Delta has just set a new standard among US airlines when it comes to voucher validity… at least for a limited time.
In this post:
Airline vouchers have been a hot topic
One major point of frustration for consumers has been the way that airlines are issuing vouchers to customers when they change or cancel flights. Airlines are doing everything they can to avoid providing refunds, given that airlines are largely in a cash bind.
Whenever possible airlines are trying to get customers to accept vouchers, even when they would technically be entitled to a cash refund.
One of the major issues with travel credits is that generally speaking, most are valid for a year from the date the ticket was issued. If a ticket was issued in May 2019 for travel in April 2020, and if you had to cancel, technically that ticket may only be valid for about another month.
Delta makes vouchers valid for 24 months
Historically credits from past Delta tickets have expired one year from the date of ticket purchase, but for now Delta will be providing some relief. This applies to select tickets, including:
- Those who have tickets booked as of April 3, 2020, for travel in April or May of 2020
- Those who have existing eCredits or canceled travel from flights in March, April, or May 2020
Those passengers can use their travel credits from any changed or cancelled flights through May 31, 2022, giving them at least two years to use their credits.
New tickets purchased between March 1 and May 31, 2020, can be changed without a fee for up to a year from the date of purchase.
Bottom line
This is a smart move on Delta’s part. If airlines want to encourage (or even force) passengers to accept vouchers, then they need significantly greater validity than they’ve had in the past. Having ticket credits valid through May 31, 2022, seems much more reasonable than having credits only valid for a year from the date of issue.
I think American Airlines also deserves some credit with regards to vouchers. While vouchers expire after a year, American is anecdotally offering a 20% bonus to those accepting a voucher over cash.
On the other end of the spectrum, Frontier Airlines continues to require passengers to apply credits within 90 days of cancellation, which is outrageous…
Does airline voucher validity impact whether or not you’d be comfortable accepting that rather than cash?
I had to take a credit for cancelled travel in March. Delta gave me a "ticket number" and I have to phone them to use it! Make the $ visible in my account please - have you tried the phone lines? Impossible.
Tricky move Delta!!what you're REALLY doing is FORCING people to take a credit when the option should be up to the PRUCHASER, NOT YOU!
I don't travel much so the $1500 credit that I am going to get will no doubt be cheaper next year and so in order for me to use the remaining balance I will then have to book ANOTHER trip which will cost me more money or forgo the credit...
Tricky move Delta!!what you're REALLY doing is FORCING people to take a credit when the option should be up to the PRUCHASER, NOT YOU!
I don't travel much so the $1500 credit that I am going to get will no doubt be cheaper next year and so in order for me to use the remaining balance I will then have to book ANOTHER trip which will cost me more money or forgo the credit and I will still end up paying my $1500. You need to make the refund an option to the client, and people that want the credit have that be an option to them. To screw people in a time like this is selfish and a poor business decision. Covid19 your fault? No! But it isnt our fault either so refund our money if we so choose, let us pay our credit cards back and I am sure we would be more willing to rebook next year at MY CHOICE with your airline...but do not force my hand.
Both vouchers and miles should never expire!!
#NewNormal
I had a flight to France later this month that was cancelled by Delta. If I take the voucher value under this new policy instead of getting a refund then does that mean I have two years from date of original purchase (Sept 2019) or two years from the date of scheduled travel (April 2020) to use the voucher? Also, if I take the voucher and rebook travel for later this year, in the case...
I had a flight to France later this month that was cancelled by Delta. If I take the voucher value under this new policy instead of getting a refund then does that mean I have two years from date of original purchase (Sept 2019) or two years from the date of scheduled travel (April 2020) to use the voucher? Also, if I take the voucher and rebook travel for later this year, in the case that travel is still retroverted at that time, can I still move the flight again with no fees within that 2 years or have I given up this flexibility by rebooking?
@Randy. No. Delta will extend your companion certificate.
New posting as a Follow up on my first comment about having a flight Apl 29 - May 3, R/T, using an Amex Delta Platinum Companion Certificate. The total cost of myself and my companion was $801.60, however using the Companion Certificate, I paid $400.80 plus the certificate. So, if I cancel ( my flight is from LA to FL, if I go I would be ordered to be quarantined)shouldn't my evoucher be for $801.60?
After all, isn't my certificate worth half the original fare?
Follow up on my first comment about having a flight Apl 29 - May 3, R/T, using an Amex Delta Platinum Companion Certificate. The total cost of myself and my companion was $801.60, however using the Companion Certificate, I paid $400.80 plus the certificate. So, if I cancel ( my flight is from LA to FL, if I go I would be ordered to be quarantined)shouldn't my evoucher be for $801.60?
After all, isn't my certificate worth half the original fare?
Cash please!
Where I planned on travelling to in April this year will probably be vastly different to April 2021 plans.
It's a simple as that.
I have a booked flight R/T Apl 29 - May 3, however, I used my AMEX Delta Platinum Companion Certificate for a companion to fly with me. I understand that I can use my paid amount as an Evoucher thru May 2022, but any idea what value my Companion certificate has if I cancel?
Regarding the change fee comment, does that mean the voucher value is basically the cost of the original ticket minus for a $350 change fee?
Still dumb. If customers want a refund they should be given one. If airlines want to use the Coronavirus was unforeseeable excuse, then the same applies to passengers. Passengers should not have to fund airlines.
It’s a start but Delta needs to allow customers to use their vouchers for whomever they want!! Not just the ticketed passenger.. it’s still restrictive!
@ Ed - honey wait a minute, they'll update the system.
I checked my voucher and it still expires August this year!
@Alex Move to Delta ;)
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-issues-enforcement-notice-clarifying-air-carrier-refund
I have vouchers with American and Alaska Airlines expiring soon. What should I do?
@ Alex -- Now that Delta has done this, I would hope other airlines follow soon. So if you have a bit of time maybe wait.
2 years is more like it. Some leisure travelers might need 3 years.
Excellent decision and a big win for a whole lot of passengers. Bravo for Delta!
Hoping they extend their cancellation policy into June. We've got a family trip booked to head out west the second week, and I'm honestly not anticipating anything being back to normal by then. And even if we get there, I'm sure most of the stuff we have planned to do will still be on lockdown.
What really sucks about Delta vouchers is that it can ONLY be used by the original passenger, so it's incredibly more restrictive than vouchers from other airlines where it's more like a gift cert.
I have a flight the beginning of June to Europe. I'm anticipating my flight being cancelled. If so, I hope they continue to extend the 2 years month by month.
And still charges cancellation fees. Smh.
Delta takes the lead again -- smart move....and the RIGHT move. Delta gets it!!