Flexibility is essential in air travel. Sometimes your travel itinerary must be changed due to unforeseen events, emergencies, or even a simple change of plans. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, American Airlines offers a comprehensive Flight Change Policy that accommodates passengers’ needs.
Change of plans? American Airlines allows same-day confirmed changes on selected flights for a fee, subject to some exceptions. There is no charge for standing by for a flight.
TravelIntellect has compiled the most comprehensive guide on American Airlines Flight Change Policy, providing valuable insights and tips to make your journey seamless.
What is American Airlines Flight Change Policy?
In 2023, American Airlines changed its flight change policy to offer more flexibility and convenience to its customers. Unless you are flying basic economy and are traveling within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. Flights to or from Europe, South America, or Asia Pacific, except for China and Hong Kong, can also be changed for free.
Changes can be made online, through the app, or by calling reservations. On the same day, you can also fly standby without paying any fees. You cannot cancel or change your basic economy flight unless you are within 24 hours of booking or because of a travel alert.
American Airlines Change Flight Policy Highlights:
- A Basic Economy ticket cannot be changed after the 24-hour grace period.
- All other fares have a change fee based on the fare type and when the change is made.
- Unrestricted fares allow you to change your flight without a fee (based on seat availability). However, there may be an additional fee collected.
- There is no change fee for American Airlines flights, but there is a difference in fares to be paid.
- On short- and long-haul flights domestically and internationally, American Airlines waives change fees.
- First-class, business-class, and premium economy passengers will not be charged change fees.
- When changing flights, you must choose your pet. Contact the American Airlines Customer Care team.
- Non-refundable tickets can be canceled with a penalty from American Airlines
- American Airlines will refund your new flight fare as a travel credit under its refund policy.
- American Airlines has updated its flight change policy to include all types of tickets, including award tickets.
- Bookings made through travel agents required them to initiate all necessary modifications and changes.
- Changes in the flight schedule can be made until the day of departure by paying the applicable fee.
- There may be routes on which loyalty members and premium fare holders are allowed to make free flight changes. Contact customer service for better assistance.
American Airlines 24-Hour Flight Change Policy
There is no booking class or fare type restriction when it comes to changing your flight within 24 hours of departure with American Airlines. As per American Airlines 24-Hour Flight Change Policy, you must rebook the flight to the same destination.
- Within 24 hours of booking, you can change your flight for free. It applies regardless of ticket type, travel class, destination, and route.
- If you are rescheduling your flight, make sure it is connecting between the same destinations as the original one.
- The difference between the old and new tickets must be paid under the American Airlines Change Flight Policy.
What is the process for changing an American Airlines flight?
When your plans change, you have a few options for changing your American Airlines flight. You can change American Airlines flights online, by phone, or at the airport.
Method 1: American Airlines Change Flight via the official website or App
Follow these steps to rebook an American Airlines flight:
- Download the American Airlines app or visit their website.
- Enter your AAdvantage number or booking reference to log in to your account.
- Find the existing booking by navigating to ‘My Trips’.
- Click on the ‘Change trip’ option for the flight you wish to change.
- Review the details of your updated flight and any fee changes or fare changes.
- Finish the payment if necessary and confirm the changes.
Method 2: American Airlines Change Flight via Phone Number
Follow these steps to rebook an American Airlines flight:
- Visit American Airlines official website
- Log into your account by clicking the Login button
- If you select the contact option on the booking tab, a live person can answer your questions.
- When you hear the interactive voice response, press 1 to select the language.
- Press 2 for reservations, baggage, and general inquiries. Lastly, press 4 for baggage questions and 5 for a live agent.
Method 3: American Airlines Change Flights at the Airport
American Airlines customers can seek relevant assistance at the airport regarding any changes they wish to make to their tickets. A customer service desk can assist them in changing their flights if their flights are delayed for a long time after arriving at the airport.
Passengers should tell the representative their booking details and the ticket holder’s name if they wish to change flights. According to the traveler’s preferences, an American Airlines representative will find the available options and book tickets.
American Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy
To maximize your travel experience, you should understand their same-day flight change policy.
- Same-Day Flexibility: American Airlines Same-Day Flight Change Policy appeals to impulsive people. Only new flights heading to and from the same destinations as your original journey are eligible.
- Matching Stops: Your itinerary should reflect your original in terms of stops and airports.
- American Airlines Territory: American Airlines and American Eagle must market and operate the new flight to qualify for this service.
- Availability Matters: Confirmed same-day changes and standby options rely on availability, which varies by flight as per the American Airlines Flight Change Policy.
- Standby Scenarios: All passengers can standby for an earlier flight, while AAdvantage members can stand for a later flight on the same day.
- Fee Factors: American Airlines charges a fee ranging from USD 75 to USD 150 if you request a Same-Day Flight Change, depending on the route.
How do I change my American Airlines flights booked with miles and cash?
- Go to the American Airlines website.
- Log in to your AAdvantage account as well.
- Enter your name and booking number.
