Airline voucher expiring soon? Here’s how to extend it.
Lots of flights were canceled because of the pandemic. In many cases, airlines issued vouchers or flight credits instead of refunding the value of the canceled flight. A voucher or flight credit generally expires one year from its issuance. Because of the pandemic, many airlines extended this deadline. Now, though, many vouchers and credits are due to expire in the coming months.
If you have a voucher expiring before you can use it, here’s a trick to extend its life: Use the voucher to book a ticket that has free changes. (On most major U.S. airlines, all fares above basic economy are refundable without a fee.) Choose travel dates a few months down the line to any destination. Wait a few days or a week and then cancel the flight. You’ll be issued a new voucher with a new expiration date further in the future.
For example, If you have United flight credit, you can use it to book a flight to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean in any class above basic economy. If you wait week or so, then cancel the flight, you’ll receive a flight credit that is valid for up to one year from the (new) ticket issue date.
Note: While this trick should work on most major U.S. airlines, rules can vary or change, so be sure to check the fine print!
Twist’s Take: Extend an airline voucher’s validity by using it to book then cancel a refundable ticket.
