So, You Have a Future Travel Credit: Your Questions Answered
If your travel plans were cancelled because of the pandemic, you may have received a future travel credit. If you’re unsure about how and when to use your future travel credit, CAA Travel is here to help answer some of the most common questions travellers have to provide clarity to our CAA Members and all others affected by travel cancellations due to the pandemic.
Q: How long is my credit good for?
A: The first thing you should do once you receive your travel credit is to verify when – or if – it expires. Different providers are offering different expiry dates, with some giving travellers a year to rebook and others longer. Make sure you know the expiry date and reach out to your travel provider or travel agent for more information.
Q: My travel provider has removed the expiry date for my travel credit. Does that mean I can use it whenever I’d like?
A: Many travel providers are moving to eliminate expiry dates on travel credits. This allows flexibility for travellers to rebook when the time is right. But keep in mind, this may not always be the case. Some providers may reinstate expiration dates once pandemic restrictions begin to ease. Stay informed and keep track of updates. Your CAA Travel Consultant can help!
Q: My account still hasn’t been updated to reflect my travel credit. What can I do?
A: Don’t be surprised if your credit doesn’t immediately appear on your account. Some travel providers will automatically apply a travel credit to your account, while others will need to manually input it. Whatever your plans, it’s always important to save any documentation confirming your credit.
Q: Do I have to use my future travel credit with the same travel agency I booked my trip or vacation with?
A: No! You can use your future travel credit with any travel agency – including CAA! If you’re unsure how to use your credit, ask an expert at CAA. A CAA Travel Consultant can help you navigate through the rebooking process so you can get back to dreaming about travel.
Q: Should I use my travel credit now or save it for later?
A: Until the Government of Canada lowers its official travel advisory level and/or travel restrictions around the world are lifted, you may want to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada. But that doesn’t mean you can’t book now and travel later. Here are a couple reasons you might want to consider using your travel credit sooner rather than later:
· Take advantage of deep discounts and limited time offers. Many travel providers are offering great deals on 2021, 2022, and even 2023 trips. If you’re ready to book, you can save a lot of money now for travel in the future.
· Secure your spot. With new health and safety regulations in place, travel providers are limiting the capacity on tours and cruises. This means spots will fill up faster than pre-pandemic. Secure your trip early to avoid disappointment.
Q: When I do decide to use my credit, do I still need to get travel insurance?
A: We always recommend travellers protect themselves and their investment with travel insurance. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to be prepared for the unexpected. CAA Travel Insurance offers flexible coverage options for every traveller’s needs – whether you’re road tripping across Canada or sunbathing on the beach in Mexico. Pay attention to current travel advisories and know what is and isn’t covered under different risk levels. If you’re unsure, ask your CAA Travel Consultant.
Don’t see your question answered here? Visit a CAA Store, contact a CAA Travel Consultant or call 1-800-267-8713 to speak with a CAA Travel Consultant! Whether you’re a Member or not, our services go beyond just booking your vacation – we’re there for you before, during, and even after your trip, and we’ll be happy to answer your future travel credit questions.