(𝒫𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝒜𝓁𝓈𝑜 𝒜𝒮𝒦)Does American Airlines Change Flights for Free?

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 Exceptions for Basic Economy Fares

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.