You cancelled a flight and got a credit instead of your money back. Now the clock is ticking. But how much time do you actually have?

The short answer: most airline flight credits last about 12 months, and some last only six. The longer answer is that each airline has its own rules, its own credit types and its own idea of what “expires” means. Miss the deadline, and the money is usually gone for good.

This guide explains how long flight credits last at the major US airlines, the difference between “book by” and “travel by” dates, and how to make sure you don’t lose your credit.

What is a flight credit?

A flight credit is the value of a cancelled ticket that the airline keeps for you to use on a future booking. You usually get one when you cancel a non-refundable ticket yourself. Instead of a cash refund, the airline gives you a credit for the fare, sometimes minus a fee.

Airlines use different names for these credits: trip credit, flight credit, eCredit, travel funds, travel certificate. They don’t all follow the same rules, even inside one airline.

Book-by vs travel-by: the detail that catches people out

Before looking at each airline, it helps to know the two kinds of deadlines:

• Book by. You must make your new booking before the expiration date, but the flight itself can take place later. This is the more flexible type.
• Travel by. Your new trip must actually begin before the expiration date. This is stricter, because you need to fly, not just book, in time.

Always check which type your credit is. A “travel by” credit that expires in two months is much harder to use than a “book by” credit with the same date.

How long do flight credits last at each airline?

Here’s a quick summary of the main rules for credits you get after cancelling a ticket yourself. Policies change, so always check the expiration date shown on your credit.

Airline	Credit type	How long it lasts	Deadline type
American Airlines	Trip Credit	12 months for AAdvantage members, 6 months for non-members	Book by
American Airlines	Flight Credit	1 year from the original ticket issue date	Travel by
Delta	eCredit	1 year from the original ticket date	Book by (check your credit)
United	Future Flight Credit	Based on the original ticket date, usually about 1 year	Travel by
United	TravelBank cash	5 years from each deposit	Book by
Southwest	Flight credit (Basic fare)	6 months from ticket issue	Check your credit
Southwest	Flight credit (other fares)	12 months from ticket issue	Check your credit
JetBlue	Travel credit	1 year from issue	Book by

 

American Airlines

American has more than one kind of credit, and they are easy to mix up.

• Trip Credit is the more flexible one. For credits issued from April 2, 2024, it lasts 12 months if you’re an AAdvantage member and only 6 months if you’re not. That’s a strong reason to join AAdvantage before you cancel. Trip Credits can typically be used to book travel for other people too.
• Flight Credit is stricter. Travel must begin within one year of the date your original ticket was issued, and it’s usually tied to the original passenger.

Note that the clock on a Flight Credit starts when you bought the original ticket, not when you cancelled it. If you bought your ticket months in advance, you may have much less time than you think.

Delta

Delta gives eCredits. If you cancel voluntarily, your eCredit is generally valid for one year from the original ticket date, minus any cancellation fee. Credits that come from a Delta-caused disruption may last longer. eCredits can usually only be used by the original ticket holder.

United

United has several types of credit:

• Future Flight Credit. This is tied to your original ticket and the named traveler, and it works on a “travel by” basis.
• Electronic Travel Certificate (ETC). This is a separate certificate that can be used to book for anyone. Check the “book by” date on the certificate.
• TravelBank cash. This works like a United gift card balance and lasts 5 years from each deposit.

Southwest

Southwest used to be famous for flight credits that never expired. That changed in 2025. For tickets bought on or after May 28, 2025:

• Credits from Basic fares expire 6 months after the ticket was issued.
• Credits from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime and Business Select fares expire 12 months after the ticket was issued.

Good news if you have older credits: credits from tickets bought before May 28, 2025 still don’t expire. You can find all your credits under “My Travel Funds” in your Southwest account or app.

JetBlue

JetBlue travel credits usually expire one year from the date they’re issued. They work on a “book by” basis, so as long as you apply the credit to a booking before it expires, the flight itself can be later. JetBlue credits can also typically be used to book for other people.

What if the airline cancelled your flight?

This is important: if the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a refund to your original payment method under US Department of Transportation rules. You don’t have to accept a flight credit. If an airline offers you a credit in this situation, you can ask for your money back instead.

How to make sure you don’t lose your flight credit

• Find the expiration date right away. Log in to your airline account or check the cancellation email, and note whether the credit is “book by” or “travel by.”
• Set a reminder. Put a reminder in your calendar at least one month before the deadline.
• Join the airline’s loyalty program. At American, being an AAdvantage member doubles the life of a Trip Credit from 6 to 12 months.
• Book a flexible future trip. If you have no firm plans, some travelers book a refundable or changeable fare before the credit expires, then change the dates later. Rules on whether this extends the credit vary by airline and change over time, so check before relying on it.
• Use it for someone else. If your credit can be used for other travelers, a friend or family member’s trip can be a good way to use it up.
• Ask nicely. If your credit has just expired, contact the airline. Extensions aren’t guaranteed, but it costs nothing to ask.

Flight credits vs refunds vs vouchers

These terms are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they don’t. A refund returns money to your original payment method, and it doesn’t expire. A flight credit is tied to a cancelled ticket and usually comes with a deadline and limits on who can use it. A voucher or certificate is often given as compensation, for example after a delay, and it has its own expiration date. If you have a choice, a refund is always the safest option.

Frequently asked questions

How long do flight credits last in general?

Most US airline flight credits last about 12 months, although some, such as Southwest Basic fare credits and American Trip Credits for non-members, last just 6 months.

Do flight credits expire from the date I cancelled?

Not always. Some credits, such as American Flight Credits and Delta eCredits, are counted from the date the original ticket was issued, not the date you cancelled.

Can I use my flight credit for someone else?

It depends on the credit. American Trip Credits, United ETCs and JetBlue credits can usually be used for other travelers. American Flight Credits, United Future Flight Credits and Delta eCredits are usually tied to the original passenger.

Do Southwest flight credits expire?

Credits from tickets bought on or after May 28, 2025 expire after 6 or 12 months, depending on the fare. Credits from tickets bought before that date don’t expire.

Can I get cash instead of a flight credit?

If the airline cancelled or significantly changed your flight, yes, you’re entitled to a refund. If you cancelled a non-refundable ticket yourself, you’ll usually only get a credit.

Conclusion

So, how long do flight credits last? For most airlines, about a year, and sometimes just six months. The exact rules depend on the airline, the type of credit and whether the date is “book by” or “travel by.” Check your credit’s expiration date as soon as you get it, set a reminder, and plan your next trip early so your money doesn’t go to waste.