Planned to fly American Airlines? There is no need to panic when canceling an American Airlines flight. Let us guide you through the American Airlines Cancellation Policy so you don’t have to scratch your head.
Our guide to cancellation details covers everything you need to know, from the 24-hour cancellation window to refund options.
What Is American Airlines Cancellation Policy?
If you booked a refundable ticket with American Airlines, you can cancel your flight and receive a refund.
Typically, non-refundable tickets can be canceled and credited for future travel, minus a cancellation fee.
Regardless of the type of ticket, you can usually get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking.
Nevertheless, you must pay some charges for a flight cancellation after 24 hours.
American Airlines cancellation policies differ for both types of fares:
- Basic Economy: American Airlines accepts cancellations for Basic Economy Tickets within 24 hours of purchase. You will have to pay a fee if you cancel or change your flight beyond 24 hours.
- Economy: A full refund will be granted if you cancel American Airlines economy tickets within 24 hours of your flight reservation. Following 24 hours, the cancellation fee is $200; the remaining funds will be credited back to the customer’s account. Passengers who fail to appear at the departure point will automatically receive a refund via e-credit from American Airlines.
Guide to American Airlines Ticket Cancellation Policy
- There is no cancellation fee for American Airlines passengers. To ensure a smooth departure, make sure you purchase your tickets at least seven days in advance. Second, the flight cancellation request must be made within 24 hours of booking.
- Refunds are given if a passenger cancels a reservation within 24 hours of making it.
- Through the official American Airlines website, passengers can cancel their bookings online or offline.
- Nevertheless, you can cancel your flight in the same manner as when you booked it.
- If you cancel the booking due to an emergency, there will be no cancellation fee.
- Additionally, you should contact your agent about cancellations if you have made a booking through them.
- If you cancel your flight after the risk-free period expires, American Airlines may charge you a cancellation fee.
- You cannot cancel or receive a refund if you do not show up for your flight.
How does American Airlines handle cancellations according to fare category?
Your American Airlines booking fare category and class determine the terms of any refunds and cancellations:
- American Basic Economy Ticket: American Airlines basic economy tickets are normally not refundable, but you can cancel them within 24 hours.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: They can be canceled, usually at a cost. You can convert the remaining value into travel credit.
- Refundable Tickets: Cancel without any fees, and you will receive a refund of the original payment method.
- American Award Tickets: American Airlines Award Tickets have a different booking process, and the process of canceling a reservation is completely different. American Airlines will no longer charge cancellation or deposit fees for award tickets from November 11, 2020.
- American Travel Insurance: It is advisable to purchase travel insurance with American Airlines if you are concerned about uncertain cancellations. Nevertheless, American Airlines flight cancellation insurance must cover the reasons for the cancellation to be valid.
American Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
When you cancel any American Airlines flight ticket within 24 hours from the booking date, you can get a full refund. This cancellation policy applies to all types of flight tickets. There is no cancellation penalty for American Airlines Basic Economy fares. Within 7 to 10 days, your refund amount will reach your account. As a cancellation charge, American Airlines may charge some types of fares if the cancellation is made beyond 24 hours.
How to cancel an American Airlines flight
There are many cancellation options available on American Airlines. There are several ways to cancel a flight:
Method 1: Cancel American Airlines Flight Via Website
American Airlines customers can cancel tickets online through a website. The steps below will enable you to cancel your ticket:
With American Airlines, you can cancel both paid and awarded tickets in virtually the same way. To access your American Airlines trips, sign in to American Airlines and click on “Your trips”:
Cancel your American Airlines flight.
Choose the trip you’d like to cancel from your list of upcoming trips:
Select “Cancel trip”:
Then, confirm your cancellation:
If your miles have been reinstated for award tickets, and you have paid for the ticket, American Airlines should automatically issue you a travel voucher. Taxes and fees paid on award tickets should be refunded to the credit card used to purchase them. As a personal recommendation, double-check that you receive your credit.
Call American Airlines if the money is refunded as a travel credit.
Method 2: Cancel American Airlines Flight Via Mobile App
Through their mobile app, American Airlines makes cancellations much easier and faster.
- “American Airlines” is available in both the Play Store and the App Store.
- Click on “My Trips.”
- Using your name and booking reference, search for your reservation.
- Choose the flight you want to cancel and click “Cancel flight.”.
- You’ll receive all the information you need when canceling your flight.
Method 3: Cancel American Airlines Flight Via Phone Number
According to American Airlines Cancellation Policy, you can also cancel your booking by phone. Here’s how:
- Call 800-433-7300.
