American Airlines Gift Card Guide
American Airlines gift cards are an easy and convenient way of purchasing an American Airlines flight. Whether you’re looking to buy, use, or check your balance, this guide covers everything you need to know about American Airlines gift cards.
What Are American Airlines Gift Cards?
American Airlines gift cards are prepaid cards you can use toward flight purchases with American Airlines. They come in physical or virtual formats and are easy to use for booking tickets online or through customer service.
How to Buy an American Airlines Gift Card
Online Purchase
You can buy American Airlines gift cards directly from giftcards.aa.com. Here are the steps:
- Visit the website and select your desired gift card amount (from $50 to $1,500).
- Choose between a virtual card (sent via email) or a physical card (shipped via FedEx).
- Complete your purchase and receive your card. Note that virtual cards are activated within 72 hours, while physical cards may take 4-5 business days to arrive.
Easily purchase American Airlines gift cards online.
Phone Purchase
You can also call American Airlines customer service at 800-677-9555 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM CST) to buy a gift card. This is an alternative option if you prefer more personalized assistance from a representative.
Note: Shipping fees apply for physical cards, and cards cannot be delivered to P.O. Boxes or international addresses.
How to Use an American Airlines Gift Card
Redeeming Your Gift Card
- Go to aa.com and search for flights.
- On the payment screen, enter your gift card number and PIN (found on the back of the card or in the email for virtual cards).
- If your ticket costs more than the gift card value, pay the remaining balance with a credit or debit card.
A screenshot showing how to redeem an American Airlines gift card at the payment checkout page on AA.com.
Tip: You can use up to eight gift cards in a single transaction.
How to Check Your American Airlines Gift Card Balance
To check your balance, you have three options:
- Visit aa.com/giftcards.
- Email GiftCards@aa.com.
- Call 800-677-9555 during business hours.
Simply provide your gift card number and PIN to get your current balance.
View your gift card balance online.
What Can I Not Use an American Airlines Gift Card On?
American Airlines gift cards cannot be used for:
- Seat upgrades
- Admirals Club memberships or day passes
- In-flight purchases (e.g., food, drinks, or Wi-Fi)
- Enhanced seat products
- Baggage fees
- Pet fees
- Unaccompanied minor fees
- Ticketing fees for phone reservations
- Taxes, fees, or charges on AAdvantage® award travel or American Airlines Vacations℠
Gift cards are strictly for booking base airfare and associated taxes on flights sold and operated by American Airlines.
FAQs About American Airlines Gift Cards
What Can I Do with American Airlines Gift Cards?
You can use gift cards to pay for flights originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. They cover base airfare and associated taxes but cannot be used for upgrades, in-flight purchases, or membership fees.
Can I Use American Airlines Gift Cards with Multiple Payment Options?
Yes! If your ticket costs more than the gift card value, you can pay the difference with a credit or debit card.
Can You Pay with Multiple American Airlines Gift Cards?
Yes, you can use up to eight gift cards in a single transaction when booking a flight.
You can use up to 8 gift cards for a single transaction.
Where Can I Buy American Airlines Gift Cards?
You can purchase them directly from giftcards.aa.com or by calling 800-677-9555.
Can I use an American Airlines gift card to pay award travel taxes and fees?
Unfortunately, no. If you're booking a great award flight like Cathay Pacific business class through AAdvantage, you can't use American Airlines gift cards for the taxes and fees.
Do You Get a Travel Multiplier When Buying American Airlines Gift Cards?
No, you typically do not earn travel multipliers when purchasing American Airlines gift cards because they are sold through an external website, not directly from American Airlines. Instead, consider using a general travel rewards card like the Capital One Venture X, which earns 2x miles on all purchases, including gift cards.
Final Thoughts
American Airlines gift cards are an excellent tool for planning trips or giving the gift of travel. With this guide, you’re all set to buy, use, or manage your gift card with ease. Whether for yourself or a loved one, these cards make traveling with American Airlines simple and convenient!