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The Ultimate Guide to Travel Vouchers: All You Need to Know

Last Updated: April 30, 2024 May 1, 2024

Travel vouchers are a valuable resource for adventurers seeking to explore the world while saving money. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, understanding the different types of travel vouchers can help you use them effectively. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is a Travel Voucher?

A travel voucher is a certificate that you can redeem to cover all or part of your travel costs. These vouchers can be issued by airlines, cruise lines, hotels, travel agencies, or tour operators.

They’re usually digital, and you may receive them when a travel provider, like an airline or cruise service, makes an error on a previous trip. For instance, if an airline bumps you from a flight that’s overbooked, they might give you a voucher for a free later flight. You might also receive one if you’ve purchased and then cancel a flight or accommodation that’s not refundable for cash.

Types of Travel Vouchers

Travel vouchers all essentially work in the same way by applying their value to the cost of your trip. However, it’s important to know the different types and what specific scenarios you can use them in:

• Airline vouchers: Airlines may issue these as compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking. They’re typically good towards future flights with the same airline.
• Hotel vouchers: Hotels often issue vouchers for complementary stays, room upgrades, or discounts on future bookings. You may receive one as compensation for inconveniences during your stay or as part of a loyalty program.
• Travel agency vouchers: Travel agencies may offer vouchers as promotional incentives or as compensation for booking errors or inconveniences. You can usually redeem them for discounts on future bookings or additional travel services.
• Tour vouchers: Tour operators sometimes provide vouchers for discounts on guided tours, excursions, or activities at various destinations. These vouchers may be included as part of a travel package or offered separately as promotional incentives.
• Cruise vouchers: Cruise lines may issue vouchers for onboard credits, cabin upgrades, or discounts on future voyages as compensation for service issues or as part of loyalty programs.

Benefits of Travel Vouchers

Travel vouchers offer numerous benefits for travelers, such as:

• Cost savings: Vouchers can substantially reduce your travel costs, allowing you to stretch your budget further and enjoy more experiences.
• Added value: Vouchers often come with added perks, such as room upgrades, complementary services, or discounts on additional purchases, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Convenience: Redeeming vouchers is usually a straightforward process that you can complete online, making it convenient to take advantage of their benefits.

How To Use Travel Vouchers

Using travel vouchers is typically a straightforward process, depending on their specific terms and conditions. Here’s a general guide on how to use these vouchers effectively:

• Check the expiration date: Most travel vouchers have a set expiration date, so it’s essential to verify the validity period before planning your trip.
• Read the terms and conditions: Review the terms and conditions associated with the voucher, including any restrictions or limitations on its use. For instance, some vouchers may have blackout dates when they’re not eligible for use.
• Redeem online or contact provider: Depending on the voucher, you’ll likely redeem it online through the provider’s website or app. Alternatively, you may need to contact the provider directly to make arrangements.
• Book your trip: Once you’ve decided on your travel dates and destination, proceed to book your flights, accommodations, tours, or other services using the voucher.
• Apply the voucher code: At the end of the booking process, the site will usually prompt you to enter the voucher code to apply the discount.
• Confirm your reservation: After applying the voucher, double-check your reservation details to ensure accuracy and confirm that the voucher has been properly applied.

With your travel arrangements confirmed, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and embark on your adventure. By following these steps and staying informed about the terms and conditions of your travel voucher, you can make the most of its benefits and enjoy a memorable travel experience.

Common Questions About Travel Vouchers

How long do travel vouchers last?

How long your voucher lasts depends on the provider and the terms of the voucher. Some vouchers may expire in a few months, while others may be good for a year or more. Others may have no expiration date. Check the expiration date when you receive the voucher, and plan to use it within its valid period so you don’t miss out.

Are there any restrictions on using travel vouchers?

Travel vouchers may come with certain restrictions on how you can use them, such as blackout dates, minimum stay requirements, or restrictions on specific destinations or services. Make sure to carefully review the voucher’s terms and conditions before using it so you know what to expect.

What happens if I lose my travel voucher?

Most travel vouchers are electronic and stored on the provider’s website, so you don’t need to worry about losing them. However, if you lose a physical voucher, contact the issuer as soon as possible to report the loss. Depending on their policies, they may reissue the voucher. However, there may be fees or restrictions associated with replacing lost vouchers, so it’s best to act quickly and follow the issuer’s instructions.

Can I insure a trip booked with a travel voucher?

Yes, you can typically insure a trip booked with a travel voucher, however the amount of the travel voucher should not be included within your trip cost. This is because travel insurance is designed to cover the out-of-pocket monetary expenses travelers spend on their trip. Since you did not pay the cash value out-of-pocket for the voucher, it is not considered a reimbursable trip expense.

If you have booked a trip using a travel voucher, you can insure the additional prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. Most policies are comprehensive, meaning in addition to coverage for your trip costs, you can also be covered for interruptions, medical emergencies, travel delays, and more.

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Yes, you can still redeem your travel vouchers. Here's how to do it.

The travel credit you got after the pandemic is probably about to expire. Actually, it may have already run out. 

A recent American Express survey says one in three travelers plan to burn their travel credits or points to pay for all or part of a trip. Why? They have a lot of travel credits to use. After the pandemic started, airlines, cruise lines and hotels doled out points and vouchers in such generous quantities that it put the CARES Act to shame.

"The airlines are sitting on more than $10 billion in unused travel credits, most of which expire in two years or less," says Lauren LaBar, a manager at Upaway , a travel concierge app.

But you don't have to lose your travel credit. Here are a few expert tips that will help you keep your credits and travel in the future. And there are ways of ensuring this never becomes a problem again.

Read your voucher now

If you've received a voucher, flight credit or travel certificate, find it and read it now. Cruise lines are particularly strict about their vouchers, called future cruise credits.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“You have to know the value of your credit," says Annie Scrivanich , senior vice president at Cruise Specialists . "Also, know the terms and conditions like the expiration date and book-by date."

She warns that cruise lines aren't flexible in changing the terms, so she recommends rebooking sooner rather than later.

Track your credit

Many travel companies won't tell you if your credit is about to expire. Of course not. They want to keep your money. Don't let that happen to you, says Jeremy Ellis, head of customer care operations at Priceline .

"Keep track of your credit – and its expiration date – by flagging it in your email as soon as it hits your inbox and setting a reminder on your calendar to rebook before the deadline," he advises. 

The date by which you must use your ticket should be on the cancellation confirmation of the original ticket. Also, note that there's sometimes a difference between when you have to book by and when you have to travel by.

Go back to the place you booked

If you bought your tickets or hotel room through a third party, like an online travel agency, you'll want to check with them. An agency can help, but they also add a layer of complexity – and sometimes, more restrictions. You'll want to check with the place you booked to see about your options for redeeming the voucher or credit. 

If you're lucky, you bought your trip through a reputable travel advisor who can help you make the most of your credit (and possibly even extend it). If not, then you might have to deal with an automated system that is programmed to tell you "no" at every turn. 

Either way, you have to start here, say experts.

How to make sense of credits

It can be confusing. Consider what happened to Tom Harriman, an attorney based in Clarksville, Maryland. He had $750 in American Airlines flight credits that were about to expire. But he couldn't redeem the scrip online because of a technical glitch.

Harriman phoned American and asked for help. A representative came up with a creative solution: She used part of his flight credits to book two new tickets, and she modified the remaining balance into travel credits, which he could use for a future trip up to a year after the date of the re-issue. It turns out American has travel credits and flight credits, each with its own rules.

