed” – which is determined on a case-by-case basis – the options are essentially the same as with cancellations.

“If we can’t provide you with a voucher for an approved hotel, we’ll reimburse you for reasonable hotel costs,” American Airlines’ policy states . “If a hotel shuttle/third-party transportation service isn’t available, or we can’t provide you with a transportation voucher, we’ll reimburse you for reasonable transportation costs.”

The airline also has a policy for diverted flights, offering hotel accommodations, transportation and meal vouchers if a passenger’s flight is diverted to another city and they aren’t bordered to their final destination by 11:59 p.m.

“If the delay or cancellation is caused by events beyond our control (like weather), you are responsible for your own overnight accommodations, meals and incidental expenses,” airline officials stated. “If you decide not to fly because of a flight cancellation or a significant delay, you can request a refund for the remaining ticket value and related optional fees.”

If a passenger’s flight is delayed or canceled and they don’t accept American Airline’s alternative arrangements — or if none were available — the airline says it will refund the remaining ticket value and any optional fees.

“Beyond that, we have no further contractual obligation,” the airline stated in an online FAQ .

If a flight is canceled and the airline could have prevented it, Delta will :

• Rebook passengers on the same airline or another partner airline at no additional cost.

If passengers from the U.S. or Canada incur hotel, transportation and/or meal expenses because of a three or more-hour delay or a controllable cancellation, they can submit a reimbursement request using the Reimbursement Request form , according to Delta officials .

The airline said it is unable to provide meal vouchers, hotel accommodations and transportation for delays and cancellations caused by weather and air traffic control issues.

If a flight is canceled and the airline could have prevented it, United will :

If a flight is “significantly delayed” — which is determined on a case-by-case basis — the options are essentially the same as with cancellations.

United offers refunds in cash, bank orders, bank checks and through electronic funds transfers. They can only give refunds in the form of a travel voucher with the passenger’s written agreement.

For international flights, United Airlines puts delayed and canceled flights into three different categories: flights delayed by two or more hours, flights delayed by five or more hours and flights delayed by at least eight hours or canceled altogether.

If a flight is delayed by at least two hours or a passenger is involuntarily denied boarding on a flight, the airline starts offering compensation, according to United’s Notice of Rights policy , including:

• Meals, meal cash or meal vouchers for passengers waiting three hours or more for a new flight.

• Hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the airport for passengers affected by an overnight cancelation where the next available option isn’t until the next day.

The airline says it may “limit or decline (passengers’) right to care if (the) provision of care would itself cause further delay.”

Once the delay hits five hours, passengers get to choose between two compensation options outlined in the airline’s policy.

• A refund for the full cost of the ticket for the parts of the flight not made and – if the flight “no longer serves any purpose in relation to your original travel plan” – the parts of the journey already flown. If the delay happens during a layover, United is also responsible for providing the earliest possible flight back to your home airport. Or,

• A rescheduled flight under “comparable transport conditions” to your final destination as soon as possible or at a later date that works better for passengers’ schedules. If United offers a flight to an airport nearby – but different than – your original destination, the airline is responsible for covering transportation to or near the original airport.

If the flight is delayed eight hours or canceled, United says passengers may be eligible for monetary compensation, flight vouchers or rewards points.

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Getting travel refunds at a glance

Air travel cancellations, hotel cancellations, car rental cancellations, vacation rental cancellations, canceling a flight, hotel or rental car: now what.

If your airline cancels or makes major changes to your flight — no matter the reason — you are eligible for a full refund under Department of Transportation regulations . So why do so many passengers end up with a voucher instead?

Airlines often try to skirt regulations by giving passengers the option to accept a modified itinerary, even if the changes are major. But for casual travelers who've found themselves entrenched in the confusing world of refunds and who are expecting to receive cash for cancellations, many travelers might be surprised to receive vouchers instead.

