American Airlines Flight Change Policy

American Airlines' flight change policies vary based on fare type, ticket flexibility, and membership status. Here's an overview:

Refundable Tickets:

Changes: Allowable without a fee; fare differences may apply.

Cancellations: Full refunds are available.

Non-Refundable Tickets:

Changes: Permitted with a fee, plus any fare differences.

Cancellations: No refunds; however, you may receive a travel credit for future use, minus any applicable fees.

Basic Economy Tickets:

Changes: Not permitted; these tickets are generally non-changeable.

Cancellations: Not allowed; no refunds or travel credits are provided.

24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:

Policy: Regardless of fare type, you can cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided the booking was made at least 2 days (48 hours) before the flight's scheduled departure.

AAdvantage Elite Status Members:

Benefits: May receive additional flexibility, such as waived change fees and priority boarding.

Same-Day Flight Changes:

Policy: American Airlines allows same-day confirmed changes on select flights for a fee, with some exceptions. Customers can also stand by for a flight at no charge. To request same-day standby, find your trip on aa.com or in the American Airlines app.

Recent Regulatory Changes:

As of October 28, 2024, new U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require airlines to provide automatic refunds for flights that are canceled or significantly delayed. Significant delays are defined as over 3 hours for domestic flights and over 6 hours for international flights. Additionally, refunds are mandated for significant schedule changes, such as changes in airports, increased connections, downgrades in service class, or if services paid for (like checked baggage) are not provided. Refunds must be processed within 7 business days for credit card payments and 20 calendar days for other methods.

Recommendations:

Review Fare Details: Always check the specific terms and conditions of your ticket, as policies can vary.

Contact Customer Service: For personalized assistance or clarification on policies, reach out to American Airlines directly.

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any policy changes or updates that may affect your travel plans.