"This is all crazy," he added.

It is. Airline credits are particularly confusing. For example, Delta Air Lines offered eCredits, which operate a lot like American's vouchers. United has electronic travel certificates. Each one comes with a set of restrictions that you'll need to review.

Don't assume your airline will warn you before they expire. I've received lots of complaints on my nonprofit consumer advocacy site where passengers discovered only too late that time had run out on their vouchers. 

Call to redeem your credits

If you want to redeem your travel vouchers, get a real person on the phone. That's the advice of veteran financial advisor Michael Foguth .

"The best thing to do is call and communicate with a live person in the company’s customer service department," he says. "A live representative can typically give you tips and ideas on how to utilize all of your available credits. If your rewards are expired or close to it, the representative can often extend the expiration dates."

Note that some companies may charge you to talk to a human, so ask before you do anything.

With dangerous COVID variants still out there, and travel plans still in flux, it's more important than ever to track your travel vouchers. The ones you have could expire soon. And if you don't act now, they probably will.

Don't let vouchers become a problem again

Travel companies love to hand out expiring vouchers. They know only a small percentage of customers will redeem them, meaning that they get to keep your hard-earned money. Here's how to ensure that doesn't become a problem for you.

If they cancel, you deserve a full refund. In virtually every sector of the travel industry that's the rule. For airlines, it's a federal rule . In other cases, state law protects you from purchases made but not delivered.

You get what you negotiate. Experts say there's still lots of room for negotiation if you have to cancel or postpone your next trip. So if a company offers you a credit, be sure to request a refund. Phone reps often have some flexibility in granting a refund as a one-time exception. Always ask for your money back first.

There ought to be a law. Ideally, travel credit – like the money used to purchase it – should never expire. Consumer advocates such as Travelers United are pushing to ensure future airline vouchers don't expire. There's talk that the airlines might be on board with the idea.

Travel Vouchers – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Types Of Gifts Glossary

What are travel vouchers.

Travel vouchers are essentially prepaid certificates or cards that can be used to pay for various travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and more. They are typically issued by travel agencies, airlines, hotels, or other companies in the travel industry as a form of incentive, promotion, or compensation. Travel vouchers can come in different forms, including physical paper certificates, electronic vouchers, or digital codes that can be redeemed online.

How do Travel Vouchers work?

When a customer receives a travel voucher, they can use it to offset the cost of their travel expenses. The value of the voucher is usually predetermined and can be applied towards the total cost of a booking. For example, if a customer receives a $100 travel voucher and books a flight that costs $300, they can use the voucher to pay $100 of the total amount, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses.

Where can Travel Vouchers be used?

Travel vouchers can typically be used for a wide range of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and activities. The specific terms and conditions of each voucher may vary depending on the issuing company, so it’s important to read the fine print before attempting to redeem a voucher. Some vouchers may have restrictions on the types of bookings they can be used for, as well as expiration dates and blackout dates.

What are the benefits of using Travel Vouchers?

There are several benefits to using travel vouchers. Firstly, they can help travelers save money on their trips by offsetting the cost of travel expenses. Vouchers can also be a great way to try out new destinations or experiences without fully committing financially. Additionally, travel vouchers can be a convenient and flexible form of payment, allowing travelers to use them towards a variety of travel-related expenses.

How to redeem Travel Vouchers?

To redeem a travel voucher, travelers typically need to enter the voucher code or present the physical certificate at the time of booking. This can usually be done online through the company’s website or over the phone with a customer service representative. It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided with the voucher to ensure that it is applied correctly. In some cases, travelers may need to provide additional information or meet certain requirements in order to redeem the voucher.

What are the different types of Travel Vouchers available?

There are several different types of travel vouchers available, each with its own set of terms and conditions. Some common types of travel vouchers include: – Airline vouchers: These vouchers are typically issued by airlines as compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or overbookings. They can usually be used towards future flights with the same airline. – Hotel vouchers: These vouchers are often provided by hotels as part of a promotional offer or as compensation for issues during a stay. They can be used towards future hotel bookings. – Travel agency vouchers: These vouchers are issued by travel agencies as incentives for booking trips through their services. They can be used towards various travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and tours. – Online travel platform vouchers: These vouchers are offered by online travel platforms, such as Expedia or Booking.com, as discounts or promotions for booking through their websites. They can be used towards a variety of travel bookings on the platform.

What is a Travel Voucher?

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A travel voucher is a form used by business travelers to keep track of their travel expenses. At the end of the trip or another convenient interval, the traveler turns in the voucher to a representative of the employer. This allows the employer to compensate the traveler for any out-of-pocket expenses. Another kind of travel voucher is provided by travel companies when a pre-purchased trip is not available, such as a canceled airline flight. The traveler can redeem the voucher for another trip at a later time.

Aside from tourism, business is one of the most common reasons for people to travel. Unless they are directly involved in the transportation field, most companies will not make travel arrangements for employees. Instead, they allow the employee to take care of the details of the journey. Once the trip is done, the employee will turn in a travel voucher with an itemized list of all expenses. Some companies require employees to turn in applicable receipts along with the voucher.

The travel voucher allows the representative in charge of compensation to ensure that the employee is only charging the company for valid business expenses. In most cases, these expenses can be deducted from the company’s annual tax bill. Government agencies provide similar vouchers for employees on official business. These are paid out of the agency’s operating budget , which is usually not subject to taxation. Otherwise, these travel vouchers function much the same way as those in the business world.

The travel voucher is commonly used in the airline industry, and to a lesser extent, by other travel companies as well. There are many reasons why passengers may be prevented from taking flights they have already purchased. A flight may be canceled or delayed, or it may be overbooked, meaning there are more ticketed passengers than there are seats in the plane. These events are not the fault of the passengers and sometimes are not within the control of the airline. In these cases, the airline may offer a voucher for a later flight.

In the case of an overbooked flight, the airline will sometimes ask for volunteers to take the later flight. If the next flight does not go out until the following day, the airline will often offer to compensate the passenger for an overnight stay in a nearby hotel, as well as providing a travel voucher. If a traveler has no pressing need to reach a destination immediately, this common procedure can actually work out to the passenger’s advantage.

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Why an Airline Voucher Is Sometimes Better Than a Cash Refund

Over the past couple of months, many of us have learned about the ins and out of canceling flights . Phrases like cancel-for-any-reason insurance and airline voucher are now part of every traveler's vernacular, and we've all found inventive ways to reach airline customer service representatives.

It's also become second nature to demand that cash refund when canceling flights —and to firmly say no to the travel vouchers most airlines are offering. But should you ever consider taking that airline voucher over cash? Some experts say yes, but warn there are things to keep in mind when you do. Below, we walk you through the nuances of vouchers—the good, the bad, and the potentially negotiable—so you can make the best move next time you cancel a flight.

The case for getting your refund in cash

There are some obvious reasons to take cash over a voucher. Most of us like our money where we can see it, and it's hard to justify letting an airline hang onto your money—especially when it looks like we won't be flying any time soon . "From a high level, cash is better than a voucher because you can't pay for groceries with an American Airlines gift card," says Scott Keyes of Scott's Cheap Flights . "If you had a $500 ticket, and they’re offering a $500 cash or voucher, cash is way superior because it’s fluid, and it doesn’t have an expiration date."