- Follow the IVR prompts.
- You are contacted by a live representative.
- Request a cancellation.
- Provide the required reservation details.
How to Rebook a Cancelled Flight American Airlines?
To rebook a flight ticket with American Airlines, follow these steps:
- Visit the American Airlines website or use their mobile app.
- Log in to your account using your AAdvantage number or booking reference.
- Navigate to ‘My Trips’ to find your existing booking.
- Select the flight you want to change and click on the ‘Change trip’ option.
- Choose your new flight details and review any fare differences or change fees.
- Confirm the changes and complete the payment if necessary.
American Airlines Cancellation Policy for Main Cabins
A majority of American Airlines main cabins come with standard economy products. American Airlines main cabin is the more expensive way to fly, as you can keep it by reserving an economy ticket.
However, you can change your flight, cancel it, choose your seat, and avoid being in the remaining boarding system by paying an additional fee. Consider paying a bit more for a Main Cabin Extra seat if you want extra legroom, advance boarding, or free drinks.
How do I cancel an American Airlines Miles ticket?
Due to an unforeseen change in plans, you have canceled a Miles ticket. Fortunately, American Airlines has your back, and you will receive a full refund. The only thing you need to do is cancel your reservation.
After signing in to your account, select ‘Find your trip’ and enter your ticket information. On the following page, you can cancel or modify your booking. By clicking on the cancel button, you will cancel your flight.
How much is the American Airlines cancellation fee?
American Airlines will charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your flight. The fee varies depending on whether you booked directly with American Airlines or through a third party. An early cancellation fee will apply within the first 24 hours after booking.
If you cancel more than 24 hours after booking, your fare will be charged in full, or you may be charged a cancellation fee. There are different cancellation fees for different types of fare. You’ll find all types of fare class fees below:
Tickets types | American Airlines Cancellation Fees |
Basic Economy | No Cancellation Fees for Domestic and International |
Economy | $200 fee for all domestic and international |
Premium Economy | $200 fee for all domestic and international |
Business Class | $0 charges for all domestic and international |
First Class | $0 charges for all domestic and international |
Reward Tickets | $0 charges for all domestic and international |
For detailed assistance, you can contact American Airlines Customer Service. More information can be found on their official website.
Can I cancel my American Airlines flight and get a refund?
- Yes, American Airlines offers a refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking your flight.
- There may be certain restrictions or nonrefundable tickets applicable to some flights.
- It’s important to check the fare rules before you purchase to see if you can cancel your ticket and receive a refund.
- It usually takes seven to ten business days to process a refund once you cancel your ticket.
- If you cannot get a refund, you might be able to get travel funds, which you can use to pay for another flight within one year.
- American Airlines website or customer service department can be contacted to cancel a flight.
American Airlines Weather Cancellation Policy
American Airlines understands unpredictable weather and canceling flights due to bad weather. They have a well-versed policy for that as well. Below are the highlights of American Airlines Cancellation Policy for adverse weather:
- You will receive a full refund whenever you cancel a flight due to bad weather.
- If the ticket is not redeemed or used within a year, it will be credited in the future.
- Passengers can also change their tickets without being charged.
What is the American Airlines refund policy?
Although it’s fairly restrictive, the American Airlines Refund Policy is straightforward.
Before departure, refundable tickets may be refunded to their original payment methods. American Airlines official website allows you to request a refund if you purchased your ticket directly.
Those who purchased their tickets online should contact their travel agent directly. American Airlines AAdvantage members are eligible for basic economy fares.
Refunds for nonrefundable tickets are only available in the following cases:
- Over a four-hour delay in schedule
- Passengers or companions die while traveling
- Orders for the passengers from the military
As far as I’m aware, American Airlines is very flexible with schedule changes (less than four hours) and will allow you to switch flights on the same day or the day before.
What is the process for getting my American Airlines refund?
The refund for canceled flights is made in full, excluding non-refundable sale taxes and fees incurred when booking through Reservations. Payments are refunded through the original method of payment. Following receipt of a complete refund request, credit card refunds are processed within 7 business days and cash/check refunds within 20 business days.
FAQs About American Airlines Cancellation Policy
Will American Airlines make my trip refundable?
If you bought your ticket at least two days before the flight, you could get a return up to 24 hours after you purchased it. All types have a 24-hour American Airlines fully refundable ticket, but you must stop the trip to obtain a refund. The 24-hour return does not apply to reservations made during a group block.
Can I cancel my American Airlines flight and get a refund?
Yes. American Airlines allows customers to request refunds and view their refund statuses for tickets and other travel-related products and services.
