An American Express Airline Credit is a credit that may be issued by certain airlines when a ticketed reservation has been voluntarily canceled, and the airline permits the unused value to be applied toward a future booking.

• The decision to issue an American Express Airline Credit for the unused value of the ticketed reservation is an airline decision.
• The unused value of the original ticket number(s) is tracked by American Express, including an estimated credit amount and an estimated expiration date, and used for reference purposes only.
• The actual value of the American Express Airline Credit and its expiration date are determined by the airline at the time the credit is redeemed.
• All restrictions, fare rules, penalties, and other conditions applicable to the American Express Airline Credit are determined solely by the issuing airline.
• The American Express Airline Credit may only be used with the airline that originally issued the ticket.

If you’ve purchased an airline ticket through American Express Travel, you may determine whether you have an available American Express Airline Credit through the following methods:

1. By viewing available American Express Airline Credits on AmexTravel.com, which may appear at the top of the Search Results page.
2. By contacting an American Express Travel Consultant at 1-800-297-2977

Airline credits issued directly to the customer by an airline are not redeemable through American Express Travel. For airline-issued credits, you must contact the issuing airline directly to inquire about availability and redemption.

Please Note: American Express Airline Credits may take up to 24 hours to appear in American Express systems following the cancellation of a booking.

You may receive an error message when attempting to redeem an American Express Airline Credit online for one or more of the following reasons:

• The issuing airline may not permit American Express Airline Credit redemption through online channels. In such cases, the credit may be designated as phone-only, as indicated in the credit details displayed.
• A system, availability, or pricing error may have occurred during the booking or redemption process.

If an error occurs, you may be prompted to contact American Express Travel for assistance at 1-800-297-2977. Please have the ticket number and traveler name available when speaking with an American Express Travel Consultant.

In certain circumstances, if an error occurs during ticketing, an American Express Travel Consultant may contact you directly to assist with resolution.

Yes. American Express Airline Credits are subject to an expiration date and/or a travel-by date, as determined by the issuing airline. The American Express Airline Credit must be redeemed in accordance with the airline’s applicable rules, restrictions, and fare conditions.

Any expiration date displayed by American Express is provided for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current or accurate expiration date, as airline policies and terms are subject to change at any time.

For additional information or assistance regarding your American Express Airline Credit, please contact American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977.

American Express Airline Credits may take up to 24 hours to appear on AmexTravel.com following the cancellation of a booking. If you do not see your American Express Airline Credit after this period, please contact American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977 for assistance.

American Express Airline Credits that have expired will no longer be displayed or available for redemption.

American Express Airline Credits that have been used will no longer be displayed or available for redemption. See “What Happens if My American Express Airline Credit Exceeds the Cost of My New Ticket?” for more information regarding used American Express Airline Credits.

If the total cost of the new ticket exceeds the value of the applicable American Express Airline Credit, the remaining balance must be paid using an American Express® Card.

No. American Express Travel does not charge servicing fees in connection with American Express Airline Credit redemptions.

No. Membership Rewards® points are not eligible for use in conjunction with an American Express Airline Credit redemption.

Yes. American Express Airline Credits are subject to additional rules and restrictions, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Airline rules and restrictions, including penalties and the calculation and treatment of any difference in airfare, vary by airline. Customers should review the applicable policies of the issuing airline.
• Any airline-imposed fees, including change fees or rebooking fees, are determined solely by the airline that issued the American Express Airline Credit.
• The American Express Airline Credit value displayed reflects the estimated value of the credit only. Final charges may vary based on differences in airfare, applicable penalties, and/or airline fees, and may differ by ticket.
• American Express Airline Credits may only be redeemed with the same airline that issued the original ticket. Travel must originate from the same country as the original ticket, and the currency of the country of origin may not be changed.
• American Express Airline Credits for an online booking must be redeemed in the name of the traveler listed on the original ticket. While American Express Airline Credits are usually non-transferable, if you have questions regarding this policy, please contact an American Express Travel Consultant.
• Only one American Express Airline Credit per traveler may be applied to each redemption, including itineraries with multiple travelers.
• American Express Airline Credits issued for infant tickets are not eligible for online redemption and must be redeemed by contacting American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977.
• Insider Fares are not available when redeeming an American Express Airline Credit.
• American Express Airline Credits issued in connection with Platinum Member Airfares™ or Centurion Member Airfares™ may only be redeemed toward a new Platinum Member Airfares™ or Centurion Member Airfares™ booking, respectively.

If the value of an American Express Airline Credit exceeds the total cost of a new ticket, certain airlines may permit the issuance of a residual credit for the remaining balance. Any such residual credit, if permitted by the airline, may be issued in the form of a Miscellaneous Charge Order (MCO), which may be applied toward a future airline ticket.

The availability, value, expiration, and use of any MCO are subject to the issuing airline’s rules, restrictions, and fare conditions. Not all airlines, flights, or fares permit the issuance or use of MCOs. If the airline does not permit a residual credit or MCO, any remaining balance may be forfeited.

