When my best friend got married, instead of creating a bridal registry at a department store she asked guests to contribute to a “honeymoon fund.” Many of her wedding guests obliged and dropped money-filled envelopes into a flower-covered basket at the reception. That was 10 years ago… long before the advent of the airline gift card.
Airline gift cards (also referred to as travel gift cards) are a recent phenomenon. America West Airlines was the first carrier to offer the option to people who wanted to buy plane tickets for family and friends, but didn’t want to deal with the stress of having to choose dates, times, flights and deal with the subsequent rules, restrictions and availability issues. In comparison the airline gift card is very easy to use. For example, if you want your daughter (who lives in Phoenix) to visit you (in L.A.) just log onto Southwest Airlines’ website. The airline has an electronic version of the gift card, which can be ordered and emailed within an hour. The card is sold in denominations of $10 to $1000. Gift cards offered by Southwest, Continental, AirTran and US Airways don’t expire. However, gift cards sold by JetBlue, Delta, Northwest and United expire a year after they are purchased.
Like Southwest, Northwest and US Airways sell gift cards on their websites. American Airlines also has a gift card, but it is not available through the airline’s website, rather it is sold in $50 and $100 denominations at Vons grocery stores.
If you purchase an airline gift card be mindful of potential restrictions. On airlines where it’s difficult to redeem cards online, you (or the person you are giving the card to) could get hit with fees up to $10 or more if you have to book the ticket over the phone.
Personally, I feel the airlines should consider marketing the gift cards at wedding shows… it could really “take off” there.