Jesse Neugarten of Dollar Flight Club is team voucher, but he agrees there are certain situations in which to push for your money back. "If you’re low on cash and don’t plan to travel anytime in 2020 or 2021, more cash on hand may be the best bet for you," says Neugarten. "Plus, some airlines, like Virgin Australia and smaller carriers, are shutting down, and they may not be able to honor vouchers in the future." If you bought a ticket from an online travel agent like Expedia, Travelocity, or Orbitz, then you absolutely want your cash back as well, Neugarten says, and not a gift card or voucher you have no reason to use.

If you end up needing to cancel and rebook a second time, travel vouchers can cause issues with insurance , too. "If you’re buying travel insurance, we’ve been telling people not to take the voucher and to get a refund," says Megan Moncrief, the chief marketing officer at insurance comparison website Squaremouth . "Historically, travel insurance providers widely grouped travel vouchers with points and miles , as award-based travel, which is typically uninsurable as there is no direct dollar amount associated with [the vouchers]." In laymen's terms: If you book a flight with a voucher and have to cancel, your flight cost in an insurance claim would technically be zero, meaning you wouldn't get any of that money back. Moncrief says that some providers are now changing their stance given the current situation, but it's important to keep this in mind when purchasing travel insurance—something most of us are doing these days—and make sure to understand the coverage offered on award-based trips.

The case for taking the travel voucher

All that being said, there are times when it makes more sense to take a voucher—namely, when the airline is willing to offer you a credit of a higher value. "What the smart airlines are doing is offering an incentive to take the voucher," says Keyes. "They might say you can take a $500 cash refund or a $600 travel credit [for your $500 flight], and that's when it starts getting interesting."

Neugarten says his Dollar Flight Club customers have reported the same. " American Airlines and Delta have been offering 10 to 20 percent bonus vouchers to those who elect to keep a credit with the airline, rather than take a refund," says Neugarten. "These airlines are not advertising that yet, but they are offering this over the phone to select customers on a case-by-case basis, or to those who ask for it." Few airlines, like Qatar Airways and Finnair, have formalized such offers, telling customers that all vouchers will receive 10 percent increases from the original flight prices.

"I think this poses a great opportunity for travelers to get additional value from their ticket by simply and persistently asking airline agents for these bonus vouchers," adds Neugarten. "Though these bonus vouchers have been offered at random, some people have simply asked for them." And if you're wondering how to do the dance? Neugarten says they've found a script that has worked. They make sure to thank the agent, mention they've heard of other people taking these vouchers, and use these golden words: "I would prefer to keep my ticket if you would be willing to give me a bonus voucher. Does [insert airline name] have the ability to offer this? If not, I’d happily take the refund." Given that airlines are legally required to offer cash refunds for canceled flights, it's well-worth asking—you'll either walk away with the cash you're owed, or a higher value voucher.

"Passengers are in much more of a position of strength than they normally are," says Keyes. "I haven’t heard of a passenger successfully negotiating a higher voucher, but it wouldn’t shock me if some airlines are in a position to do that. They need cash: They have so few incoming bookings and so many cancellations, so anytime they can hang on to a passenger's money because that passenger agreed to take a credit instead of a refund, it's worth trying."

Whenever you take a voucher, read the fine print

If we've learned anything during our coronavirus cancellations , it's to always, always read the fine print. And even when the voucher pot is, as Keyes says, being sweetened, make sure you understand the restrictions of a voucher before pouncing on it. "I’d look at two things," says Keyes. "The deadline or expiration date can be problematic for a lot of them." If a voucher expires, say, at the end of the year, it leads to a bigger question: Do you anticipate traveling by then? Is it even possible for you to use this credit?

"Secondly, who can use the voucher?" says Keyes. "Usually you can use [a voucher] to buy a ticket for anyone—a kid, a spouse, whomever—but sometimes the voucher is only eligible for the person who received it. That's another instance when a voucher becomes level valuable than cash." Keyes also suggests considering the airline offering the voucher, how frequently you fly it, and if the voucher works on partner airlines.

Vouchers are always better than miles

Last but not least, Keyes cautions that you should understand what type of travel credit you're getting—and be wary of accepting miles or points instead of a typical voucher. "There's a difference between a voucher and frequent flier miles," says Keyes. Some airlines, he warns, have been sending customers tempting deals to accept miles as refunds, or to convert vouchers into miles. But miles are even less tangible than vouchers and harder to use to your advantage. "When you purchase a flight with a voucher, it’s like purchasing with cash: You get the same status, and importantly, you earn miles," says Keyes. The same can't be said for flights purchased with miles. The only real benefit to miles as a form of refund, for the average traveler, is that they sometimes have a further out expiration date, but at that point, you're probably safest asking for your money back.

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Airline Vouchers? 7 Questions You Need to Ask First

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com , a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

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Unless you’re really lucky, sometime during your travels you will find yourself in a situation where an airline owes you something. Maybe it’s because of a delay, lost baggage, a rescheduled flight, whatever. When that day comes, the airline will almost surely try to settle by issuing you airline vouchers for future travel rather than cutting you a check. At worst, the airline loses the cost of the seat rather than the posted fare; at best, you’ll somehow not get around to using the airline voucher, and the carrier will face no cost at all.

Airline Vouchers—What to Know

To decrease their risk, airlines incorporate gotchas into vouchers to increase the chances that you won’t be able to use them. So before you accept any airline vouchers, you need to ask seven questions.

How Long Are Airline Vouchers Valid?

A tight validity limit is one of the oldest voucher gotchas in the book. An airline offers a generous voucher, but you have to use it within six months. Clearly, many travelers are uninterested in or unable to schedule another flight within that short a time. This ploy is more prevalent with cruise lines than with airlines, but you still have to be careful.

Who Can Use It?

Is the value of the travel voucher limited to you, or can you use it to buy a ticket for someone else? Many airline vouchers may be used only by the person who initially received it for his or her own travel. Depending on your flexibility, that might or might not be a deal-breaker.

Does It Cover the Whole Price?

Airline vouchers seldom include the full cost of a future trip; often, you must pay the government taxes and fees separately. But I’ve heard reports of a much worse limitation: an airline voucher covering only the “base” fare and not the very stiff “carrier-imposed fee,” essentially a renamed fuel surcharge, which on some airlines can be more than the base fare.

Do You Get Just One Bite?

Some vouchers are valid for only a single transaction, even when the value of that transaction is less than the face value of the voucher. For example, if you use a $500 airline voucher to buy a $400 ticket, you might not be able to use the remaining $100 for second ticket. Instead, you lose that value outright.

Are There Any Fare Limitations?

I haven’t seen much of this one, but an airline could place some fare buckets off-limits to voucher-based tickets—not applicable to “flash sale” prices, for example, or for business class.

How Much Are Vouchers Worth to You?

Given the limitations on how you can use it, a voucher is effectively worth a lot less to you than its face cash value. Many experts estimate that a voucher is worth somewhere between a third and a half of its face value. If you ask for cash but an airline offers a voucher, take the voucher only if the face value is at least double the cash offer. When cash isn’t an option, if the voucher value seems to be inadequate, bargain for more or consider your alternatives.

Can You Get Cash Instead?

