What Is The American Airlines Cancellation Policy? +1-855-742-0149

What Is The American Airlines Cancellation Policy?

Mitchell Starc

Aug 13, 2025 - 14:23

Travel plans don’t always go as expected. Whether it’s due to personal emergencies, weather disruptions, or last-minute changes, cancelling a flight is sometimes unavoidable. If you're flying with American Airlines, it's crucial to understand their cancellation policy to avoid unnecessary fees and confusion. So, what is the American Airlines cancellation policy? Let’s break it down in detail.

Overview of American Airlines Cancellation Policy

American Airlines has developed a fairly flexible cancellation policy compared to many other carriers, especially since the pandemic changed the landscape of air travel. The airline offers several options for cancelling or changing flights, depending on the type of ticket purchased.

The key aspects of the American Airlines cancellation policy revolve around:

Ticket type
Time of cancellation
Refund eligibility
Change fees
Flight disruptions and special circumstances

Let’s explore these factors step by step.

1. Cancellation Policy by Ticket Type

When asking “What is the American Airlines cancellation policy?” the answer often depends on the kind of ticket you purchased. American Airlines typically offers several types of fares:

A. Basic Economy Tickets

Non-refundable and non-changeable.
Once booked, these tickets generally cannot be canceled or changed unless there’s a qualifying exception like a schedule change or emergency.
However, if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you may be eligible for a full refund.

B. Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First-Class Tickets

These tickets offer greater flexibility.
If you cancel, you may receive a trip credit (not a refund) for future travel.
For many of these fares, American Airlines has eliminated change fees for flights originating in North or South America.

C. Refundable Tickets

These tickets offer full refunds if canceled at any time before departure.
You can request your money back to the original form of payment rather than receiving travel credit.

2. 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

A significant benefit for all passengers, regardless of fare type, is American Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy.

Key Points:

You can cancel any booking within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund, as long as the ticket was booked at least 2 days before departure.
This policy applies to all fare types, including Basic Economy.

This is ideal for travelers who change their minds shortly after booking or realize they made an error during purchase.

3. How to Cancel an American Airlines Flight

Understanding what is the American Airlines cancellation policy also means knowing how to cancel a flight. Here are your main options:

Online via Website or App:

Log into your American Airlines account.
Go to “My Trips.”
Select the flight you wish to cancel.
Follow the prompts to cancel and view your refund or credit eligibility.

Call Customer Service:

If you booked through a travel agent or have special circumstances, calling customer service may be necessary. Expect longer wait times during peak travel seasons.

At the Airport:

Some cancellations, especially due to weather or delays, may need to be processed in person at the airport counter.

4. Refunds and Travel Credits

Whether you receive a refund or a credit depends on your ticket type and cancellation timing.

Refund Eligibility:

Refundable tickets: Full refund to original payment method.
Within 24-hour cancellation: Full refund for any ticket.
Non-refundable tickets: No refund, but you may receive a trip credit.

Trip Credit Details:

Valid for 1 year from the issue date.
Must be used for the same passenger as the original ticket.
Can be applied toward the cost of a future flight.

To check if you’re eligible for a refund, you can visit the American Airlines refund request page.

5. No Change Fees for Most Flights

In response to the evolving travel environment, American Airlines has eliminated change fees for most tickets:

Applies To:

All domestic flights.
Short-haul international flights.
Select long-haul international flights for Premium Cabin and Main Cabin fares (excluding Basic Economy).

While change fees are waived, fare differences may still apply if your new flight is more expensive.

6. Canceling Award Flights (Miles Redemption)

If you used AAdvantage miles to book a flight, cancellations are generally straightforward.

What Happens When You Cancel an Award Flight?

Miles are re-deposited into your account.
Any taxes or fees paid are refunded to your credit card.
No change or cancellation fee for most award tickets.

This makes booking with miles a low-risk option if there’s a chance your travel plans may change.

7. Flight Disruptions and Involuntary Cancellations

If American Airlines cancels your flight due to weather, maintenance, or staffing issues, you have rights as a passenger.

In This Case, You May Be Entitled To:

A rebooking on the next available flight (at no additional cost).
A refund, even for non-refundable tickets, if the new arrangements are not acceptable.
Meal or hotel vouchers, depending on the length and cause of the delay.

Always speak to an American Airlines agent to understand your options in these situations.

8. Special Circumstances: Medical or Military Cancellations

In certain situations—like medical emergencies or military orders—American Airlines may offer exceptions to their standard cancellation policies.

You’ll likely need to provide documentation (e.g., a doctor’s note or official military orders), and it’s best to contact their customer service directly.

9. Cancellation Policy for Group Bookings

Group bookings (typically 10 or more travelers) are subject to slightly different terms.

Cancellation penalties may apply based on the contract.
Contact the American Airlines Group & Meeting Travel desk for specific policies.

Final Thoughts: Is the American Airlines Cancellation Policy Traveler-Friendly?

When considering what is the American Airlines cancellation policy?, it's clear that the airline has made strides in offering more flexibility and clarity. By eliminating change fees on most fares, allowing 24-hour risk-free cancellations, and issuing trip credits for canceled non-refundable tickets, American Airlines provides options that suit a variety of travelers.

However, understanding the fine print—especially for Basic Economy or group bookings—is essential. Always check your fare conditions before booking and take advantage of trip protection if your plans are uncertain.