Whether it's airlines, hotels or rental cars, here's what you need to know about travel refunds and when you're entitled to one, as well as how to receive and use vouchers if you otherwise can't get a cash refund:

Although specific refund and voucher policies vary from situation to situation and airline to airline, some consistencies (and federal regulations) allow for a few broad generalizations. Here's the quick glance at what you're entitled to, based on type of travel:

Air travel canceled by the customer more than 24 hours after booking will usually be compensated in the form of flight vouchers, which must be used within a certain period of time. Customers who book a more expensive "refundable" fare may be able to get a cash refund.

Air travel canceled by the airline is eligible for a full cash refund, though the airlines will often try to avoid this.

Hotel cancellations are often fully refundable if made more than 24 hours before check-in (except for prepaid/nonrefundable rates), but this varies by booking.

Car rental cancellations are almost always fully refundable, except for prepaid reservations.

Vacation rental (Airbnb, Vrbo) cancellations vary by property.

Now we'll break that down a bit deeper:

Air travel cancellation policies vary based on two factors: when the cancellation is made and who is doing the canceling.

Cancellations made within 24 hours

All flights starting in the U.S. that are canceled within 24 hours of booking are eligible for a full cash refund under Department of Transportation regulations . It doesn’t matter if you book directly through the airline or through a third party booking service: You are eligible for a refund to your original form of payment if your flight originates in the U.S. and you cancel it within 24 hours.

However, some airlines make the process of receiving these refunds cumbersome or confusing, sometimes suggesting you accept alternatives to the cash refund. If you are having trouble finding a way to get your cash back online, call the airline or travel booking service directly.

Cancellations made after 24 hours made by the traveler

If you want to cancel a flight more than 24 hours after booking, it is subject to the cancellation policy of that particular airline and fare:

Refundable fares are generally eligible for a full cash refund.

Some tickets, including many basic economy fares, simply cannot be canceled.

Some tickets can be canceled for a voucher refund, minus a cancellation fee.

Others can be canceled for free, but are available to travelers in the future as flight vouchers.

Now that most U.S. airlines have removed cancellation fees , the most common situation is the last one. You will be able to get a full refund for your nonrefundable flight, but not a cash refund. Instead, you’ll get a voucher or credit for future flights booked within a certain time frame. This isn't ideal, but it’s better than nothing. Just remember to use your voucher before it expires.

Cancellation made by the airline

If the airline cancels or makes major changes to your flight, for any reason, you are eligible for a full refund under Department of Transportation regulations . The definition of "major changes" isn't totally clear, but in general, any schedule change of more than 24 hours should be eligible for a full refund.

However, airlines will often try to skirt this regulation by giving passengers the option to accept a modified itinerary, even if the changes are major. Here’s an email from Singapore Airlines, with our highlight in red:

Because “accept” looks like a default option and the alternative is less prominent, a passenger may not be fully aware of their rights. Don’t fall for it: Always request a refund if the proposed changes aren't ideal.

Also note that sometimes airlines owe you money for delays or cancellations (or at least other forms of compensation, such as meal and hotel vouchers).

And if your flight was canceled at the last-minute by the airline, you'll have to move fast to minimize disruption for the rest of your travels. Make these moves fast if your flight was canceled . And while this won't help you now, bookmark this for next time: NerdWallet's guide to how to book a flight that's less likely to get canceled .

Hotel cancellation policies are generally more straightforward than airline policies, though there are no federally enforced cancellation rules. Hotel bookings generally fall into two categories:

Fully refundable rates, which can generally be canceled within 24 hours of check-in for a full refund.

Prepaid, nonrefundable rates.

Most hotel brands offer flexible rates as the default, which are generally more expensive but either are refundable or don't require upfront payment, period. Often though, travelers prefer prepaid rates purely because they tend to be cheaper. Before booking, consider how likely it is that your travel plans might change. Saving a couple bucks on the prepaid rate might not be worth it in the end if you had to cancel and now can't get your money back.