MCOs are not eligible for online redemption. To redeem an MCO, please contact American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977.

You can book the following types of flights on American Express Travel Online either online or over the phone.

• Roundtrip flights return to the same airport you departed from.
• One-way flights take you from your starting point to a different returning destination.
  
• Multiple destination flights allow you to visit multiple destinations during your trip.

What should I know before booking a flight with American Express Travel?

• If you booked your travel with American Express Travel and you need to change/cancel a booking, we will honor the policies of your travel provider.
  
• Charter fares may be available for roundtrip or one-way flights.
• One-way flights are not available with vacation packages.

I can’t find my booking confirmation email. Where should I look?

Your confirmation email is sent from the following address: AmericanExpress@welcome.americanexpress.com

Still need help?

For assistance, please chat with us, when available, by clicking the chat icon at the bottom-right corner of this page. Otherwise, call the number on the back of your Card.

What are the ticket requirements when flying with children?

You don't have to book a separate ticket for a child if each of the following is true:

• You book a domestic flight.
• Children are infants (less than 2 years old) at the time of the flight's departure.
• The infant sits in the lap of another traveler over the age of 12.
• Only one infant sits in the lap of that traveler.
  

You must book a separate ticket if any of the following are true:

• You book an international flight.
• Children are 2 or older at the time of the flight's departure.
• Children require their own seat.

One traveler over the age of 12 may accompany up to two infants; however, each infant must be seated in their own seat.

Are there discounts on flights for children?

Some airlines offer discounts on airfare for children. The availability of discounts can depend on your selected flight, seat availability, and the traveler's age.

To see all applicable discounts, select the number and ages of any children flying when you search for your flight. Discounted airfare is included in your search results, though it might not be labeled that way.

What are the flight document requirements for children?

• For domestic flights, you might need to provide a picture ID for your child.
  
• For international flights, you must provide a valid passport for children of all ages.
  
• Children traveling without both parents may need to provide notarized documentation and letters of permission to enter another country. Please confirm your specific document requirements with your destination's embassy or consulate.
  

Do airlines require car seats for children?

Some airlines require children with their own ticket to sit in a car seat that fits and locks into the airplane seat. Please check with the airline for their specific policy on car seats.

Do airlines allow strollers onboard?

Yes. When going through airport security, fold your stroller and send it through the scanner with your other belongings. If you choose to check your stroller, many airlines will allow you to do so free of charge.

Still need help?

Please contact your airline to ask about their policies for children.

Many airlines welcome unaccompanied minors on their flights. However, American Express Travel Online does not book flights for unaccompanied minors under age 18. 

What should I know before booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor?

• Some airlines may charge a fee for unaccompanied minor service. 
• Children under 5 and minors over 17 might be ineligible for unaccompanied minor service.
• You need to provide the airline in advance with the contact details of the adult meeting the child at the final destination. 
• Both the adult dropping the child off at the airport and the adult picking the child up are required to show identification.

Still need help? 

Please contact your airline to ask about their policy for unaccompanied minors. 

American Express Travel Online does not offer flight discounts for military personnel travel, but we do offer special deals on airfare that may save you more money than military fares offered by airlines. Contact the airline directly to ask about discounted military fares.

American Express Travel Online does not offer flight discounts for bereavement travel, but we do offer special deals on airfare that may save you more money than bereavement fares offered by airlines. Contact the airline directly to ask about discounted bereavement fares.

What should I know before requesting special accessibility assistance?

• American Express Travel Online will pass your requests to the airline but cannot guarantee that all requests will be honored.
• Availability may depend on the aircraft, the airline's policies, or the specific needs of the traveler.

Can I request special accessibility assistance when booking a flight with American Express Travel?

Yes. When booking a flight on American Express Travel Online, you can request special assistance, such as help boarding and deplaning, use of a wheelchair, or accommodations for a service animal.

To request special assistance:

1. Choose your flight, then select CONTINUE BOOKING.
   
2. On the Traveler information page, expand the This guest has special requests section for each traveler who requires assistance.
   
3. From the Accessibility requests drop-down menu, select the type of assistance you would like to request.

Contact your airline to confirm your requests for each segment of your trip, right after booking and again just prior to travel.

What are the travel requirements for taking a pet on a flight?

If you are traveling with your pet, contact the airline to make a reservation for them. Your airline might require your pet to have the following:

• Collar with ID and license number
  
• Recent certificate of good health (no older than 30 days) from your veterinarian
  
• Rabies vaccination certificate (if traveling internationally)
  

What are the restrictions for taking a pet on a flight?

• Airlines limit the number and size of pets allowed to travel in the cabin. You can usually carry on small pets, provided their carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
• Airlines restrict the number of animals traveling in cargo, depending on the aircraft and the weather.
  
• If your roundtrip ticket consists of two one-way flights, check the rules for each airline.