When a flight is oversold, an airline almost always resorts to offering travel vouchers to passengers who agree to get off and take a later flight. Usually, that works, and someone takes the offer. But if nobody bites, and the airline has to select someone to get off, government regulations specify cash payments, not vouchers, for “involuntary” bumping. You can get up to $675 in the U.S., depending on the circumstance, but only in the case of overbooking. European rules call for higher payments as well as payments for delays. Take the voucher only if its worth to you is a lot more than the cash.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Overbooked Flight? How (Not) to Get Bumped
• This Website Can Get You Money for Flight Delays or Cancellations
• 24 Things I Learned from a 24-Hour Flight Delay

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Airline, Hotel and Rental Car Cancellation Refunds and Vouchers: How They Work

Sam Kemmis is a travel rewards expert at NerdWallet specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. In a previous professional life, he wrote comedy until a nomadic lifestyle and a lifelong obsession with saving money turned his attention to travel rewards. He is no longer funny. His work has been featured by The Associated Press, The Points Guy and Fast Company. He has spoken about travel rewards at CardCon, the Altitude conference and AwardWallet's "Award Travel 101" podcast. He is based in Ojai, California, and teaches mindfulness meditation because that's what you do in Ojai.

Kevin Berry works as the content lead for multimedia production at NerdWallet including YouTube, podcasts and social media videos across all financial topics. Previously, he was the Lead Editor for the Travel Rewards team. Prior to NerdWallet, Kevin managed the content and social media teams at NBC Sports in Portland for eight years. His prior experience also includes time as a financial analyst (Comcast) and business system analyst (Nike).

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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.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

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What Is an Airline Voucher?

An airline voucher is like a coupon or credit that you may be provided, by an airline. Airline vouchers can only be used for goods or services from the specific airline from which they are given! You may get an airline voucher if your flight is cancelled, or if your flight was delayed. An airline voucher may be used toward a new ticket purchase, or a type of good or service on a future flight with the same airline.

Written by Becca & Dan

Posted in Travel

Updated on May 12th, 2024

Table of contents

• How do airline vouchers work?
• Do airline vouchers expire?
• Can you spend an airline voucher on anything other than flights?
• How to use an airline voucher

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

How do airline vouchers work?

Airline vouchers are typically provided by an airline to a customer shortly after a flight is cancelled, a flight is postponed or something goes wrong on the flight for which a voucher is given.

I received a voucher for a cancelled flight in summer 2020. Quite frankly, upon the cancellation, it was not super clear that I was being given a voucher. I had to make a bunch of calls to figure it out.

The airline gave me a voucher through my travel credit card company (Chase). This was to compensate me for the portion of the flight I had purchased with my frequent flier miles, one of my favorite ways to save money while traveling .

With a voucher, you can only use it for a flight (if it’s a flight voucher) or in-flight goods and services.

Airline vouchers do expire, so you shouldn’t let them sit around unused for too many months. And, if you’re trying to stay on a budget with some travel money hacks , use those vouchers before they go to waste!

Do airline vouchers expire?

Yes, airline vouchers typically expire within a year.

On some occasions, a voucher may be good for two years, but you should be careful with lengths of validity that are too long because there’s always the chance that an airline can go out of business (take the Icelandic company WOW Air, for example).

When I was given my airline voucher from the airline, they told me originally it was good for two years. That seemed okay. I figured I’d have a chance to use it within two years.

Months later, I called back and was told that actually, it had been good for one year, and I had to make my booking by Dec. 1 for a flight departing on or before Dec. 31 of the same year! That wasn’t at all what I was told originally.

The main lesson here is to use airline vouchers as soon as possible to avoid devaluation or shortened lengths of validity.

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Can you spend an airline voucher on anything other than flights?

Sometimes you can use an airline voucher to buy flight add-ons, like upgrading your seat or your checked bag allowance. This is not the case all the time, though.

How to use an airline voucher

Using an airline voucher will differ by airline, and it may also differ internationally, as several major airlines are based outside the US. For several major US airlines, we will detail them below.

For all international airlines, we suggest going to the airline website and searching for how to use the airline’s voucher in the most optimal way possible.

United Airlines

United calls their airline voucher a travel credit. Note, though, that they also have a program called a travel certificate.

United “Future Flight Credits” may be used for flights on United or partner airlines, or non-ticket items, like seat upgrades, or preferred seating.

Note: They have an expiry of 12 months from the date the original ticket was issued . To see more about the United travel credits and travel certificates, visit the “Using United travel credits” page at United.com.

Delta calls their airline vouchers “Transportation Credit Vouchers.” These voucher credits can be used for the purchase of any ticket for passenger travel within the Delta system worldwide, and including code-share flights Delta Shuttle or Delta Connection journeys.

In contrast with the United airline voucher program, Delta credits cannot be used for things that are not flights, like sending cargo or any non-ticket purchases.

There’s a bunch of fine print surrounding the validity and ability to transfer Delta’s travel credit vouchers, so visit their Transportation Credit Vouchers “ Terms & Conditions page .”

JetBlue is an airline with which we currently have a travel credit due to booking, rebooking, and then rebooking a flight again, and being credited the differences each time we made a transaction. To do this, we messaged on our phones with JetBlue help, and we had to make some pretty long calls as well.

JetBlue has more terminology as well for their airline vouchers, namely “JetBlue Travel Credits” and “Travel Bank.” Travel credits can be used toward future flights, and I’m even trying to currently do this! Some good info is that you can use JetBlue travel credits to pay for JetBlue-operated flights or the “flight portion” of a JetBlue Vacations package.

You can apply a JetBlue Travel Bank credit at checkout when purchasing a flight on Jetblue.com.

One last thing is that JetBlue also has “JetBlue Vacations credits,” which are different from travel credits. These can be used toward any aspect of a “JetBlue Vacations package.” See more at this helpful page called “ JetBlue Travel Credits and Your Travel Bank .”

American Airlines

American Airlines has three types of airline vouchers. They are the following: Trip Credit, Flight Credit and Travel Vouchers. It pays to know which one you have, so that you can find out how to use your travel credit properly.

The difference in the names of these types of vouches differs in the reason they were issued to the passenger. For instance, American Airlines “Trip Credits” come from “compensation, refunds and remaining value from Flight Credit exchanges.”

Meanwhile, AA “Flight Credits” come from “unused or canceled tickets.” The first type of credit can be used to book flights that originate in the US and must be quoted in US dollars. Neither of these can be used for flight extras like seat or bag upgrades.

To become familiar with the American Airlines voucher system and how to use these credits, check out their page about “ How to redeem your travel credit .”

Onward with the airline travel credit terminology, Southwest calls their airline vouchers “Travel Funds.” You can use Southwest Travel Funds to use as a form of payment when booking a new flight.

Southwest Travel Funds are tied to a flight that was cancelled, so they can only be used by the person whose name is on the original flight ticket. They are not transferrable to another friend or family member, and they have an expiration date that you should check in the fine print.

This Southwest FAQ page helps out a lot with your questions, and you can check your airline voucher balance with Southwest at their Check Travel Funds page .

Spirit Airlines (& Frontier Airlines)

Spirit seems to call their airline vouchers “Reservation Credits.” These travel credits could be used to pay for fares, bags, seats, fees, and taxes, unlike some of the airlines above.

Keep in mind that the Spirit Airlines travel credits can not be used in the Spirit Airlines app (the capability is not yet available), so they must be used at Spirit.com.

For more information, they have a helpful guide at How to book your next trip using a Reservation Credit .

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Airlines are increasingly using vouchers over cash — here are the secrets for how to use them

• A United Airlines passenger received a $10,000 voucher as compensation for being bumped from a flight.
• Airlines use vouchers as compensation in place of cash.
• Here are things you should look out for when using vouchers to buy a ticket.

On Thursday, a  United Airlines passenger received $10,000 after being bumped from a flight. Contrary to some reports, this was in the form of a voucher and not cash.

Vouchers are nothing new. We hear about them all the time, especially if a flight is oversold or when something goes wrong.