You should be able to see the terms of the cancellation policy for your booking during checkout. Read and understand them before committing.

One more reason why hotels tend to be more generous than airlines. Unlike airfare, the value of canceled flexible hotel bookings usually isn't offered in the form of credits or vouchers, but as a direct refund of the deposit amount to your credit card .

This one’s easy: Unless you specifically book a prepaid rate for a car rental reservation, you should be able to change, cancel or modify it without incurring a fee. The rules for cancellations on prepaid rates vary among companies and reservations, but they are often more flexible than nonrefundable airfare — and even more flexible than hotel bookings.

Vacation rental brands like Airbnb and Vrbo take a slightly different approach: They offer a range of cancellation policies, from extremely flexible to nonrefundable, and let the hosts (property owners) choose from these policies.

So when booking, look for the specific policy on each property. Here’s an example of Airbnb’s flexible policy:

Refunds from cancellations should come directly to your card — no credits or vouchers are involved.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Canceling travel is never a fun experience, but it can be made all the more challenging when confronted with a host of different rules and conditions for each type of booking. Thankfully, most hotel cancellation policies are fairly straightforward: You can either cancel your booking or you can’t, and you’ll get a cash refund if you do.

However, airline cancellations are a world unto themselves and require a bit more patience and understanding. In general, you won’t get a cash refund unless you cancel within 24 hours of booking, cancel a refundable fare or have the booking canceled by the airline.

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Understanding travel credit options.

We offer different types of travel credit: Trip Credit, Flight Credit, and Travel Vouchers. Each type of travel credit has its own terms and conditions, so be sure to read them carefully before redeeming your credit. Keep in mind, travel credits can only be used to book flights, and can’t be used to pay for extras like seats or bags.

Extended Trip Credit

For Trip Credit issued on or after April 2, 2024, AAdvantage ® members have 12 months to use their Trip Credit when canceling their trip on aa.com or the American app and their AAdvantage ® number is included in their reservation. Non-AAdvantage ® members have 6 months.

Types of travel credit

*Can’t be used for extras like seats or bags.

**For Trip Credit issued on or after April 2, 2024, AAdvantage® members have 12 months to use their Trip Credit when canceling their trip on aa.com or the American app and their AAdvantage® number is included in their reservation. Non-AAdvantage® members have 6 months.

***When booked on aa.com, Flight Credit can only be applied to flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (U.S. currency only)

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If you received a travel credit, you can use it to book your next trip. Here's how to find and redeem your Trip Credit and Flight Credit.

Trip Credit

If you're an AAdvantage ® member, most Trip Credits will appear in your AAdvantage ® account.

Log in to your account

Step 1: Find your Trip Credit email

• Look for an email from American Airlines with the subject line ‘Your Trip Credit.’
• Your Trip Credit number is a 13-digit number that begins with ‘00115.’

Keep in mind there are separate ticket numbers for add-ons like seats, upgrades, and bags.

Step 2: Book and add your Trip Credit

• Go to aa.com and book your new flight.
• On the payment screen, select ‘Trip Credit.’
• Follow the prompts to pay using your Trip Credit.
• You may use a credit card to pay any remaining balance.

Flight Credit

If you're an AAdvantage ® member and had your account number listed in your reservation before cancellation, you can log in to your account and view available Flight Credit in your AAdvantage ® account.

Step 1: Find your canceled trip or confirmation email

• You'll need your 6-character confirmation code and 13-digit ticket number.
• American tickets have a 13-digit number that begins with '001'.

Step 2: View your canceled trip

• Go to aa.com and choose ‘Manage trips / Check-in’
• Choose ‘View canceled trips’ and enter your trip details.
• You’ll find your Flight Credit details on the ‘Your trip’ page.

Step 3: Rebook and add Flight Credit

• Go to aa.com and find your new flight.
• On the payment screen, choose ‘Add Flight Credit.’
• Enter the ticket number from your canceled trip and apply the credit.