Are there additional fees for taking a pet on a flight?

• Most airlines impose fees for pets traveling in the cabin or in cargo.

Still need help?

Contact your airline to find out their specific rules regarding pets.

You might also want to read the following sites:

• TSA: Traveling with Pets
• The Humane Society: Travel Safely with Your Pet by Car, Airplane, Ship, or Train

Can I add travelers to a flight reservation?

• You can't add travelers to your existing flight reservation. You'll need to make a new flight booking for the additional travelers in your party, instead.
  
• For the new booking, American Express Travel Online can't guarantee the same price as your original booking.

How do I book a multiple-destination flight?

1. On the Amex Travel Flights page, select Search by Multi-City.
   
2. Enter your travel destinations and dates and select Search Flights.
   

What should I know when booking a multiple-destination flight?

• Your entire trip is stored as a single itinerary.

Trip Cancel Guard and Gold Travel Protector are optional trip protections available for purchase. Both offer different protections and reimbursement benefits for Trip Cancellation.

If you cancel your trip before it starts due to a specified covered reason under Gold Travel Protector insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement of flight or flight-plus-hotel costs. Trip Cancel Guard, a non-insurance product, does not require any covered reasons to be eligible for reimbursement, giving you control if you decide to cancel at least two full calendar days before your flight departure date.

Trip Cancel Guard

Trip Cancel Guard provides up to 75% reimbursement of flight costs if you choose to cancel for any reason. You must cancel your flight at least two full calendar days before your flight departure date. If you decide to cancel your flight for any reason, Trip Cancel Guard may reimburse you for non-refundable costs. Please see Trip Cancel Guard Terms & Conditions for full details.

Gold Travel Protector

Under Gold Travel Protector, Trip Cancellation provides up to 100% reimbursement of flight or flight-plus-hotel costs for specified covered reasons. If you’re unable to take your trip due to a covered reason, Gold Travel Protector may reimburse you for non-refundable costs. Gold Travel Protector also provides additional insurance coverage during your trip for unforeseen events such as medical emergencies and travel delays.

Fear of traveling due to COVID-19 and the pandemic are not covered reasons under Gold Travel Protector. For full details of covered reasons, please see Sample Policy.

You may only purchase Gold Travel Protector at the time of an eligible booking through AmexTravel.com

• Depending on your airline, after checking in online you may be able to print your boarding pass, save it to your mobile phone, or pick it up from a kiosk at the airport.
• Airport check-in usually opens 2-3 hours before flight departure.
• You will need your boarding pass to go through airport security. Check with your airline for any other required documents.
• Plan to arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours before your domestic flight, and at least 2-3 hours before your international flight.
• To review your flight schedule and trip details, check your itinerary.
• To add passport information to your account, see Update passport information in your account.
• To select or change your seat assignment, see Manage your seat assignment.

Still need help?

If you still need help checking in for your flight, please contact us or your airline.

For most flights, you choose your seat when you’re booking your reservation. We send your seat selection to the airline when you book the flight, but we can’t always guarantee your seat assignment.

If you’ve already booked your flight and want to change or select your seat (if you haven’t chosen your seat yet), you’ll need to contact the airline directly. Note: You’ll need your airline confirmation code (example: L84RTL), which you can find in your itinerary.

If you selected your seat when you booked, you can access your seat assignment in your itinerary, or when you view your flight booking confirmation. (See below for exceptions.)

• Paid for a seat upgrade during booking.

• Booked a fare with an airline that assigns seats at the gate.
• Did not pay for your seat at the time of booking.

For more help with your seat assignment, please contact your airline directly

Your baggage fees and allowances depend on your airline and the type of fare you booked.

1. Sign in to view your bookings.
2. Select your itinerary.
3. Select the Additional Fees link.

1. View your flight booking confirmation.
2. Select the Additional Fees link in the Additional Flight Services section.

Please contact your airline directly for more information about

• Checked baggage inclusions
• Carry-on allowances
• Additional baggage fees
• Prohibited items
• Oversize baggage policies
• Sport equipment
• Accessibility availability and access
• Select your airline below to access their baggage details. You may need to log in with your airline confirmation code (example: L84RTL) from your itinerary.
  

You can pay for your flight booking online using your American Express® Card. You may be eligible to split up the cost of your flight into monthly installments for a fixed fee with the Plan It® feature on your Card, or you may be able to use Membership Rewards® points towards your purchase. 

You cannot split your payment between two or more credit cards

For cancellation fees and refund information, read Refund timelines. If you receive a merchant refund/credit for your trip, you can request that the amount be applied to your plan balance. Once you see the credit on your account, please call the number on the back of your Card to speak with a Plan It Specialist to have the amount applied to the plan balance. If you make a change to your trip, your plan will not be impacted.

Payments may take up to 48 hours to be reflected on your account.

If your payment did not go through, read Troubleshoot declined payments for more information and options.

Please refer to the Plan It FAQs for more questions on Plan It.