How gift certificates make it easy to give a flight experience
Gift certificates are a simple way to give someone a memorable day without guessing dates, weather, or schedules. Instead of buying a physical item, you give an experience that can be booked later, making it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and “just because” moments.
On this page you’ll learn how gift certificates work, what to include when you purchase one, how recipients redeem it, and how to avoid common issues like last-minute restrictions and scam requests. Use the table of contents to jump to any section.
What are gift certificates?
Gift certificates are prepaid credits that can be applied toward an eligible experience at a later time. They’re not a “reservation by default.” The recipient still chooses a date and time, and the experience is confirmed once it’s booked.
For flight experiences, this is especially helpful because weather and visibility can affect scheduling. This lets the buyer gift the excitement now, while the recipient books when conditions and availability make sense.
Most modern certificates are delivered digitally (email or printable PDF). That means you can purchase in minutes, send it instantly, or print it and place it in a card for a more traditional presentation.
Who are gift certificates best for?
Gift certificates work best for people who value experiences, travel, and bucket-list moments. They also fit gifting situations where you’re not sure of the recipient’s schedule—like a surprise weekend getaway, a graduation gift, or a group present from friends.
Here are a few common ways people use them:
- Celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and milestone moments.
- Travel add-ons: pairing a flight experience with a weekend trip.
- Family gifting: letting the recipient choose the best date for everyone.
- Corporate recognition: giving an experience as a thank-you or performance reward.
If you’re deciding between a scenic experience and a private charter-style experience, start with the recipient’s goal: sightseeing and fun vs. flexibility and privacy.
If you are gifting a sightseeing experience, explore our scenic air tours to see available flight options.
How to buy gift certificates
To buy certificates, focus on three decisions: value, delivery, and message. Value can be a fixed amount (a dollar value credit) or a specific package (a specific experience length). Delivery is usually email or printable, and your message is what makes the gift feel personal.
Before checkout, confirm the basics so the recipient has a smooth redemption:
- Recipient name (or leave it blank if you want it transferable).
- Contact email for delivery and booking confirmation.
- Any restrictions (date windows, blackout dates, or booking lead time).
- Accessibility notes (mobility needs, comfort considerations, or special requests).
Tip: if you are gifting close to a holiday, purchase early enough to avoid email delays and to give the recipient time to plan a date that works for them.
How to redeem gift certificates
Redeeming certificates should be straightforward: the recipient selects an experience, chooses an available date/time, and applies the certificate code or reference number at checkout. After that, they’ll receive a confirmation with any arrival guidance and preparation tips.
To avoid frustration, encourage recipients to book as early as possible, especially for weekends and peak travel seasons. If weather forces a reschedule, the best approach is to rebook for the next suitable day rather than waiting until the certificate is close to expiring.
For buyers, it helps to tell the recipient that the experience is weather-dependent. That one sentence reduces misunderstandings and keeps the gift feeling exciting rather than stressful.
Rules and best practices for gift certificates
Well-designed certificates set expectations clearly. The goal is to prevent surprises and to make redemption smooth, even if plans change. Below are practical best practices that keep everyone happy.
- Use clear validity terms: display any expiration or “use by” date in plain language.
- State what the certificate covers: whether it’s a full experience, a deposit, or a credit.
- Explain rescheduling: outline how weather reschedules work and how far in advance changes must be requested.
- Prevent scam misuse: real businesses and government agencies will not demand payment by gift cards; if someone insists you pay a bill that way, it’s a scam.
For consumer protection guidance on scam requests involving gift cards, review the Federal Trade Commission’s tips: Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams.
Finally, keep a copy of your receipt and the certificate details until the experience is completed. That’s the easiest way to resolve issues like a missing email, a typo in the recipient’s address, or a misplaced code.
FAQ
FAQ table of contents
- Do gift certificates expire?
- Can gift certificates be transferred to someone else?
- What happens if the weather cancels the booking?
- How should I store gift certificate details safely?
- Do gift certificates expire?
- Some certificates include a validity period, while others remain valid until redeemed. Check the terms shown at purchase and on the certificate itself. If an expiration date exists, booking earlier is the easiest way to avoid last-minute pressure.
- Can gift certificates be transferred to someone else?
- Many certificates can be transferred if the code has not been redeemed. If you’re buying as a surprise or want flexibility, consider leaving the recipient field blank (or confirm that transfer is allowed) so the certificate can be gifted again if plans change.
- What happens if the weather cancels the booking?
- If weather or visibility is not suitable, the booking is typically rescheduled to the next available date that works for the recipient. For flight experiences, treating weather reschedules as normal planning (rather than a “cancellation”) keeps the process simple and stress-free.
- How should I store gift certificate details safely?
- Save the delivery email, keep a screenshot or PDF copy, and store the code separately from public places. Treat certificates like cash—only share the code with the person who will redeem it.