2 days Ago By John Matarese
CINCINNNATI — With the end of the year approaching fast, do you have any expiring gift cards or store credits? It's not a big deal if you lose $20, but it is big if it's an airline credit worth several hundred dollars. Sharon Miller — like everyone who flies — knows how expensive it can be these days. "Prices for plane tickets, especially for a family of 5, can add up quickly," she said.
That's why a flight credit is something you don't want to lose. But that's what just happened to Richard Cromer of Evendale, Ohio after he had to cancel a guy's trip to Las Vegas. Postponed trip twice, then learned credit had expired "Me and a friend, we go every year in December," he said.
"And he developed some health issues." Cromer says Delta Airlines issued him a $976 flight credit. But he was unable to use it the following December because he then got sick as well.
"The following year, lo and behold, I developed some health problems," he said. Finally, with both of them healthy this year, Cromer tried to use the credit. But, he quickly discovered, "it had expired in July.
" When he contacted Delta, he says, "it took several weeks but I finally got a response from them. And it was more or less 'too bad, that's our rules, that's our regulations.'" Short lifespan on airline credits It turns out most airlines — including Delta, United, and American — place one-year expiration dates on their e-credits .
That's unlike Delta Skymiles, which the airline says are good for years. In addition, the non-profit Consumers' Checkbook says e-credits are often hard to find, buried deep in your profile on the airline's website. They can be easy to forget about and lose.
But there is some good news: after we contacted Delta, and explained that Cromer had a doctor's letter, the airline agreed to reinstate his $976 credit. Cromer is thrilled, though still upset it was pulled. "As far as I'm concerned, the credit could be good forever; it's my cash," he said.
"That's my whole thing; it's my money." But an airline e-credit is really only your money for 12 months. So be sure to use it or lose it, so you don't waste your money.
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