What Is American Airlines Cancellation Policy?

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Flying can be exciting, but sometimes unexpected situations arise that make it necessary to cancel a flight. If you’ve booked a flight with American Airlines, it’s important to know their cancellation policy to avoid any unnecessary fees or confusion. American Airlines has a comprehensive cancellation policy that outlines the rules and fees associated with canceling a flight, and this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know. So, let’s dive in and discover what American Airlines’ cancellation policy entails.

What is American Airlines Cancellation Policy?

What is American Airlines Cancellation Policy?

American Airlines is one of the major airlines in the United States. Millions of passengers fly with American Airlines every year. However, sometimes plans change, and passengers need to cancel or change their flights. This is why it’s important to understand the American Airlines cancellation policy before booking your flight.

Refundable vs Non-refundable Tickets

When booking your flight with American Airlines, you will have the option to purchase either a refundable or non-refundable ticket. Refundable tickets are more expensive but offer more flexibility, as you can cancel or change your flight without penalty. Non-refundable tickets are cheaper but come with a hefty change or cancellation fee.

If you have a non-refundable ticket, you can still cancel your flight and receive a credit for the value of your ticket minus the change or cancellation fee. This credit can be used towards a future flight with American Airlines within one year of the original booking date.

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Cancellation Fees

If you need to cancel your flight with American Airlines, you will be charged a cancellation fee. The fee varies depending on the type of ticket you purchased and the length of time between the cancellation and the original booking date. For example, if you cancel a non-refundable ticket within 24 hours of booking, there is no fee. However, if you cancel a non-refundable ticket more than 24 hours after booking, you will be charged a fee ranging from $200 to $750.

If you have a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight at any time without penalty.

How to Cancel Your Flight

To cancel your flight with American Airlines, you can do so online, through the mobile app, or by calling their customer service center. If you cancel online or through the mobile app, you can receive a refund or credit for your ticket. If you cancel by phone, you may be charged an additional fee.

Exceptions to the Cancellation Policy

There are some exceptions to the American Airlines cancellation policy. For example, if your flight is cancelled by American Airlines due to weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons beyond their control, you will not be charged a cancellation fee. You will have the option to receive a refund or credit for your ticket.

Benefits of a Refundable Ticket

While refundable tickets are more expensive, they offer more flexibility for travelers. If your plans change or you need to cancel your flight, you can do so without penalty. This can save you money in the long run if you frequently travel and need to change your flights often.

Benefits of a Non-refundable Ticket

Non-refundable tickets are cheaper than refundable tickets, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. If you have a non-refundable ticket and need to cancel your flight, you can still receive a credit for the value of your ticket. This credit can be used towards a future flight with American Airlines.

American Airlines vs Other Airlines

Each airline has its own cancellation policy, and it’s important to compare them before booking your flight. American Airlines’ cancellation policy is similar to other major airlines in the United States. However, some airlines may have lower cancellation fees or more flexible policies for certain types of tickets.

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Conclusion

Understanding the American Airlines cancellation policy is important for travelers who may need to change or cancel their flights. Whether you have a refundable or non-refundable ticket, there are options available to you. If you need to cancel your flight, be sure to do so within the required timeframe to avoid additional fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about American Airlines cancellation policy:

What is the time frame to cancel a flight with American Airlines?

For most American Airlines flights, you can cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund. If you cancel after 24 hours, the cancellation fee will depend on your fare type and destination. Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed, while other fares may have a cancellation fee of $200 or more.

If you have purchased a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight at any time before your scheduled departure time and receive a full refund.

How can I cancel my American Airlines flight?

You can cancel your American Airlines flight online by logging in to your account and navigating to your trip details. From there, you can select “Cancel Reservation” and follow the prompts to complete the cancellation. You can also cancel your flight by calling American Airlines customer service or visiting a ticket counter at the airport.

If you cancel your flight online or through customer service, you will receive a confirmation email with details of your refund or cancellation fee.

What happens if my American Airlines flight is cancelled by the airline?

If your American Airlines flight is cancelled by the airline, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket price. You can also choose to be rebooked on a different flight, either with American Airlines or another carrier. If you choose to be rebooked, American Airlines will make every effort to place you on a flight that is convenient for you.

If your flight is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances outside of the airline’s control, American Airlines will not offer compensation or a refund, but they may offer to rebook your flight at no additional cost.

Can I change my American Airlines flight instead of cancelling it?

Yes, you can change your American Airlines flight instead of cancelling it. Depending on your fare type and destination, there may be a change fee of $200 or more. If you have purchased a refundable ticket, you can change your flight at any time before your scheduled departure time without incurring a change fee.

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You can change your American Airlines flight online by logging in to your account and navigating to your trip details. From there, you can select “Change Reservation” and follow the prompts to select a new flight. You can also change your flight by calling American Airlines customer service or visiting a ticket counter at the airport.

What should I do if I miss my American Airlines flight?

If you miss your American Airlines flight, you should contact the airline immediately to see if you can be rebooked on a later flight. Depending on your fare type and destination, there may be a change fee of $200 or more. If you have purchased a refundable ticket, you can change your flight at any time before your scheduled departure time without incurring a change fee.

If you miss your flight due to circumstances outside of your control, such as a delayed connecting flight or traffic, American Airlines may offer to rebook you on a later flight at no additional cost.

American Airlines Cancellation Policy: How can you avoid fees


In conclusion, understanding American Airlines’ cancellation policy is crucial for any traveler flying with this airline. Whether it’s an emergency or a change of plans, knowing the rules and regulations will make the process smoother and more manageable.

It’s worth noting that American Airlines offers different cancellation policies depending on the type of ticket purchased, so it’s essential to check the terms and conditions before booking. Some tickets may be non-refundable, while others allow for free cancellations within a specific time frame.

Overall, American Airlines’ cancellation policy is designed to be fair and flexible, with options for travelers to modify or cancel their bookings. By familiarizing yourself with the policy, you can avoid unnecessary fees and have peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for any unexpected changes.

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