- Select a flight to change it.
- Click on Change Trip.
- Select and confirm a new flight.
American Airlines Flight Change Fee
Flight itinerary changes can cost a lot, depending on several factors, such as the airline, the type of ticket purchased, the destination, the time before departure, and the details of the change.
Depending on the fare class and route, American Airlines charges a change fee ranging from $0 to $750. Moreover, you may have to pay the difference in fares between the original ticket and the new ticket.
Guide to American Airlines Basic Fees
- The fee schedule is subject to change and does not include all services. See AA.com for the Terms & Conditions of the above services.
- American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle,
- AmericanConnection, AA.com, We Know Why You Fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.
| Services | Domestic /Int’l | /Int’l Comments / Website |
| Carry-on bags | $0 | |
| 1st Checked Bag | $25/$0 | US to/from Belgium, England, Frances, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland. Baggage charge exceptions for First & Business Class (see website for complete list of exemptions) |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $35/$50 | |
| Additional Bags 3-5 each | $100 | |
| Additional Bags 6+ each | $200 | |
| Overweight Bag (51-70 lbs) | $50 | |
| Overweight Bag (71-100 lbs) | $100 | |
| Oversized bags (linear inches: L+W+H) 63-115 in. | $150 | |
| Ticket Change fee | $150/$250 | Does not apply in all Int’l countries/regions; see AA.com |
| Booking fees on phone (AA Reservations) | $20 | |
| Booking fees in person (Airport or Travel Center) | $30 | |
| Paper tickets (only if e-ticketing is not available) | $0 | $25 charge if paper ticket is issued when e-ticket is available |
| Name Change | $100 | Change passenger name on wholly unused ticket |
| Name Correction | $25 | Same passenger when name is misspelled, last name change due to marriage/divorce, match passengers ID/passport |
| Unaccompanied minors (double for round-trip) | $100 | UM requires calling Reservations for assistance |
| Pets (double for round-trip) | $100 (cabin) | $150 (cargo) Special pet guidelines apply |
| Confirmed same day standby (same itinerary) | $50 | www.aa.com/Same-day Travel Changes |
| Seat selection | $0 | |
| Express Seats (one way) | $9+ | Pricing of Express Seats will vary by mileage |
| Inflight food service in Economy Cabin | $3 -$10 | Complimentary in First/Business Class |
| Alcoholic beverage service in Economy Cabin | $6+ | Complimentary in First/Business Class |
| Blankets/pillows in Economy Cabin | $8 | Sleep set includes a pillow, blanket, sleeping mask & earplugs |
| Headsets for purchase – Economy Cabin | $2 | Complimentary Bose headsets in First/Business Class |
| Inflight Wi-Fi Internet Connection in all cabins | Varies | www.aa.com/Inflight Wi-Fi |
| Award Ticketing fee (issued 21-330 days before departure) | $0 | Subject to applicable taxes and security fees |
| Rush fee for awards issued (7-21 days) | $50 | For multiple awards claimed at same time from same account, charge is $25 for each additional award |
| Rush fee for awards issued (6 days to 2 hrs) | $100 | |
| Service fee for booking award ticket (on phone) | $20 C | Charges waived for AAdvantage Executive Platinum® members using miles from account |
| Service fee for booking award ticket (in person) | $30 | |
| Award Flight Change using MileSAAver award | $150 | No charge for changes using AAnytime awards |
| Ticket Cancellation – Mileage redeposit fee | $150 | $25 each additional award |
| Mileage reactivation fee | $50 | For every 5,000 miles, plus $30 fee per transaction; taxes apply |
| One-way Upgrade awards using Mileage plus co-payment | $50-$350 | Varies by destination; see website for details |
What do you do to avoid the American Airlines change fee?
To avoid change fees, you must change your flight within 24 hours of booking or book your ticket under the airline’s flexible change policy. Following are the hacks:
- Make changes within 24 hours of the booking: It is best to make changes within 24 hours of purchasing a flight ticket to avoid flight change fees. You can confirm similar information by contacting the airline.
- Buy add-ons or adaptable passes: Passengers who buy additional items or flexible passes may not have to pay flight change fees.
- Choose the equivalent day flight change: Instead of taking the flight on the specified day, one can leave at an alternate time. This trick allows travelers to confirm excursions at much lower rates.
- Utilization of Elite status: Members of the dedication program can avoid change fees by using their Elite status.
Can another person use American Airlines flight credit?
American Airlines offers trip credits as compensation and refunds. You can also redeem any remaining value of your flight credit. Yet, trip credits cannot be transferred or refunded. They can only be used to book flights for others.
American Airlines domestic and short-haul international change fees
American-operated flights do not charge a change fee, but additional fares apply. Be on standby for a flight with the same origin/destination and stopovers as the day’s flight.Some fees may apply.
American Airlines long-haul international flight change fees
American Airlines charges a $200 change fee for long-haul international flights. For tickets booked on American Eagle or American Airlines in coach, business, or first class, it applies.