Book a trip with your Flight Credit

General rules

• Trip Credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, non-returnable, may not be redeemed for cash, check or credit (except where required by law) and has no implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness.
• Trip Credit is void if bought, sold or bartered, advertised for sale or used for commercial or promotional purposes.
• We won’t replace Trip Credit if lost or stolen. This may include inadvertent deletion, forwarding or access of the email containing your Trip Credit number. Please guard the Trip Credit number as you would cash.
• Except where prohibited by law, we reserve the right to refuse, void, cancel, reject or hold for review any Trip Credit mistakenly issued in an incorrect denomination or issued or obtained, directly or indirectly, in connection with fraudulent actions, fraudulent claims, compensation abuse or in connection with any violation of these terms and conditions.

Expiration and validity

• Valid until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on the date listed on the Trip Credit, and we won't reissue it past the expiration date.
• We won't accept invalid or expired Trip Credit.
• We won’t accept Trip Credit with an invalid number or if we are unable to locate it within the American Airlines systems.
• To receive Trip Credit, your original ticket must be canceled before the departure of the first flight (or the ticket loses any remaining value and cannot be used for future travel).

Redemption and usage

• You may redeem Trip Credit on aa.com or by contacting Reservations. Trip Credit is not redeemable through any other channels, including airport ticket counters or travel agencies.
• When contacting Reservations, tell the agent you have Trip Credit and you want to use it to book your travel.
• Trip Credit is redeemable toward air travel on flights operated by American, American Eagle ® or flights marketed by American (designated with an AA*). You can’t use Trip Credit for payment of air travel on any other airline on aa.com.
• Contact Reservations to use Trip Credit for qualifying one world ® or other airline partner itineraries.
• Trip Credit is redeemable toward the base air fare and directly associated taxes, fees and charges collected as part of the fare calculation.
• You may not use Trip Credit for products and / or services sold separate from the fare price or for taxes, fees or charges in connection with AAdvantage ® award travel, American Airlines Vacations℠ or any other non-flight products and / or services sold by American.
• You may only use non-taxable Trip Credit for single-passenger reservations on aa.com.
• Contact Reservations to use Trip Credit for more than 9 passengers.
• The recipient of Trip Credit can use it to pay for travel for themselves or others.
• You may redeem up to 8 Trip Credits in a single transaction on aa.com or through Reservations.
• If the ticket price is greater than the value of the Trip Credit, you may pay the difference only with a credit card accepted by American.
• If the ticket price is less than the value of the Trip Credit, we’ll issue any remaining value on a new Trip Credit, delivered via email to the passenger ticketed on the Trip Credit redemption. You may choose to have the new Trip Credit email sent to your email address and then use the remaining value on a new reservation for yourself or someone else.
• You may not combine Trip Credit with the value of an existing ticket to pay for a new ticket.
• Flight Credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, non-returnable, may not be redeemed for cash, check or credit (except where required by law) and has no implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness.
• Flight Credit is void if bought, sold or bartered, advertised for sale or used for commercial or promotional purposes.
• We won’t replace Flight Credit if lost or stolen. This may include inadvertent deletion, forwarding or access of the email containing your Flight Credit number. Please guard the Flight Credit number as you would cash.
• Except where prohibited by law, we reserve the right to refuse, void, cancel, reject or hold for review any Flight Credit mistakenly issued in an incorrect denomination or issued or obtained, directly or indirectly, in connection with fraudulent actions, fraudulent claims, compensation abuse or in connection with any violation of these terms and conditions.
• Flight Credit is valid for 1 year from the date the ticket was issued. We will not extend or reissue once it expires.
• If you don't show for your flight, your ticket will no longer be valid or eligible for any credit.
• We won't accept invalid or expired Flight Credit.
• You may redeem Flight Credit on aa.com, in person at the airport or by contacting Reservations.
• When contacting Reservations, tell the agent you have Flight Credit and you want to use it to book your travel.
• The recipient of Flight Credit can use it to pay for travel for themselves only.
• Flight Credit is redeemable toward air travel on flights marketed and operated by American, by American Eagle ® carriers or on flights marketed and sold by American but operated by one of American’s codeshare or one world ® partners (i.e. flights designated with an AA*).
• Flight Credit is redeemable toward initial booking, the base air fare and directly associated taxes, fees and charges collected as part of the fare calculation.
• You may only redeem 1 Flight Credit for single-passenger trips on aa.com or through Reservations. In order to redeem up to 2 Flight Credits in a single transaction, you must contact Reservations.
• If the ticket price is greater than the value of the Flight Credit, you may pay the difference only with a credit card accepted by American.
• If the ticket price is less than the value of the Flight Credit, you can only use the value of Flight Credit needed for the current booking while remaining value will be issued as travel credit for future reservations.
• You may not use Flight Credit for products and / or services sold separately from the fare price or for taxes, fees or charges in connection with AAdvantage ® award travel, American Airlines Vacations℠ products or services or any other non-flight products and / or services sold by American.

