Clever Traveler Turns Airline Meal Vouchers into Starbucks Credit
A recent travel hiccup led one passenger to discover a creative way to salvage airline-issued meal vouchers. When Alaska Airlines offered complimentary meal vouchers due to a flight schedule change, the passenger, Gary Leff, found a practical solution to avoid the vouchers expiring unused. Instead of letting the credit go to waste, he converted the $45 into Starbucks credit, a move that highlights a common traveler’s dilemma and a smart workaround.
Key Takeaways
- Airline meal vouchers, often issued for flight disruptions, can sometimes be difficult to use before they expire.
- Many airlines offer vouchers with restrictions, such as not being valid for onboard meals or alcoholic beverages.
- Converting these vouchers into digital credit for coffee chains like Starbucks offers a flexible and extended use option.
The Voucher Dilemma
Gary Leff was traveling when his family’s flight with Alaska Airlines was subject to a schedule change, prompting the airline to issue meal vouchers. The vouchers, totaling $45 for his family of three (including a lap infant), were valid for only one day and had specific restrictions, including not being usable for onboard meals. While the airline’s gesture was appreciated, the short validity and limited use cases presented a challenge.
A Savvy Solution
Recognizing that many such vouchers go unused, Leff sought a more practical application. He discovered that by using his phone, he could add the value of the meal vouchers to his Starbucks account. This effectively transformed the airline credit into a flexible balance that could be used anytime, overcoming the expiration date and the restrictions on where the vouchers could be redeemed. This method is not unique to Starbucks, with other commenters noting success with apps like Chick-fil-A and Panera.
Broader Implications for Air Travel
The incident also sparked discussion among travelers about airline compensation and passenger rights. Some commenters expressed a desire for more robust passenger protection laws in the U.S., similar to those in Europe, which mandate compensation for significant delays and cancellations. Others debated the potential impact of such regulations on airfares. However, the consensus among many was that finding ways to utilize airline compensation, even in small amounts, is preferable to letting it expire, and creative solutions like Leff’s are valuable for maximizing the benefit of these vouchers.
