American Airlines Change Flight Policy

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?

American Airlines Change Flight Policy says you can change your flight any time before your first flight departs. Your ticket, travel class, destination, and route types can all be changed free of charge within 24 hours of booking.

American Airlines Change Flight Policy Highlights:

1.     A Basic Economy ticket cannot be changed after the 24-hour grace period.

2.     All other fares have a change fee based on the fare type and when the change is made.

3.     Unrestricted fares allow you to change your flight without a fee (based on seat availability). However, there may be an additional fee collected.

4.     There is no change fee for American Airlines flights, but there is a difference in fares to be paid.

5.     On short- and long-haul flights domestically and internationally, American Airlines waives change fees.

6.     First-class, business-class, and premium economy passengers will not be charged change fees.

7.     When changing flights, you must choose your pet. Contact the American Airlines Customer Care team.

8.     Non-refundable tickets can be canceled with a penalty from American Airlines

9.     American Airlines will refund your new flight fare as a travel credit under its refund policy.

10.American Airlines has updated its flight change policy to include all types of tickets, including award tickets.

11.Bookings made through travel agents required them to initiate all necessary modifications and changes.

12.Changes in the flight schedule can be made until the day of departure by paying the applicable fee.

13.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 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:

1.     Download the American Airlines app or visit their website.

2.     Enter your AAdvantage number or booking reference to log in to your account.

3.     Find the existing booking by navigating to 'My Trips'.

4.     Click on the 'Change trip' option for the flight you wish to change.

5.     Review the details of your updated flight and any fee changes or fare changes.

6.     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:

1.     Visit American Airlines official website

2.     Log into your account by clicking the Login button

3.     If you select the contact option on the booking tab, a live person can answer your questions.

4.     When you hear the interactive voice response, press 1 to select the language.

5.     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.

1.     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.

2.     Matching Stops: Your itinerary should reflect your original in terms of stops and airports.

3.     American Airlines Territory: American Airlines and American Eagle must market and operate the new flight to qualify for this service.

4.     Availability Matters: Confirmed same-day changes and standby options rely on availability, which varies by flight as per the American Airlines Flight Change Policy.

5.     Standby Scenarios: All passengers can standby for an earlier flight, while AAdvantage members can standby for a later flight on the same day.

6.     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?

1.     Go to American Airlines website.

2.     Log in to your AAdvantage account as well.

3.     Enter your name and booking number.

4.     Select a flight to change it.

5.     Click on Change Trip.

6.     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.

What can you do to avoid American Airlines change fees?

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: 

1.     Make changes within 24 hours of the booking: Making changes within 24 hours of acquiring the flight ticket is the most effective way to avoid flight change fees. Getting in touch with the airline will confirm something very similar. 

2.     Buy add-ons or adaptable passes: Passengers who buy additional items or flexible passes may not have to pay flight change fees. 

3.     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.

4.     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?

For refunds and compensation, American Airlines offers trip credits. Flight credit redemptions are also issued for any remaining value. However, trip credits can be used to book flights for others, but they aren't transferable or refundable.

American Airlines domestic and short-haul international change fees

American-operated flights do not charge a change fee, but additional fares apply. Standby for the same day's flight with the same origin/destination, and the same number of stops. 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?

1.     To make a change, follow these steps:

2.     Visit American Airlines' website.

3.     Access your account by logging in.

4.     Click on My Trips.

5.     Select the trip you want to change.

6.     Click Change Trip at the top of the page.

7.     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 change 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.