Overview
American Airlines, a major U.S. carrier and Oneworld alliance member, offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers needing to modify their travel plans. Changes can be made online through the My Trips section on the American Airlines website or app, via the Customer Service Center, or at airport ticket counters, subject to fare rules and availability. The policy eliminates change fees for most fare types, with specific restrictions for Basic Economy fares.
Key Policy Highlights
- Risk-Free Period: Changes or cancellations are free within 24 hours of booking for tickets purchased directly through American Airlines’ website, app, or Customer Service Center, provided travel is at least two days away. This applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy, but not group bookings or certain award tickets.
- Eligible Tickets: Most fare types, including Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, allow changes without fees. Basic Economy fares are non-changeable except within the 24-hour risk-free period or for same-day changes with a fee. Fully refundable fares offer maximum flexibility with no penalties.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers pay the fare difference. If cheaper, a non-transferable travel credit is issued for the difference, valid for one year from the original ticket issuance date. Basic Economy tickets do not receive credits for fare differences.
- Change Fees: No change fees apply for Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class fares on domestic and most international flights. Basic Economy fares incur a fee for same-day changes, waived for AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum members, oneworld Emerald or Sapphire members, and active U.S. military personnel. Additional service fees may apply for changes made offline through the Customer Service Center or airport counters.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day flight changes are allowed for Main Cabin and higher fare classes, subject to availability in the same cabin, with no fee for most fares. Basic Economy incurs a fee, and the new flight must have the same origin and destination, departing on the same calendar day. Same-day standby is available for select routes and elite members at no cost.
- Name Changes: Full name changes or ticket transfers are not permitted. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage) are allowed with documentation, typically free within 24 hours of booking.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and American Airlines’ policy may not fully apply.
- Time Restrictions: Changes must be made before the flight’s departure to retain ticket value. No-show passengers forfeit the ticket’s value for non-refundable fares, including Basic Economy, and onward or return flights may be canceled.
- Codeshare Flights: For flights operated by partners like Alaska Airlines or British Airways, the operating carrier’s change policy applies, which may differ from American Airlines’ rules.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the American Airlines website or app and navigate to the “My Trips” section.
- Enter your six-character record locator and last name to retrieve your booking.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new date or time, and review any fare differences or fees.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact American Airlines’ Customer Service Center via phone for assistance.
- Visit an American Airlines ticket counter or kiosk at the airport for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If American Airlines cancels or significantly delays a flight (e.g., over three hours), passengers can rebook on another flight without fees or request a refund, including for non-refundable tickets. EU/UK passengers may be eligible for compensation under EC 261/2004 for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances like weather.
- Medical or Bereavement: Fee waivers or refunds may be granted for medical emergencies or bereavement with documentation (e.g., medical or death certificate), subject to approval through customer service.
- AAdvantage Award Tickets: Changes to award tickets are fee-free for most AAdvantage members, except for non-elite members on select international routes. Changes must be made through the AAdvantage program online or via customer service.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection, baggage allowances, or priority boarding may not transfer to the new flight and may need to be repurchased. Refunds for unavailable services may be processed.
- International Flights: Changes to international flights may involve additional taxes or restrictions based on destination-specific regulations.
- Travel Credits: Credits from changed or canceled non-refundable tickets are valid for one year from the original ticket issuance date and can be used for flights or select services but are non-transferable.
- Check-In Requirements: Online check-in is available 24 hours to 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights. Airport check-in closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights.
