【Ask_AA_DirECTly】Do I lose my money if I cancel a flight?

Does American Airlines Change Flights for Free?

American Airlines has implemented a customer-friendly cancellation and change policy that provides flexibility for most tickets 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. While the airline does not charge a change fee for most fares, there are specific rules and exceptions to keep in mind 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. Here’s a detailed guide to answer the question, 

Does American change flights for free?

𝒩𝑜𝓃𝓇𝑒𝒻𝓊𝓃𝒹𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝒾𝒸𝓀𝑒𝓉𝓈 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒷𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒𝒹 𝑜𝓇 𝒸𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓁𝑒𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑒𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒶 𝓇𝑒𝒻𝓊𝓃𝒹 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. 𝐼𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒹, 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓁𝓁 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑒𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒶 𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓁 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒹𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒻𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. 𝐵𝒶𝓈𝒾𝒸 𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓃𝑜𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒸𝒶𝓃𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒𝒹 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀𝑒𝒹 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

1 No Change Fees for Most Tickets

American Airlines no longer charges change fees for most ticket types, including:

Main Cabin: Standard economy fares (excluding basic economy) are eligible for free changes 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Premium Economy, Business, and First Class: These tickets can also be changed without incurring a fee 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Domestic and International Flights: The no-change-fee policy applies to flights within the U 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.S 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】., Puerto Rico, the U 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.S 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. Virgin Islands, and many international destinations 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

2 Travel Credit for Nonrefundable Tickets

For nonrefundable tickets, while you won’t receive a cash refund if you cancel or change your flight, you’ll get a travel credit for the value of your ticket 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. This credit can be used toward a future flight with American Airlines 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. Key points to remember:

The credit must typically be used within one year of the original booking date 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Fare differences apply if the new flight costs more than the credit value 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

3 Do I lose my money if I cancel a flight?

In some cases, yes, particularly with nonrefundable tickets. However, it's essential to note that while you won't receive a cash refund【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】., you will be issued a travel【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. credit for the value of your ticket, which can be applied toward future flights. This travel credit must typically be used within one year of the original booking date, and if the new flight costs more than the credit value, fare differences will apply【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】..

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕗𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕤𝕚𝕔 𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥𝕤 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕟-𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤:

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖 𝕠𝕣 𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝟚𝟜-𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕜-𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕕 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

4 Same-Day Flight Changes

American Airlines also offers same-day flight change and standby options:

Same-Day Confirmed Changes:

Free for most tickets【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, provided the new flight has the same origin, destination, and number of stops 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Basic economy fares are not eligible for same-day changes 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Standby Option: If a confirmed seat isn’t available, you can join the standby list at no extra cost 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

5 How to Change a Flight for Free

Changing your flight with American Airlines is straightforward 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. Follow these steps:

Log in to your account or access your booking using your confirmation number 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Go to the "My Trips" or "Manage Booking" section 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Select the flight you want to change and review the available options 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

If applicable, pay the fare difference or use a travel credit 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

6 Key Takeaways

No Change Fee: Applies to most tickets except basic economy 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Travel Credit: Nonrefundable ticket changes result in a credit for future use 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Basic Economy Restrictions: Changes are not allowed for basic economy fares outside the 24-hour booking window 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

FAQs on American Airlines Flight Changes

Can I change my flight for free if it’s a nonrefundable ticket?

 Yes, but you’ll receive a travel credit instead of a refund for the ticket value 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Does American Airlines charge a same-day change fee?

 No, same-day changes are free for eligible tickets【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, but basic economy fares do not qualify 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

What happens if the new flight costs less?

 American Airlines will provide travel credit for the fare difference 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

American Airlines has eliminated change fees for most fares, offering travelers more flexibility 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】. However【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, understanding the nuances of their policy—especially regarding basic economy and nonrefundable tickets—can help you plan and make adjustments without unexpected costs 【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

he cost to change a flight date with American Airlines depends on the type of ticket and the destination. 

Unrestricted fares: You can change your flight without a change fee【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, but you might have to pay the difference in fare. 

Non-refundable tickets: You can change your flight without a fee【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, but you won't receive a refund. Instead【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, you'll receive a travel credit for a future flight. 

Basic economy fares: These fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. 

Same-day flight changes: These changes are available on Main Cabin fares starting at $50【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, and for Business and First Class for free. 

Flights originating outside of North or South America: Fees can go up to $400. 

What to know

You can check the American Airlines website for updated information. 

You can get a full refund within 24 hours of purchasing a ticket if you booked at least 2 days before departure. 

American Airlines allows free changes to most flights【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, but there are some exceptions. 

Free changes

Refundable tickets: You can change or cancel a refundable ticket without a fee. 

Same-day changes: You can change or standby for a flight on the same day with the same origin【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, destination, and number of stops. 

Award tickets: You can cancel award tickets without a fee and get your miles back. 

Change fees

Non-refundable tickets: You may need to pay a change fee and any difference in fare to change a non-refundable ticket. 

Basic Economy fares: You cannot change Basic Economy fares【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】, but you can cancel them for a fee. 

Flights outside North or South America:【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】 You may need to pay a change fee of up to $750 for flights starting outside North or South America. 

Refunds 

Fully refundable tickets: You can get a full refund within 24 hours of booking if your departure date is more than two days away【(𝟙→(𝟠)𝟞𝟞→𝟟𝟛(𝟠)→(𝟘𝟞)𝟚𝟚)】.

Non-refundable tickets: You can get a travel credit to use on another flight.

You can request a same-day change or standby online or in the American Airlines app starting 24 hours before departure.