5 Tips on How to Secure a Refund or Extend Your Expiring Airline Vouchers

If you've had to adjust your travel plans over the past two years, it's likely you're sitting on some unused airline vouchers or credits, thanks to all those unexpected cancellations. And while 6, 9, 12 months seemed like a long time when your plans changed, most of us in the traveling world are now facing expiring airline credits. Navigating the maze of airline policies can be tricky, but whether you're holding onto vouchers or credits due to canceled plans or COVID-19 uncertainties, there's hope for reclaiming your funds or extending those deadlines.

Check the Fine Print

First step to knowing what to do with your expiring airline vouchers is to make sure you know what you are working with! If you haven’t already, pull out those credits and check the expiration dates. Make sure they are not quickly approaching – or worse, already passed. While you are verifying the date, make sure to read any fine print. It may state that you have the option to refund after a certain timeframe or that you can convert to miles or points.

Ask for a Refund

Is your travel credit expiration date coming up? Call the airline and ask for a refund. Give them the facts – maybe you have a medical reason for avoiding air travel, maybe you are not ready to fly due to COVID-19… whatever the reason, let them know. Typically, you can only get full refunds if the airline canceled their flights (not if you canceled before the airline officially did). However, airline agents can waive rules on a case-by-case basis, so the more information you provide, the more likely you are to receive a refund.

Ask About Other Options

Okay, you probably got a “no” on that refund request. However, most airlines have been much more accommodating than usual. Ask if there are other options such as an extension on the credit or exchanging the credit for miles or points.

Escalate Your Request

Not getting anywhere with Customer Service? Use consumer advocacy sites, such as Elliott Advocacy, to get contact details for the airline's management or CEO. Note that you will most likely get a reply from the contact’s Executive Assistant, but they are usually super helpful and quick to reply.

If All Else Fails, Book a Flight

Unfortunately, if your travel credit is expired, this tip is of no use to you. But if you still have time before the deadline, it’s time to dream and scheme. Use your credit/voucher to book a vacation for later this year or for next year. Just make sure you book a flight with a flexible change/cancelation policy. This way you use your voucher before it expires while also protecting your trip in case your plans change.

Hopefully, these tips help you get the most out of your expiring airline vouchers. Share your success stories in the comments, and let us know how you navigated those tricky airline policies.