How I Save Airline Meal Vouchers for Later Use

We’ve all been there: A flight is delayed for hours, and you’re forced to wait it out in the airport. Or, even worse, your flight is canceled altogether, and you need to find alternatives, which could include spending the night in an airport hotel — or worse, the airport itself.

In some cases, passengers may be entitled to meal vouchers or overnight accommodations when a delay or cancellation is caused by factors within the airline’s control.

If you end up in a delay and are given a meal voucher, there are ways to stretch its value even further. Let’s dive into the strategy and see how it works in some situations.

When Do Airlines Give Out Meal Vouchers?

Unlike in Europe, whether you end up with a meal voucher from a U.S. airline isn’t exactly cut and dry.

The U.S. Department of Transportation says airlines should cover passengers’ expenses if a delay is caused by a factor within the airline’s control. However, it grants each carrier the authority to establish its own policies.

Generally, delays must be at least 3 hours and caused by factors within the carrier’s control, such as aircraft maintenance or staffing. The biggest factor — weather — is not a controllable factor.

If you find yourself in the middle of a lengthy delay, you should check your airline’s Contract of Carriage to get a better idea of the situations that will entitle you to compensation. You can find more information for each major U.S. carrier below:

Some airlines, like United, have improved their customer service so that they can automatically deliver your compensation via their mobile app. With other carriers, you may need to ask for the appropriate compensation.

How I Stretch the Value of Airline Meal Vouchers

Depending on the airline you’re flying and the type of delay you experience, you may be issued a meal voucher, typically $10 to $15 per passenger, in the form of a digital, prepaid Mastercard or Visa debit card.

If this is the case for you, it’s good news — most of the time. Because these cards come with a 16-digit card number, a CVV, and an expiration date, there’s a good chance you can load them onto popular food-delivery platforms like DoorDash or even specific restaurants.

On a recent United flight from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Chicago (ORD), I experienced a lengthy delay that met the threshold of controllability and thus received a $15 meal voucher directly in United’s mobile app (iOS, Android).

However, I’m all too aware of how much more expensive restaurants in airport terminals are compared to those outside, so I decided to increase the voucher’s effective value by converting it into a Chick-fil-A gift credit directly in my account, which I could use outside airports, where prices are lower.

Here’s how it worked:

• I opened the Chick-fil-A mobile app (iOS, Android) and navigated to the payments page.
• I selected the option that said “Add funds,” and then selected the one labeled “Add a credit card.”
• I entered all the required information, including my name, card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing ZIP code, all of which were provided on the voucher.
• When that was complete, my Chick-fil-A account was loaded with $15 to spend at any location.

Once the voucher is loaded into a third-party app, such as Chick-fil-A in this case, it will no longer be subject to the original expiration date and can be used at your leisure.

There are some limitations to be aware of, however. This trick won’t work for every single food delivery platform or individual restaurant. Also, some airlines may lock vouchers for use at airport merchants, making them ineligible to be transferred to any third-party ecosystem.

If your first choice doesn’t work, try another vendor you frequent. For example, many people have reported having success in reloading a Starbucks gift card through its mobile app (iOS, Android).

Are Food Prices at Airports Really Higher?

Everyone complains about prices at the airport, whether you’re buying a bottle of water or a full meal before a flight. It’s not an illusion — at least at most airports.

This is thanks to a policy known as street pricing plus, which allows airport vendors to charge the average price for a given item in the local market and add a 10% to 15% surcharge.

So, no, you’re not imagining higher prices at the airport. Most airports in the country do, in fact, charge up to 15% more for meals and other food items at the same restaurants you can visit outside the airport.

Why I Visit an Airport Lounge Instead

Of course, no one wants to go hungry while waiting for a delayed flight — a hangry person is no fun for anybody.

But if you have access to airport lounges, you can escape from the chaos of the terminal and get yourself a meal (or at least some snacks) for free, all while essentially pocketing your meal voucher to be used at a later date, somewhere prices aren’t as high as they are in the airport.

Thankfully, there are numerous ways to secure access to airport lounges. The easiest way to do so is to have the right card.

For example, I gained lounge access in Fort Lauderdale thanks to my Platinum Card^® from American Express. United Airlines operates a United Club at the airport, but at the time, I had no way to access it without paying for a single-visit pass. However, thanks to my Amex Platinum card, I was able to enter Fort Lauderdale’s Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner in Terminal 3.

There, I was able to enjoy a full meal and complimentary beverages while I waited for my (very) delayed flight to Chicago — all while having access to a private space with plenty of power outlets, private restrooms, and more comfortable furniture.

Escape Lounges are just one of the lounge networks accessible with an Amex Platinum card and The Business Platinum^® Card from American Express. You can visit Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (10 visits per year and when flying with Delta on a same-day ticket), Priority Pass Select lounges (upon enrollment), and more.

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted. 

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

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Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 200,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$895

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Amex Business Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards card tailored for business owners who are frequent travelers with high annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers, like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges and numerous annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

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Card Highlights

• Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
• See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• $895 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Final Thoughts

Food prices at most airport restaurants are, in fact, higher than what you’d pay at the same restaurant outside the airport. However, the next time you find yourself with a meal voucher for a delayed flight, you can try loading it into your favorite restaurant’s app to use later — and stretch it further than it would go within the airport.

Plus, if you have access to an airport lounge while you wait, you can get even more bang for your buck by getting a complimentary meal and beverages before your flight finally takes off.