I have a flight scheduled on American Airlines to Dallas in October that I will not be able to use. After buying the economy class non refundable ticket from American Airlines a few months ago, now the boss tells me I can not take vacation leave.

The ticket has a value of $329. I understand I can use the value of the ticket towards another flight if I call and cancel my reservation. I also understand that I will have to pay a $150 change fee.

At this point I am confused. How will the airline give me credit for a future flight if I do not book a new flight until early next year. I have this credit from the ticket I will not use but how is the credit held?

Am I mailed a voucher?

Is the credit held electronically via my frequent flyer account?

Do I have to go to the airport and show them my unused ticket?

How do I use the value of my unused ticket on American Airlines in a future flight, if I do not book something the day I cancel the orginal reservation?

If it is a EVOUCHER, is this mailed to me? Emailed? Or is a code given over the phone?