Major airlines such as Aer Lingus, Iberia, Level, and Vueling handed out vouchers for scrapped trips in 2020 and 2021 that are set to expire on 30 September 2025.
For those who faced travel woes during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s time to rummage through your emails – you might just find some airline credit waiting to be used. But hurry, the clock is ticking as major carriers like Aer Lingus, Iberia, Level, and Vueling are set to let vouchers issued for cancelled flights in 2020 and 2021 expire on 30 September 2025.
Once we hit that date, any vouchers left gathering digital dust will be as good as gone. Consumer Money Expert Aaron Peake from CredAbility has a stark warning: “Millions of pounds’ worth of airline vouchers are set to expire, and many people don’t even realise they still have them.”
Peake points out that airlines won’t be nudging you to cash in those credits – if you forget, they’re quids in. A swift search of your email archives or a visit to the airline’s website could mean big savings on your next holiday. If your flight got axed in 2020 or 2021, chances are you were offered either a refund or a travel voucher. These vouchers typically landed in your inbox, so get searching with keywords like “voucher” or the name of the airline.
If that turns up nothing, the airline’s website might have a way to retrieve lost vouchers using your email address, reports the Express. And if you’re still at a loss, a call to the airline’s customer service could uncover any elusive credits you’re entitled to.
Aaron recommends: “A five-minute search could be the difference between paying full price for your next holiday or getting a big discount. Even if you think you used your voucher, it’s worth double-checking. You might have a partial balance left over.”
Most vouchers can be redeemed when booking online – simply input the code at checkout. Some airlines, such as Iberia and Vueling, permit the use of vouchers on package holidays, although you may need to book via phone to utilise them.
Typically, vouchers cannot be applied towards extras like seat selection or baggage fees, so it’s crucial to review the terms before booking. Aaron warns that vouchers may not go as far as they once did: “Flight prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic. In some instances, your voucher might not cover the entire cost of a trip anymore, meaning you’ll need to pay the difference. But it’s still better than letting the money go to waste.
“If you’re not planning a trip before September 2025, consider booking for later in the year to secure your voucher’s value. Some airlines allow you to transfer vouchers to family or friends, so if you can’t use yours, check if someone else can. However, don’t leave it until the last minute. The closer we get to the deadline, the harder it might be to find flights that suit you. Airlines could have blackout dates, limited availability, or increased prices. The sooner you book, the better your chances of maximising your voucher.”