Electronic travel voucher terms and conditions

• eVouchers are provided for U.S. customers only.
• eVouchers are non-refundable, non-transferable, non-returnable, may not be redeemed for cash, check or credit (except where required by law) and have no implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness.
• eVouchers are void if bought, sold or bartered, advertised for sale, or used for commercial or promotional purposes.
• We won’t replace eVouchers if lost or stolen. This may include inadvertent deletion, forwarding or access of the email containing your eVoucher number. Please guard the eVoucher number and PIN as you would cash.
• Except where prohibited by law, we reserve the right to refuse, void, cancel, reject or hold for review any eVouchers mistakenly issued in an incorrect denomination, or issued or obtained, directly or indirectly, in connection with fraudulent actions, fraudulent claims, compensation abuse or in connection with any violation of these terms and conditions.
• eVouchers are valid for 1 year from the date of issue, and we won’t reissue them past the expiration date.
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2024 travel and adventure showcase letter - Timeshares / Vacation Rentals Forum

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Has anyone participated is this? I received a letter offering 2 roundtrip air tickets (American, delta, united are listed) and 2 free nights in a Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt property.

It sounds like a scam or time share presentation but for free tickets and hotel I might be interested in sitting through the presentation.

86 replies to this topic

Guaranteed scam

I got this also. Gotta be a scam. I'm cool with the "sit through a timeshare thing" - do them all the time, but this feels "different".

8 Day/7 Night Multi-Destination Vacation – Valid for at least two adults, 7 nights of resort accommodations in a studio, one bedroom or two bedroom unit (based on availability) at one of over 1,000 resort properties around the world including: USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe/Atlantic Islands, Australia, Central and South America. $100.00 refundable deposit paid on activation and booking and cleaning fees of $56.86 per night ($398.02 for 7 nights) paid on confirmation. The booking agency also charges a 9% service fee at time of booking. Note that many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean have mandatory all-inclusive plans payable at the resort on check-in and these fees are not included in the offer. In the rare event other fees apply, such as resort fees and taxes, they will be disclosed to you prior to finalizing a booking. No blackout dates, but the offer is based on availability at time of request and travel must be completed within 18 months of issue date. Transportation is not included in this offer.

So it appears there are multiple fees including DAILY cleaning fees of $56.86 Plus you have to pay a refundable $100 fee and non refundable 9% service fee. Such a headache! SUCH A SCAM!

THANK YOU for this very detailed and very helpful report. I got one of those letter too and was leery; glad you confirmed that my instincts were dead on.

excellent info, thank you for the research and the time spent to relay your comments.

Thank you, this was very helpful

I also received one of those letters. The very bottom and small print says it is not a timeshare or a real estate offer. I’m not really sure exactly what it is. I called and lost connection. They are supposed to call me back. I shall let you all know.

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