Members of AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, and Gold are not required to pay this fee. Additionally, passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding may not be charged.
Is it possible to change the non-refundable tickets I purchased with American Airlines?
Most non-refundable airline tickets are reusable (with a change fee) in case of cancellation, and they are usually cheaper than refundable tickets.
How do I change my American Airlines non-refundable ticket?
- To make a change, follow these steps:
- Visit American Airlines’ website.
- Access your account by logging in.
- Click on My Trips.
- Select the trip you want to change.
- Click Change Trip at the top of the page.
- Select the reason why you would like to change this reservation.
Select your new itinerary and/or seat assignment by clicking Continue. Click on See More Flights if the flight you want is not listed, and enter the departure date and time you prefer. Click Search for Flights once you’re done..
Fees for American Airlines non-refundable tickets
Non-refundable tickets can be changed with a fee of $0-$400, depending on the route and the price difference.
American Airlines Changes Award Tickets Fee
Online trip changes are easy. There are no change fees for award tickets, although you may have to pay the difference.
A change of date/time, destination, or cabin can be made on an award flight. There is a $150 charge (if you are not an AA Elite member)
Can I change the date of my return flight on American Airlines?
Yes. American Airlines passengers can change their return flight date. Except for Basic Economy tickets, all fares are eligible for flight rescheduling. Additionally, travelers can modify the departure date as well as the return flight date.
American Airlines Change Flight Date Policy
You must have complete information regarding the flight date change from American Airlines. As a result, you will be able to avoid flight change costs. To learn more about the policy, follow these steps:
- Bookings that are eligible for flight date changes can be changed within 24 hours after purchase. Within 24 hours of booking, you can change your flight date free of charge.
- A flight change fee on American Airlines starts at $200, depending on your ticket type. Any delay or rescheduling caused by American Airlines is free of charge.
What is the process for changing the date on an American Airlines ticket?
The ability to change the date of an American Airlines ticket is dependent upon the type of ticket purchased, the fare rules associated with it, and the availability of the new date.
Here’s how you might change the date:
- Check Fare Rules: Read your ticket’s fare rules carefully. Depending on the ticket, some changes are free of charge, while others may incur fees.
- Contact American Airlines: Get in touch with American Airlines directly at 800-433-7300 or through their website or mobile app by calling their customer service line. Let them know you want to change the date on your ticket and provide them with your booking reference.
- Availability: Search for seats on the new date you desire. You may be able to change the date if there are seats available in your fare class.
- Fees and Fare Differences: For non-refundable tickets, American Airlines may charge you change fees if you want to change the date. Moreover, you may need to pay the fare difference if the new date’s fare is higher.
- Online Changes: American Airlines website and mobile app may let you make changes to your ticket online, depending on your fare rules. Navigate to the “Manage Bookings” or “My Trips” section.
- Follow the instructions: Follow American Airlines instructions on changing your ticket’s date. During the process, they will assist you with any fees or fare differences that may be applicable.
How to Make a Flight Change a Smooth One?
To ensure a seamless flight change with American Airlines, follow these tips:
- Plan: To avoid last-minute fees and availability issues, make flight changes as early as possible.
- Check Fare Differences: Check the difference between the cost of a flight change and the potential cost of a new ticket before confirming a change.
- Consider Elite Status: Joining AAdvantage to access elite status benefits is an excellent idea if you frequent American Airlines travel.
- Review Travel Insurance: Be sure to review the American Airlines Flight Change Policy in case of flight changes or cancellations.
- Stay Informed: To stay up-to-date on American Airlines policies, pay attention to their website and social media channels.
When American Airlines changes a flight, what do you do?
As of 72 hours before departure, AA uses an automated schedule change process. All schedule changes are notified to the booking source through this automated process. Booking sources are responsible for notifying customers of schedule changes and reissuing tickets as necessary.
Do American Airlines allow changes to flights without charging a fee under any circumstances?
When you purchase a wholly unrestricted fare with AA, which is a fully refundable fare without any advance purchase requirements, you can change your flight without having to pay a fee. AAdvantage® status members or those who are changing flights on the same day may also be able to do so without paying a fee.
Is it possible to transfer my American Airlines flight to someone else?
No! There is no way to change a passenger’s name on a ticket or reservation. Passengers cannot change their names on American Airlines. Cancel a reservation if you are not going to take the flight for which you have paid.
What is the process for changing my Basic Economy flight on American Airlines?
Basic economy flight tickets on American Airlines cannot be changed. With the fewest privileges, it is the cheapest American Airlines fare. Consequently, travelers with Basic Economy tickets are unable to change their booking.
What is American Airlines Flexible Fare?
American Airlines’ flexible fares allow you to change your flight on the same day. Basic Economy tickets do not allow passengers to change their flight date or destination.
Does American Airlines still waive change fees?
Yes, American Airlines still waives flight change fees. For all tickets except Basic Economy, Fully Flexible, Business, and First Class, flight changes are free. However, fare differences must be paid.
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