Booked an American Airlines flight but need to cancel? Many travelers need to cancel airline reservations due to changes in plans. Need to cancel your American Airlines flight? You can usually cancel and get a refund. American policies allow cancellations on most ticket types, though rules vary. This article outlines everything you need to know to cancel your American Airlines reservation and get your money back. We explain precisely when and how to balance and provide tips for a smooth refund. With the correct information, canceling an American Airlines ticket can be painless.
Key Facts on American Airlines Cancellation Policies
Before diving into the step-by-step process, here are some key facts on American’s policies for flight cancellations and refunds:
⦁ Tickets purchased directly from American (aa.com, their app) can be canceled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Third-party bookings have different policies.
⦁ Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, typically within 7-10 business days domestically and 20 days internationally after cancellation.
⦁ Travel credits are offered instead of refunds for some fare types. Credits are valid for one year from the day they are issued.
⦁ Change fees have been waived for most domestic tickets purchased through August 31, 2022, allowing penalty-free flight changes.
⦁ Basic Economy fares have no changes or cancellations allowed after 24 hours from booking.
⦁ Policies vary for award tickets, group reservations, and other special fare types.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling an American Airlines Flight for a Refund
Ready to cancel your upcoming American Airlines flight? Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:
- Check your fare rules
Before canceling, verify the fare rules for your ticket by looking up your reservation on aa.com or calling reservations at 1-877-645-6550. This will reveal if your fare is fully refundable, eligible for travel credit, or non-refundable. - Cancel online or by phone
If eligible for a refund, there are two options to cancel your flight:
⦁ Online – Log into your reservation on aa.com and select “Cancel Trip.” You’ll be shown any cancellation fees that apply.
⦁ Phone – Call American Airlines at 1-877-645-6550 and request to cancel your flight. Be aware that hold times can be lengthy. - Request a refund
After canceling your flight, immediately request a refund to the original form of payment. Here’s how:
⦁ Online – Select “Refund” when prompted after cancellation.
⦁ Phone – Inform the agent you would like a refund to your original payment method.
If you prefer a travel credit, notify the agent when canceling by phone. - Wait for your refund
Once requested, it takes American Airlines 7-10 business days to process refunds on domestic itineraries and up to 20 days for international. Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment once processed.
Flight Cancellations by American Airlines Still Get Refunds
American Airlines makes an essential exception to their typical cancellation rules when the airline is responsible for canceling or substantially delaying a flight. If American cancels or delays your flight, you are eligible for a full refund on your ticket even if you purchased a non-refundable fare. The refund will be issued automatically by American once the flight is canceled. Travelers also have the option to rebook another American Airlines flight at no additional cost.
Vacation Package Cancellations Have Stricter Policies
If your flight was booked as part of a vacation package instead of just a flight booking, additional American airlines cancellation policy may apply. Many vacation packages have stricter cancellation penalties because bundling flights, hotels, and other components together leads to losses for travel suppliers if the full package is canceled. Read all terms carefully at the time of booking.
Refund Timing Varies Based on Demand
While American Airlines aims to process refunds as quickly as possible after a cancellation, remember that demand has an impact. During busy travel periods, when cancellations spike across all airlines, it may take longer for refunds to be issued. American’s stated processing time frames of 7-10 days domestic and 20 days international reflect normal conditions. Allow extra time around holidays or during operational challenges.
The possibility of a refund when canceling an American Airlines flight depends primarily on the fare rules and conditions when booking. The best practice is to carefully review your ticket terms in advance if you need to cancel. America aims to provide travelers flexibility, but complex fare rules still apply.
FAQs on American Airlines Cancellations and Refunds
⦁ Can I cancel my American Airlines flight booked through a third party?
Yes, but cancellation policies vary by third party. To cancel and receive a refund, contact them directly. American processes refunds only after notification from the third party.
⦁ What if I booked my flight with American Airlines miles?
Refund rules differ based on the type of award ticket. Most mileage redemptions are non-refundable, but some allow cancellations with miles redeposited minus a fee. Check your ticket terms.
⦁ Are cancellation fees waived due to COVID-19?
American waived change fees for domestic and short-haul international flights purchased by August 31, 2022. However, cancellations still follow the ticket’s fare rules. Non-refundable tickets remain non-refundable.
⦁ Can I get a refund for basic economy fares?
Unfortunately no. Basic economy fares are non-refundable and can only be changed or canceled 24 hours after booking. These restrictions still apply.
⦁ When will my refund appear on my credit card statement?
It depends on your bank, but expect the refund credit to appear 1-2 billing cycles after American processes the refund.