Is American Airlines economy refundable?
American Airlines Cancellation Policy: basic economy flights can only be changed or refunded if you ask for one within 24 hours before departure. You can use a credit card to cover any remaining balance after applying discounts toward your ticket purchase. You could get your money back if you bought a refundable Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class ticket on American Airlines.
Can I get a refund if I postpone my nonrefundable American Airlines flight?
Tickets that aren’t refundable can be changed or dropped for free, but you won’t get your money back. Instead, you’ll get an American Airlines flexible fare refund for another flight you must use within a year of the date the original ticket was issued.
What is the penalty for canceling a flight on American Airlines?
Every major U.S. airlines, except Southwest Airlines, charges fees to change or cancel a flight with an economy price. However, prices can start as low as $75 for a flight within the country and go up to more than $400 for a vacation abroad.
Will American Airlines refund my ticket?
American Airlines tickets that are only changeable are refunded if: You cancel within 24 hours of buying the ticket.
Can you cancel a flight within 24 hours American Airlines?
No, If you bought your ticket at least two days before the flight, you can get a return up to 24 hours after you purchased it.
Does American Airlines give you credit if you cancel a flight?
Most of the time, if you book a nonrefundable fare, the most common type, you’ll get a credit or voucher to use on a future trip. But you’ll find that some companies charge a fee to do this, and some base the fee on how far in advance you cancel.
Are American Airlines flights refundable?
Yes, you can get a return if you have to change your plans. You can return your ticket online and get a refund minus cancellation fees.
Can I get my money back if I cancel my flight with American Airlines?
If you cancel your tickets within 24 hours of booking them, American Airlines involuntary refund policy will put the full amount back into your account in the next.
Can I cancel my American Airlines flight?
Cancelling a flight on American Airlines is free. American Airlines has done away with withdrawal fees for the premium cabin, premium economy, and main cabin fares on nonrefundable domestic, short-haul international, and some long-haul international tickets.
What if American Airlines cancels my flight?
American Airlines usually offers alternatives or compensation when they cancel your flight. As a passenger, you have rights.
Is it possible to cancel just one passenger on an American Airlines flight?
Yes, American Airlines will allow you to cancel a group reservation ticket if you need a last-minute flight cancellation. Typically, American Airlines separates all bookings and cancels only one ticket for you.
Within 7-14 business days, the amount will be deposited into your bank account if the ticket is refundable.
Can I cancel if I have a medical emergency?
Yes, American Airlines may offer more flexible cancellation options in medical emergencies. Customer service should be contacted, and any necessary documentation should be provided.
Is it better to cancel a flight or not show up?
It would be better if you cancelled your American Airlines flight. Refunds are processed within 24 hours if you meet the 24-hour refund requirements. You will also receive a refund if you have refundable tickets. Your American Airlines account will be credited with refund credits for future travel or ticket purchases.
Manage Booking |
Flight Status |
Customer Care |
Baggage Allowance |
Read More Articles About American Airlines.
American Airlines Flight Status
To ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable journey, check your American Airlines flight status before you travel. To navigate potential challenges
American Airlines Manage Booking
It is possible to manage your American Airlines flight in several ways. American Airlines Manage Booking is a post-booking service…
American Airlines Reservations
American Airlines Reservation offers the lowest fares on flight tickets. Aside from offering reasonable prices, the airline also offers the best services....
American Airlines Check-in Policy
Getting an American Airlines Seat Assignment, grabbing your bags, and checking in for your flight can all be done with curb-side check-in.....
American Airlines Missed Flight Policy
If you are unable to make your flight, you should know the American Airlines Missed Flight Policy to ensure your money is well spent.....
American Airlines Change Flight Policy
TravelIntellect has compiled the most comprehensive guide on American Airlines Flight Change Policy, providing valuable insights and tips to make your journey seamless....
American Airlines Cancellation Policy
American Airlines has a convenient cancellation policy if customers need to cancel a flight due to an emergency or a change of plans..........
American Airlines Name Change Policy
According to the aviation guidelines, American Airlines Name Change Policy only allows small name corrections on tickets, not the entire name.......
American Airlines Fee
Stay informed about American Airlines fees for baggage services. Learn about carry-on and checked bag charges before your next flight.......
How to change or cancel American Airlines
Discover the American Airlines cancellation policy and learn how to change or cancel your flight. Get a refund or travel credit for non-refundable tickets....
How to update/modify name on American Airlines flight ticket
Don't let misspelled flight ticket names ruin your journey. Follow the American Airlines Name Change Process for hassle-free updates to your tickets...