And they're usually used as compensation in place of cold, hard cash.

In fact, airlines make it clear these vouchers have no cash value.

" Airlines give you these vouchers to achieve two things: Solve their problem, such as an overbooked flight, and have you go away," travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt told Business Insider. 

However, the terms and conditions that govern what you can do with these vouchers vary greatly based on the type of certificate you were given and the airline you are flying.

So it's important you not only negotiate for the highest amount possible but also get clear answers on the terms of use before accepting them.

Here are a couple of things to pay attention to.

Which airlines you can fly

First, there are restrictions on which airlines you can fly. 

These days, major airlines such as American, Delta, and United, are all members of global airline alliances. As a result, these airlines can sell tickets on flights operated by their alliance partners.

For instance, United, as a member of Star Alliance, routinely sells tickets on its website for flights operated by alliance partner Lufthansa. Unfortunately, these tickets are not eligible for voucher holders. 

"Electronic travel certificates (vouchers) can be used for travel on United and United Express-operated flights," a United spokesman told Business Insider in an email. "Certificates are not valid for travel on Star Alliance flights or United-marketed flights operated by other airlines."

Conversely, American Airlines will allow you to use vouchers for flights operated by its Oneworld alliance and AA codeshare partners. 

Airlines can also restrict where you can redeem the vouchers. Some vouchers stipulate that they cannot be redeemed at third-party travel agents and websites.

Where it will allow you to go

In addition, the voucher might not be able to take you everywhere you want to go. That's because airlines may place restrictions on destinations or point of origin.

Related stories

For example, the terms of American Airlines eVouchers clearly state that it's valid for " flights operated by American Airlines and the American Eagle carriers for itineraries sold and originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands."  

Even more interesting is the fact that "f lights sold or originating outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands or operated by other carriers are not eligible."

So if you happen to be in Spain and want to use your voucher to pay for a flight back to the US, you're out of luck.

What it will pay for

The extent to which a voucher will cover the cost of a ticket varies. 

For example, Southwest Airlines' LUV Vouchers can only be used as a form of payment towards the cost of airfare. The passenger is on the hook for any additional government-imposed taxes or fees, which, in some cases, can cost as much as the airfare itself. 

On the other hand, Delta Air Lines' transportation credit vouchers  and American eVouchers can be used to cover both the cost of the airfare and any associated fees or taxes. 

Can I give it to someone else?

Sometimes you can even use the value of the voucher on someone else. According to Southwest , its LUV Vouchers are fully transferable. 

Delta Air Lines vouchers are transferable, but with some caveats.

For certificates issued before December 15, 2011, Delta will allow you to transfer the voucher to another passenger by simply giving that person the 13-digit voucher number and the name to whom the voucher was issued. 

For certificates issued on or after December 15, 2011, the value on the voucher can be applied to a different passenger as long as the person to whom the voucher was issued is traveling on the same reservation.

Unfortunately, American Airlines eVouchers are non-transferable. 

However, even fully transferable vouchers can't be sold. In fact, selling or bartering away your voucher will almost certainly cause them to become void. 

Can I combine more than one voucher?

Instead of a $1,000 voucher, sometimes an airline may choose to give you two $500 vouchers. Don't worry — many airlines will allow you to combine multiple vouchers. 

American, for example, will allow you to combine up to eight vouchers to pay for a single ticket. 

Last but not least, look at the expiration date

Most airline vouchers are valid for one year after its issuance. However, this can vary, so pay attention to its expiration date. 

Watch: Puerto Rico's Ruta del Lechón is filled with pork restaurants

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Travel Insurance and Travel Vouchers: What You Need to Know

You’re getting back to traveling again, and you’re going to start by using that voucher you received when you had to cancel a trip last year.

Using travel vouchers can be tricky, but getting travel protection for the new trip should be a breeze. With Generali, you can insure a trip whether it’s booked with cash or a travel voucher.

As you book a new vacation with your voucher and look to insure that trip, remember to:

• Check your itinerary, and see if it’s changed
• Know your new travel dates

Account for the new trip cost

Buy travel insurance, check your itinerary.

This is especially important for cruises, because even a trip that you think is identical to the one you had to cancel may not be exactly the same. Because of COVID-related restrictions, not all ports of call that were part of your previous cruise may be part of your new cruise.

You’ll want to know the ports of calls and destination of your new cruise for your own edification, and because it’s important information to have as you buy travel insurance (which is highly recommended for your new trip, just look what happened to your old trip).

Don’t let your eagerness to travel again keep you from understanding all the important parameters of the cruise, tour, or trip you’re considering. Also note that travel will still be a fluid proposition for a while, and every facet of your cruise experience may be subject to change.

Also read:  Our Guide to Buying Travel Insurance in a Pandemic

Know your travel dates

Similarly, your travel dates may be subject to change or timing might be different from before because of changing travel conditions in countries on your itinerary or, in the case of a cruise, issues with getting your ship cleaned and ready for a new group of passengers.

As with a change in itinerary, tell your travel insurance company about any changes in travel dates, so they can modify your plan.

Also read:  What You Need to Know Before Getting a Travel Insurance Quote

Even if you’re able to book the same trip that was cancelled, you may find that the price has changed. This could likely be due to a result of increased cleaning and staffing costs, changes in fuel prices, or other factors.

Travel insurance is priced in part based on the cost of your trip, so you’ll need to know the new amount when buying travel insurance (see below). However, it’s also important to know that even if you received a voucher from a cruise or tour line as a result of cancelling a trip last year, you may have to pay the difference between this year’s trip cost and the amount of the voucher.

Also read:  How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

The events of the pandemic have really proven the value of travel insurance, whether it’s in paying emergency medical bills for an injury or illness that occurred while traveling, arranging for transportation home, or refunding prepaid travel expenses for a covered canceled or interrupted trip.

The good news is that travel insurance is easy to buy, whether you bought your trip with cash or a voucher. You can get a quote for a Generali plan and get covered in just a matter of minutes. When you enter your trip cost in the quote form, simply use the cash value of the travel voucher or any other prepaid trip costs, and your plan will cover you so you can be reimbursed for those trip costs if need to cancel the trip for a covered reason.

Submitting claims is fast and easy, and the assistance services that come with every Generali plan can help your trip go more smoothly – even if the most daunting thing you face when traveling is getting a reservation for that hot new restaurant, Generali’s Concierge Services can even help with that.

You probably remember the drill, but with new travel arrangements made and travel insurance squared away, you can get down to the fun stuff that comes with an upcoming trip – you know, things like:

• Preparing a packing list
• Making arrangements to visit friends
• Reading up on your destinations

We’re feeling confident to get out and see the world once more. And, with travel arrangements made, vouchers redeemed, and travel insurance purchased, we hope you are too!

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Help! Will All My Travel Vouchers Expire Before I Can Use Them?

Vouchers and trip credits emerged as a major consumer flash point at the start of the pandemic. Here’s a look at what some major travel companies are offering in the way of flexibility.

By Sarah Firshein

Dear Tripped Up,

Like millions of others, I canceled several trips last year because of the pandemic and got a small fortune in travel vouchers. Also like so many others, I had assumed the world would be open by now, nearly a year later, and that there would be ample opportunity to put those credits to good use. Although vaccines are becoming more widespread , there’s still a lot of uncertainty about travel, and I’m worried that my vouchers will expire before I’m able to use them. What, if anything, are travel companies doing about this issue? Patricia

Dear Patricia,

Vouchers emerged as a major consumer flash point at the start of the pandemic. Airlines gave them out like candy after canceled flights, despite being required by law to offer refunds; certain tour companies did the same. Cruise lines retained prepayments as credits — no matter the outcry from older people about never expecting to sail again.

