LONDON, UK – British Airways is urging passengers to take immediate action and check for unclaimed eVouchers issued during the COVID-19 pandemic before the official redemption deadline of September 30, 2025. These vouchers, distributed as compensation for canceled or disrupted flights between 2020 and 2022, can be applied toward future British Airways flights and holiday packages. Travelers who fail to redeem their vouchers in time will forfeit their remaining credit.
The airline issued the vouchers to travelers affected by the unprecedented wave of cancellations during the height of the global health crisis. As British Airways and other carriers in the International Airlines Group (IAG) worked to retain customer loyalty amidst operational shutdowns, passengers were offered the choice of a travel voucher instead of a cash refund. Now, with nearly €100 million in unclaimed vouchers reported by IAG, travelers are being reminded to check their inboxes and act quickly.
Background: Airline Voucher Policy During the Pandemic
In 2020 and 2021, the global aviation industry faced widespread disruptions due to lockdowns, border closures, and fluctuating government travel restrictions. British Airways, part of IAG alongside carriers such as Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Level, offered eVouchers as a more flexible alternative to full refunds.
Eligible passengers received an email titled “Your eVouchers with British Airways,” which included a unique voucher number and balance. These digital vouchers could be used to book flights or British Airways Holidays packages, either in part or in full. For bookings cheaper than the voucher value, a new eVoucher was issued for the difference. Importantly, these credits cannot be used for extras such as seat selection or baggage fees.
Initially, passengers with canceled flights up to April 2022 could request a refund in lieu of a voucher, but that option has since been closed. As the pandemic’s immediate effects faded, British Airways extended the redemption deadline multiple times. The final deadline of September 30, 2025, now looms, with no further extension currently planned.
How to Check and Redeem a British Airways eVoucher
If you suspect you may have a voucher but can’t find it, British Airways offers several ways to recover the details:
- Search your email inbox for the subject line “Your eVouchers with British Airways.”
- Visit the British Airways eVoucher recovery page, where you can input your email address and other details.
- Contact customer support at 0344 493 0787 or complete an online form for help locating lost vouchers.
Passengers are encouraged to redeem vouchers well before the deadline to ensure availability and avoid potential technical issues during last-minute bookings. If your travel plans change again, the voucher can typically be reissued until the expiration date, although rules vary by destination and booking type.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The success of voucher redemption holds significance not only for individual travelers but also for the broader tourism economy. According to IAG’s year-end 2024 report, the unused voucher liability poses both an opportunity and a financial risk. A surge in redemptions could lead to a temporary increase in leisure and business travel bookings, benefiting key tourism destinations served by British Airways such as London, Edinburgh, New York, Dubai, and Rome.
By encouraging passengers to use their credits, British Airways also aims to foster long-term loyalty and accelerate recovery momentum following years of subdued travel. For passengers, it offers a chance to enjoy long-awaited getaways or reunite with loved ones—without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Final Reminder: Don’t Let Your Flight Credit Expire
As of mid-2025, British Airways still holds tens of thousands of unredeemed eVouchers. With the September 30, 2025 expiration date fast approaching, travelers are strongly advised to:
- Search their inboxes for BA voucher emails
- Use the official British Airways website to confirm voucher status
- Book flights or holidays as soon as possible to avoid missing out
While the possibility of a final extension hasn’t been ruled out, industry insiders and travel experts recommend not waiting for further announcements. Redeeming vouchers early ensures wider booking options and minimizes the risk of last-minute disappointments.
Key Takeaways
- Final deadline: British Airways vouchers must be redeemed by September 30, 2025.
- Check your email: Look for “Your eVouchers with British Airways” to find your code and balance.
- Redeem online: Use the BA website or customer service if you’ve lost your voucher details.
- Use for flights or holiday packages: Vouchers cannot be used for seat upgrades or baggage fees.
- Don’t wait: Book now to ensure you don’t lose valuable travel credit.
British Airways’ pandemic-era voucher scheme has provided a flexible option for passengers affected by years of travel turmoil. As the clock ticks down, eligible travelers have one last chance to turn those lost trips into new adventures.
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