Airport Meal Vouchers: What, How, And Where To Use Them

Airport meal vouchers are usually provided by airlines to passengers in the event of a delayed or cancelled flight. The vouchers are typically valid for a short period, such as 48 hours, and can be used at specific vendors within the airport or at some restaurants outside the airport. They often have a maximum redemption value and may exclude certain items. While some people use these vouchers for meals, others may use them for snacks or drinks. It's important to note that the vouchers are usually single-use and any leftover amount is forfeited. Passengers are advised to ask vendors if they accept vouchers and to be aware of the terms and conditions associated with their use.

When are vouchers given out?

Vouchers are typically given out when a flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. For instance, if you are bumped off a flight or miss a connection due to a delay, you may receive a meal voucher. The delay should be more than 3 hours for domestic flights and 6 hours for international flights to be eligible for a meal voucher.

Some airlines, like American Airlines, will also provide meal vouchers upon request at the airport for participating vendors within the airport after flight delays and cancellations.

Meal vouchers can also be given out when there is a significant change to your flight, as defined by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This includes "departure or arrival times, connections at different airports, or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability."

How to redeem them

Airline meal vouchers are typically provided when a flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked. They can be used at airport vendors and some off-site restaurants, though it is always best to ask the vendor if they accept vouchers. These vouchers usually have a "credit card" number, expiration date, and CVV number, which are used to authenticate the voucher when it is redeemed.

• Check the terms and conditions: Review the fine print on your voucher to understand any restrictions or exclusions. For example, some vouchers may only be valid for specific vendors or exclude certain items like alcohol.
• Ask the vendor if they accept vouchers: Not all vendors accept meal vouchers, so it's important to inquire before placing your order.
• Use the voucher for a meal or snacks: You can use the voucher to purchase a meal at the airport or, if allowed by the airline, at a restaurant outside the airport. You can also use it for snacks or drinks if you're not hungry for a full meal.
• Be mindful of the voucher value: Vouchers usually have a maximum redemption value, and any unused amount may not be refunded or redeemed later. Some vouchers may also have a minimum purchase amount.
• Use the voucher promptly: Meal vouchers often have a short validity period, such as 48 hours. So, be sure to use it before it expires.
• Consider using it for a gift card: If you don't want to use the voucher for a meal or are not hungry, you can try using it to purchase a gift card for a vendor you like.
• Be aware of tipping etiquette: When using a voucher, don't forget to tip based on the original bill amount. In some cases, servers may not be able to keep the tip if it's added to the voucher, so it's best to tip in cash.

Voucher value and expiration

The value of meal vouchers varies depending on the airline and the circumstances of the disruption. They are intended to cover the cost of a meal or snacks for the affected passengers during the period of delay or inconvenience. For instance, Alaska Airlines meal vouchers are prepaid cards worth $12. In another instance, a passenger received three $7 vouchers for food. Some vouchers may have a predetermined monetary value, beyond which the passenger must cover additional expenses.

Vouchers usually list a maximum redemption value and, in some cases, exclusions such as no alcohol. They are typically valid for a limited time frame, ranging from hours to days, and must be used before the expiry date. For example, JetBlue vouchers are usually valid for one day, while another passenger reported that their vouchers had an expiry date of under 24 hours.

Passengers should be aware of the validity period and any other limitations to ensure they use their vouchers before they expire.

Accepted vendors

Some airlines, such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, have put their meal voucher policies in writing, specifying that vouchers can be used at participating vendors within the airport. United Airlines, for example, states that their meal vouchers can be used for the "reasonable cost of a meal at airport food vendors."

It is important to note that not all vendors may accept these vouchers. Larger merchants, such as airport vendors and airport area hotels, typically redeem the vouchers electronically using authentication codes. Smaller businesses that do not have an electronic system may need to physically mail the vouchers to the carrier to receive payment.

Some popular vendors that have been known to accept airline meal vouchers include Starbucks, Dunkin', Burger King, and Chic-Fil-A. In some cases, individuals have been able to load the voucher value onto their apps or accounts with these vendors. However, it is always a good idea to ask the vendor beforehand if they accept airline meal vouchers to avoid any issues.

Physical vs digital vouchers

Airport meal vouchers are a form of compensation provided by airlines to passengers facing interruptions in their travel journeys, such as flight delays or cancellations. These vouchers can be used to purchase food and beverages at designated airport restaurants, helping passengers deal with unexpected delays or cancellations. The process of obtaining and utilizing these vouchers can vary between different airlines.

When it comes to physical vs digital vouchers, there are several key differences to note. Physical vouchers are typically paper coupons distributed by airline staff at the airport or sent to passengers through email or SMS. These vouchers usually contain a unique code that can be presented at specific restaurants to redeem food and beverages. On the other hand, digital vouchers are becoming increasingly common, often in the form of digital Mastercard or Discover cards with a QR code. These virtual vouchers can be loaded onto food and drink apps, such as Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, or McDonald's, or used directly at restaurants inside or outside the airport by providing the card information.

One advantage of digital vouchers is their convenience and ease of use. They eliminate the need for physical cards, making them more accessible and environmentally friendly. Additionally, digital vouchers can be used at a wider range of locations, including off-site restaurants and food delivery services, providing greater flexibility for passengers.

However, physical vouchers still have their advantages in certain situations. For example, some merchants may not accept digital vouchers due to the perceived risk of fraud, especially if they require manual transactions. In such cases, a physical voucher that can be scanned or entered manually may be more widely accepted. Additionally, physical vouchers can be easily distributed to passengers in person, ensuring that everyone affected by the delay or cancellation receives compensation.

It is important to note that both physical and digital vouchers have limitations. They are typically valid only at designated airport restaurants and may have expiration dates or restrictions on transferring them to another person. It is always advisable to carefully review the terms and conditions provided by the airline to understand the specific usage guidelines for the vouchers.

Frequently asked questions