However travelers have come to find themselves with vouchers, here’s a look at what some major travel companies are currently offering in the way of flexibility, toward using or saving these credits.

Last year, airlines issued billions of dollars in vouchers, which in Normal Times are usually good for a year from their issue date.

Not so in these times, said Scott Keyes, the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, an online service that alerts members to domestic and international flight deals. Barring certain budget airlines, he said, most major domestic carriers have extended the validity window for when vouchers must be used.

“This may be out of the goodness of their hearts, but the more likely explanation is it’s been a business decision,” Mr. Keyes said. “The small segment of Americans willing to travel would only book new flights if they knew they had the flexibility to change their plans should the pandemic circumstances warrant.”

One of the best examples, he added, is Delta Air Lines , which has extended the validity of vouchers from tickets purchased on or before April 17, 2020, and on flights scheduled to depart after March 1, 2020. Passengers have until the end of 2022 to travel using those vouchers.

At JetBlue Airways, all of the “travel bank credits” issued last March through June came with a 24-month expiration date for booking — a year longer than the company’s pre-Covid policy. Southwest Airlines vouchers issued between March 1 and September 7, 2020 are good for travel through September 7, 2022.

Vouchers for United Airlines tickets purchased between May 1, 2019 and March 31, 2021 can be used for travel through March 31, 2022. Meaning: If someone bought a ticket in June 2019 for a February 2020 trip — then canceled because of the burgeoning virus — that person has through next March to put the voucher to use.

United and other airlines’ policies have evolved, and will continue to do so, with the pandemic. With 2021 well underway, Consumer Reports and U.S. PIRG, a public-interest advocacy nonprofit, called on 10 domestic airlines last week to ensure their vouchers can be used into 2022.

In addition to the official rules, Mr. Keyes said, “Most airlines have had informal policies to grant extensions to customers who called in and proactively asked for one. Though you shouldn’t be a jerk about it — honey attracts more flies than vinegar — you should be proactive, explain why you’re not comfortable traveling under the current circumstances and ask.”

CRUISE LINES

When the pandemic hit, most air travelers fell into two camps: Those whose flights had been canceled by the airline, and those who voluntarily canceled their tickets. Cruisers were given no such choice: The industry came to an all-out halt last March, after several coronavirus outbreaks were linked to cruises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order, and most ships have been bobbing emptily ever since. Cruisers, in turn, got either cash refunds or future cruise credits, the industry’s version of vouchers or merchandise credits.

Although the C.D.C. order was lifted in October, cruising still remains largely on pause, and most major cruise companies have preemptively canceled their sailings well into this year while they get their health-and-safety protocols up to snuff. In the meantime, policies about future cruise credits remain flexible.

“We’ve seen the concept evolve since the start of the pandemic, and cruise lines are giving people a fairly long lead in terms of expiration dates,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor in chief of Cruise Critic, a leading cruise news and planning website. “They’re leaving room for people to sail when they’re comfortable. It also helps navigate the continued pause in the industry — with no definitive end date and cruises continuing to be canceled, it leaves some leeway.”

On Carnival Cruise Line, an industry powerhouse with a fleet of 24 ships, travelers who opted to receive a credit, rather than a cash refund, have through April 2023 to sail.

All river and ocean sailings with the luxury operator Viking Cruises have been canceled through May 31; travelers who opted for a 125-percent future cruise credit (rather than a 100 percent refund) have 24 months from the issuance date to rebook, up from the company’s standard 12 months. If the voucher expires before they’re able to use it, they can later convert it into a cash refund.

Operations at Cunard Line, the British cruise company famous for its trans-Atlantic journeys, are paused until at least August 27, depending on the ship. Credits from canceled sailings must be used to book a new sailing by December 31, for travel as far into the future as is available on Cunard’s website.

If decisions like that still feel daunting, Ms. McDaniel pointed to a general Covid-era shift that some cruisers may find reassuring.

“Booked guests are given the flexibility to cancel their cruises far closer to a sail date than ever before,” she said. “Some lines are allowing guests to cancel within 48 hours of a sail date — though most sailings haven’t gotten to that point yet.”

TOUR OPERATORS

As early as April 2020, numbers released by the National Tour Association, an industry group, already looked bleak: more than 59,000 canceled trips, 1.8 million affected travelers and nearly $1 billion in refunds.

In an effort to push travelers to rebook rather than cancel — and therefore remain solvent — certain tour operators sweetened the deal with extra flexibility.

At Intrepid Travel , a large adventure travel company, the majority of tours that were canceled because of the pandemic translated into 110 percent credits with no expiration date. The company is also allowing fee-free changes up to 21 days before departure.

G Adventures , which runs small group tours that focus on community tourism, has suspended most of its trips through April and is giving travelers two years to use the credits. And credits from suspended Trafalgar Travel tours can be used for departures before the end of 2022.

Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based writer. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

52 Places to Love in 2021

We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

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Frequently asked questions about the travel voucher

The answers below apply to travel vouchers that were issued due to the Covid-19 health crisis.

• A travel voucher is a credit that can be used to purchase a ticket or extra options from the Air France and KLM websites or ticket offices, for a flight with Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, or Virgin Atlantic.
• Vouchers issued between March 2020 and August 2021 are valid until August 2022. 
• Vouchers issued after September 1, 2021, are valid for one year after their date of emission.

For bookings completed through a travel agency If you booked your flight through a travel agency, please contact them directly, as we will be unable to process your voucher online. Your travel agency will have all the necessary information to help you fulfill your request. Our customer service remains at your disposal should you run into any difficulties.

We will send your voucher to the e-mail address you provided in your booking or online refund form. Voucher requests usually take 7 days to process but may take up to several weeks due to the large volume of requests we are currently receiving. If there are several tickets or paid options in your booking file, your vouchers may be sent separately.

• Visit the  www.airfrance.com  website.
• Log in to your account to view your voucher(s).
• At the time of payment, select or enter your voucher number (starting with 057) in the “Discount code, voucher or gift card” field and click on “Apply”. Your voucher value will be automatically deducted from the total amount due.

You can use the same travel voucher for multiple transactions only if the price of your new ticket or flight option is lower than the value of your voucher. The residual balance will then be converted into a new travel voucher with the same conditions as the original one (refundable or non-refundable).

• If the price of your new ticket or paid option is lower than the value of your voucher, the residual balance will be converted into a new travel voucher, which will retain the same conditions as the original voucher (refundable, non-refundable).
• If the price of your new ticket is higher than the value of your travel voucher, you will have to pay the price difference through one of the payment options on our website.

Travel vouchers are not refundable for tickets purchased after March 1, 2022, and those purchased before February 28, 2022, with a travel date beyond July 1, 2022. All refund requests will be processed according to your ticket conditions. If you received a travel voucher due to a flight cancelation by Air France or KLM, you are entitled to a refund according to the national consumer laws of the country in which you purchased your ticket Request a refund of my voucher

How do I obtain a travel voucher or a refund for my paid options? In all cases, your paid option(s) will be refunded in the same way as your ticket, regardless of the reason for the cancellation of your trip.

• If your ticket is eligible for a refund, the option will also be refunded.
• If a travel voucher has been issued for your ticket, the option will also be subject to a travel voucher.Important: In some cases, the amount of the option cannot be credited to a travel voucher. However, your option can still be used. To do so, when making your next booking, please provide your sales agent with the original reference number of the paid option (starting with 057).

