Can you transfer airline credit to another person?

Normally, a future flight credit is non-transferrable and therefore must be used by the same traveler it was issued to.



In 2026, the ability to transfer airline credit depends heavily on the specific carrier's policy, but the industry standard is moving toward more flexibility. Southwest Airlines remains the leader in this area with its "Transferable Flight Credit," which allows passengers to move their credit to any other Rapid Rewards member (limited to one transfer per credit). Most "Legacy" carriers like Delta, United, and American generally issue flight credits that are non-transferable, meaning they must be used by the person whose name was on the original ticket. However, in 2026, many of these airlines have introduced "Flex-Fares" or "Add-on Packages" at the time of booking that, for a small fee, grant the right to transfer the resulting credit to a third party if the flight is canceled. Always check the "Fare Rules" section of your e-receipt; if it says "Non-Transferable," you cannot give it to someone else unless you have purchased a specific "name change" waiver.

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Transportation Credit Vouchers may be transferred to another passenger, as long as the person whose name appears on the voucher is traveling on the same reservation. Here's information on Delta's flight vouchers.

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A Transferable Flight Credit is a credit from a downgrade in fare or canceled reservation with a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and/or Business Select® fare. A Transferable Flight Credit can be used to buy a future flight and can be transferred once between Rapid Rewards® Members.

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Types of tickets You can also sell travel vouchers, which are the credits issued by airlines if you've ever been bumped from a flight (even if the airline isn't one that allows name changes on tickets).

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Can You Buy Someone Else Airline Ticket? Yes, you can buy other people's flight tickets. When you purchase tickets through an online booking site or through a travel agent, make sure to enter the traveler's name and other details exactly as they appear on their ID or passport.

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In order to receive a flight credit, you have to cancel your flight before the departure of the first segment of your itinerary. If you don't cancel before the flight departs, you forfeit the total value of the ticket. Flight credits can only be used by the passenger who is named on the original ticket.

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Canceling a nonrefundable fare will result in an eCredit for the full amount paid (minus any cancellation fees, depending on fare type and route). However, if you cancel a refundable ticket, you'll get the amount paid refunded back to your original form of payment.

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To buy a plane ticket for someone else with your credit card, you need to clearly state whom the ticket is for when you book the flight. You'll see two separate entry spaces on the site: one for billing information and another for the traveler's information.

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This is to ensure that all passengers have been screened against the government's watchlist and are approved to fly. Not only does the TSA have the right to deny you at the security checkpoint, but many airlines also have a cutoff point for making name changes to reservations.

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Canceling a nonrefundable fare will result in an eCredit for the full amount paid (minus any cancellation fees, depending on fare type and route). However, if you cancel a refundable ticket, you'll get the amount paid refunded back to your original form of payment.

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Covered reasons for Trip Cancellation
  • Medical reasons (unforeseen ailment, injury or death in the family)
  • Inclement weather or natural disasters (tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attack (in or around where you're planning to visit)
  • Financial default (of a carrier)
  • Involuntary layoff or termination.


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Every major U.S. airline (except Southwest Airlines) typically charges penalty fees to change or cancel an economy fare flight. The fees, however, can vary from as low as $75 on a domestic flight to more than $400 on an international flight.

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If by flight credit you mean a mileage account or credit card points, then yes, you should be able to book for someone else. But if it is a ticket in your name that you did not use and the airline extended the value as a credit, it is not transferable to another person.

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Membership numbers are nontransferable. Only one person may be enrolled per SkyMiles account.

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Name changes within 24 hours of purchase costs $75. Name changes made after 24 hours from purchase will cost $200. More details: Find out more about amending names here. Name change: Minor name changes and spelling errors will be corrected for free.

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