U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules under 14 CFR § 262.4 require covered U.S. carriers to provide transferable travel credits or vouchers that do not expire for at least five years from the date of issuance in limited cases: carrier-initiated cancellations or significant delays (3+ hours domestic or 6+ hours international) without rebooking offered, government restrictions related to serious communicable diseases, or licensed medical advice not to travel due to such diseases. For all other flight credits, such as those from voluntary changes or goodwill compensation, airline-specific policies set the expiration terms with no federal minimum or uniform rule.
This distinction controls whether federal law or the airline's contract terms apply. Credit card chargebacks or general merchant refunds do not govern credit expiration. To act, log into your airline account to check credit details, then contact the airline if needed. If a DOT-covered credit expires prematurely, file a complaint with DOT Aviation Consumer Protection.
The Controlling U.S. DOT Rule on Flight Credit Expiration
The federal regulation at 14 CFR § 262.4 applies only to specific scenarios where passengers cannot travel for reasons beyond their control tied to the airline or public health crises. Covered U.S. carriers must issue transferable credits--meaning you can give them to family or friends--that remain valid for a minimum of five years from issuance. This rule took effect following DOT's 2024 final rule on refunds and consumer protections but limits scope to those enumerated cases.
Credits under this rule must explicitly state their terms, including the five-year validity. Airlines cannot shorten this period for qualifying issuances. Outside these cases, no DOT rule mandates non-expiration or transferability.
Airline-Specific Policies for Other Flight Credits
Most flight credits fall outside DOT § 262.4 and follow each airline's terms of service or conditions of issuance. These may include credits for voluntary schedule changes, upgrades, or other compensation where the passenger chooses not to rebook. Expiration dates vary by carrier and credit type, controlled entirely by the airline's contract.
Log into your frequent flyer or booking account--often in a "wallet" or "trip credits" section--to view the exact issuance date, expiration, value, and usage rules for your credit. Contact airline customer service with your confirmation number to confirm details or discuss options before expiration.
What Does Not Control Flight Credit Expiration
Airline contracts govern non-DOT credits, not general e-commerce refund laws or state consumer protection statutes, which lack direct application here. Credit card billing disputes or chargebacks address original purchase refunds, not the later expiration of issued credits. Federal Trade Commission rules on deceptive practices do not set expiration standards.
No uniform federal rule exists across all credits, so airline policy--not law--dictates terms for voluntary or non-qualifying issuances.
Practical Next Steps and Escalation
| Action | Details | Evidence to Gather |
|---|---|---|
| Check credit details | Log into airline account; note type, issuance date, expiration, value. | Screenshots of account showing credit, original booking confirmation. |
| Contact airline | Call or chat support; ask to confirm policy, transferability, or usage. Request written response. | Support ticket number, chat transcript, policy reference provided. |
| Verify DOT applicability | Match your situation to § 262.4 criteria (e.g., carrier cancellation notice). | Airline delay/cancellation email, medical note, or government restriction proof. |
| File DOT complaint if violated | Use online form at DOT AirConsumer for premature expiration on covered credits. | All above evidence plus credit issuance confirmation. |
Start with your airline account review, as it reveals the controlling policy. Airlines must respond to inquiries, but DOT enforcement applies only to violations of § 262.4. No fees apply to these checks or complaints.
FAQ
Does my flight credit expire if it's from a canceled flight?
If the airline initiated the cancellation or significant delay without offering rebooking (3+ hours domestic/6+ hours international), DOT § 262.4 requires a transferable credit with at least five years before expiration.
Can I transfer a flight credit to someone else?
Yes, for DOT-covered credits under § 262.4. For others, check your airline account and policy.
What if my credit is expiring soon and not DOT-covered?
Review airline terms in your account and contact support for options. No federal right to extension applies.
How do I complain about an expired DOT-covered credit?
File online with U.S. DOT Aviation Consumer Protection at transportation.gov/airconsumer, including evidence of issuance and the qualifying reason.