How do I use a voucher to purchase an option for a trip I have already booked? Go to "My Bookings" to find your booking and then choose the option you would like to add. On the payment page, enter your travel voucher number (starting with 057) in the “Have a discount code, voucher or gift card” field and click “Add”. The value of your voucher will be automatically deducted from the total amount due.

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Money blog: 'Bleak' new security measure seen in Tesco store

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. As the energy price cap falls today, submit a question for Which? or Cornwall Insight ahead of our 3pm Q&A.

Monday 1 July 2024 13:40, UK

• Energy price cap falls today - here's what you need to know
• Submit an energy question above for Which? or Cornwall Insight ahead of 3pm Q&A
• 'Bleak' new security measure seen in Tesco
• New Wotsits and Monster Munch flavours as part of lower salt push - but that's not all you're getting less of

Essential reads

• Money Problem : 'I hired a car via EasyJet but they are directing my complaint to someone else - what can I do?'
• How to split housework fairly with your partner
• Women in Business : How accident in cafe and £400 turned into a genius business idea that's about to go global
• How to stop your car from being stolen - or even 'cannibalised'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Olive oil has become the latest staple to undergo "bleak" anti-theft measures.

The cooking product was spotted encased in netting and tagged with an alarm in an unspecified Tesco store, leading one customer to ask: "What has the world come to?"

It is just the latest product to be subject to supermarket security measures that have surprised customers, after an out-of-hours smoke machine was introduced in another Tesco store last month.

Neither security features are part of a universal policy and have been implemented only in individual stores, Sky News understands.

"All 'anti-shoplifting' measures are theatre," said one shopper on X, beneath a photo of the olive oil.

"This is so bleak," said another, while a third joked the oil "has to wear fishnets now".

We revealed earlier this year that there had been a 110.5% increase in the price of olive oil since January 2021.

High temperatures and droughts in Spain, the world's leading producer and exporter, have dented the harvest - a problem only worsened by global inflationary pressures.

Separately, a bacterial disease called Xylella Fastidiosa has attacked and killed century-old olive trees, severely diminishing yields in southern Europe.

And heightened prices have led organised criminal gangs to steal the "liquid gold".

Read more on what's behind exploding olive oil prices here...

An online bank has unveiled new features to prevent criminals from raiding people's savings after stealing their phone.

Monzo customers can now choose certain locations they need to be - for example, inside their home - to transfer money or withdraw savings over a certain limit.

The bank, which has nine million customers, said the security control tools were the first of their kind.

Customers can also choose to invite a trusted friend or family member to review a transfer or withdrawal over a chosen limit.

"Whether it's choosing your safety radius with known locations or having a trusted contact sense-check your payments before you make them, these features offer customers peace of mind and force a much-needed moment of pause in a high-stakes situation," said Priyesh Patel, a senior engineer at Monz.

The bank also unveiled a feature whereby customers can choose to authenticate a payment by getting a QR code sent to a different device.

The news comes amid a rise in phone thefts, with particularly high levels reported in London.

Approximately 90,000 mobile phones, or 250 a day, were stolen in London in 2022, according to the latest statistics from the Met Police.

Aldi is lopping the tops off pineapples sold in its stores in a move aimed at cutting food waste.

The budget supermarket said the crowns would be removed during the production process to stop them ending up in black bins.

The removed leaves will be used to cultivate next year's crop or will be turned into animal feed.

Topless pineapples are only available in select stores in the Midlands and northern England at the moment - but if the change is rolled out across all Aldi sites it could save roughly 1,400 tonnes of food waste each year, the supermarket said.

Sainsbury's announced a similar moved in October last year, also in a bid to cut food waste.

Aldi national sustainability director Liz Fox told The Grocer: "At Aldi, we are committed to finding sustainable solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

As news of a far-right victory in French elections emerged the euro actually strengthened.

One pound buys €1.177, less than during the majority of the past month because the National Rally party did not do as well as had been expected with 33% of the vote share in round one of voting.

Better news for people travelling to the US or importing dollar-price goods: £1 = $1.2677, the highest level since last Wednesday. 

The oil price is at a high not seen since the end of April - $85.53 for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the benchmark price. 

On the London Stock Exchange, the 350 most valuable companies have got more valuable.

The FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) 100 index rose 0.39% on Monday morning led by Smurfit Kappa, the packaging giant eyeing a US stock exchange listing. 

The FTSE 250 was up 0.52% led by care home owner Target Healthcare REIT.

More people are buying food to go on Sundays than Fridays for the first time, new data suggests.

This makes it the second busiest day for food-to-go (things like bakeries, fast food, convenience store sandwiches) after Saturday, according to a new report by Lumina Intelligence, cited by The Grocer .

During the first six months of this year, 19% of food-to-go occasions took place on Saturday, followed by 16.9% on Sunday and 15.4% on Friday.

In 2022, the last time the research was carried out, Friday was more popular than Sunday among food-to-go customers.

Lumina said the change is likely linked to more people working from home on Mondays and therefore feeling more able to spend their Sundays out.

A rise in drink-to-go options could also be behind the behaviour change, it said.

Some 1,000 new food-to-go sites are predicted to open every year between 2024 and 2027.

Fans of Wotsits and Monster Munch have some new flavours to enjoy from today - as part of a new lower-salt range.

Wotsits Cheese Toastie,  Wotsits Crispy Bacon and Monster Munch BBQ Sauce are part of the Yummy With range, which comprises snacks made with chickpea.

They're said to contain 25% less salt than the average extruded product and come in at under 100 calories.

But as well as less salt, you're also getting less crisp...

The Wotsits have a similar retail price to a regular multipack - but you get less crisp for your money as each bag has 12g, down from 16.5g in regular multipack packets.

It’s the same story with the new Monster Munch - 16g compared with 20g packets in regular multipacks.

Promoting the new range, Walkers said: "The success of Walkers' existing product lines, along with the trust and recognition associated with the brand, provides the perfect foundation to introduce the Yummy With range.

"We know consumers are on the hunt for smarter snacking options, but they aren't willing to compromise on taste.

"Over several years, we've meticulously crafted the range to perfect the formulation, aligning with the beloved light and airy texture that consumers adore."

Walkers wants to make 50% of its sales from snacks that are non-HFSS (high in fat, salt and sugar) or under 100 calories by 2025.

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

I hired a car through the EasyJet booking system and want to make a complaint about the car hire service. EasyJet are not interested and are trying to direct me to a third party called Car Trawler. Who is responsible for responding and acting upon this complaint? Julie Fay

In a world of online shopping and search engines, these kind of questions are common.

Scott Dixon, from The Complaints Resolver , says that in this case, neither EasyJet nor Car Trawler are responsible - it's the actual car hire company.

"Your contract is always with whoever you entered into the contract with and paid for the car hire," he says.

"EasyJet uses Car Trawler as a search tool (like Google) to find the best prices as a comparison site for you to choose the vehicle that suits your needs and budget."

Your rights

So, you need to go to source - and you have protection via the Consumer Rights Act 2015, Scott says.

• S49  states that every contract to supply a service is to be treated as including a term that the trader must perform the service with reasonable care and skill.
• S62 has a requirement for contract terms and notices to be fair. An unfair term of a consumer contract is not binding on the consumer. Any contract terms which unfairly tilt the balance in favour of the trader against the consumer is void.
• S68  has a requirement for transparency. Key terms of a contract must be bold, fair, transparent and balanced - they cannot be buried in the small print of T&Cs.

Scott says you should also check if the car hire company is a member of the British Vehicle Rental Leasing Association (BVRLA). You can check here . In Europe, it would be the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS).

"This gives you additional rights and another avenue to seek redress," says Scott.

What can you do?

With car hire, you need to start acting before you reach the point of dispute.

"Evidence is crucial on car hire complaints so always take photos and videos before and after - the onus is on you to inspect the hire car thoroughly before you set off and return it," says Scott.

"Check the vehicle report. Any existing damage ought to be noted on it." 

With car hire, you should always check contracts for T&Cs - and Scott says: "Cheapest is not always best - you get what you pay for. Always stick with the mainstream car hire providers."

If a complaint does arise, always start by putting it in writing and see if you can get a resolution without escalating.

If that doesn't work?

Scott advises paying at least a deposit by credit card, as it gives you additional free protection and joint liability under S75 Consumer Credit Act 1974 for purchases over £100.

Contact your credit card provider and say you want to raise a S75 dispute and claim for a hire car.

"Say that the supplier is in 'breach of contract' under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and has supplied a defective/faulty car. You have exhausted all options with the retailer and cannot resolve your dispute.

"Bear in mind that the credit card provider knows nothing about your complaint, so make it easy for them by providing as much evidence as possible to prove your case."

If you reach a stalemate with the credit card provider, Scott advises asking them for a deadlock letter setting out their final position so you can submit a formal complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Last resort

If all else fails, you could take your case to the small claims court if it is England or Wales, or follow  Simple Procedure in Scotland . Click here to find out your route in Northern Ireland .

Scott advises sending screenshots of court papers to the company involved, so the car hire company, demanding a refund within seven days. This may prompt action that means you don't have to follow through on the court claim.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

• The form above - you need to leave a phone number or email address so we can contact you for further details
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here

As the energy price cap falls today, with a warning it is likely to rise again this winter, we thought it would be a good time to ask industry experts to answer your questions.

Whether it be a consumer query about how to save money, or a broader query about why prices are set to rise again or the UK's supply, we've got you covered.

Experts from consumer group Which? and industry analysts Cornwall Insights will be here from 3pm - so submit your question above.

Britons who pay for gas and electricity by direct debit will see their typical annual bill fall 7% to £1,568 until October.

This is down £122 from the previous quarter - but households have been warned to expect another uptick in the autumn.

What is the energy price cap?

The cap is controlled by energy regulator Ofgem and aims to prevent households on variable tariffs being ripped off.

It doesn't represent a maximum bill. Instead it creates an average bill by limiting how much you pay per unit of gas and electricity, as well as setting a maximum daily standing charge (which all households must pay to stay connected to the grid).

Between 1 July and 30 September, gas prices will be capped at the reduced level of 5.48p per kilowatt hour (kWh), and electricity at 22.36p per kWh.

Standing charges are staying the same - typically 60p a day for electricity and 31p a day for gas (though they vary by region).

These fixed daily charges limit the impact of using less energy to try to save money - and, after campaigning from the likes of Martin Lewis, Ofgem has conducted a consultation on how standing charges work.

This is how the price cap has changed over the last few years (remember, it was effectively overridden by the government's price guarantee for a time at its peak)...

What about prepayment customers and those who don't pay by direct debit?

If you pay by cash or cheque every three months, you'll see a typical drop of £129 to £1,668.

People with prepayment meters will pay the lowest amount, with a typical bill of £1,522 - this is a turnaround from previously when they've paid the same or more.

The energy price cap covers England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has its own energy market and prices are also falling there.

An extra charge

Separately to all of the above, Ofgem is adding £28 to everyone's bill over the year.

This will help cover the £3.1bn cost of debt customers owe to suppliers.

What's happening this winter?

Market specialist Cornwall Insight have forecast a 10% rise from October, taking the annual bill for a typical household back up to £1,763.

This is slightly lower than its previous forecast - but still represents bad news for Britons who may have thought energy bills were on a linear path down following two years of sky-high prices.

We'll have experts from Cornwall Insights and consumer group Which? answering your energy-related questions here in the Money blog this afternoon - so whether it's about why bills could rise again or if now is a good time to switch, submit your query above.

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Monday: This week's Money Problem  focuses on a complaint with a car hired via an online booking site.

Tuesday : We're continuing our eight-part  Women in Business  feature - interviewing women who are bossing their industry. And this week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about income tax.

Wednesday : This week's Cheap Eats is with one of the best chefs in the UK - Great British Menu legend and two-Michelin starred Aktar Islam.

Thursday : Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : We'll have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King on weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young, Ollie Cooper and Mark Wyatt, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

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Frequently asked questions about the travel voucher

The answers below apply to travel vouchers that were issued due to the Covid-19 health crisis.

• A travel voucher is a credit that can be used to purchase a ticket or extra options from the Air France and KLM websites or ticket offices, for a flight with Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, or Virgin Atlantic.
• Vouchers issued between March 2020 and August 2021 are valid until August 2022. 
• Vouchers issued after September 1, 2021, are valid for one year after their date of emission.

For bookings completed through a travel agency If you booked your flight through a travel agency, please contact them directly, as we will be unable to process your voucher online. Your travel agency will have all the necessary information to help you fulfill your request. Our customer service remains at your disposal should you run into any difficulties.

We will send your voucher to the e-mail address you provided in your booking or online refund form. Voucher requests usually take 7 days to process but may take up to several weeks due to the large volume of requests we are currently receiving. If there are several tickets or paid options in your booking file, your vouchers may be sent separately.

• Visit the  www.airfrance.com  website.
• Log in to your account to view your voucher(s).
• At the time of payment, select or enter your voucher number (starting with 057) in the “Discount code, voucher or gift card” field and click on “Apply”. Your voucher value will be automatically deducted from the total amount due.

You can use the same travel voucher for multiple transactions only if the price of your new ticket or flight option is lower than the value of your voucher. The residual balance will then be converted into a new travel voucher with the same conditions as the original one (refundable or non-refundable).

• If the price of your new ticket or paid option is lower than the value of your voucher, the residual balance will be converted into a new travel voucher, which will retain the same conditions as the original voucher (refundable, non-refundable).
• If the price of your new ticket is higher than the value of your travel voucher, you will have to pay the price difference through one of the payment options on our website.

Travel vouchers are not refundable for tickets purchased after March 1, 2022, and those purchased before February 28, 2022, with a travel date beyond July 1, 2022. All refund requests will be processed according to your ticket conditions. If you received a travel voucher due to a flight cancelation by Air France or KLM, you are entitled to a refund according to the national consumer laws of the country in which you purchased your ticket Request a refund of my voucher

How do I obtain a travel voucher or a refund for my paid options? In all cases, your paid option(s) will be refunded in the same way as your ticket, regardless of the reason for the cancellation of your trip.

• If your ticket is eligible for a refund, the option will also be refunded.
• If a travel voucher has been issued for your ticket, the option will also be subject to a travel voucher.Important: In some cases, the amount of the option cannot be credited to a travel voucher. However, your option can still be used. To do so, when making your next booking, please provide your sales agent with the original reference number of the paid option (starting with 057).

How do I use a voucher to purchase an option for a trip I have already booked? Go to "My Bookings" to find your booking and then choose the option you would like to add. On the payment page, enter your travel voucher number (starting with 057) in the “Have a discount code, voucher or gift card” field and click “Add”. The value of your voucher will be automatically deducted from the total amount due.