American Airlines offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for most tickets booked at least two days before departure, allowing for a full refund to the original form of payment. For tickets purchased outside of this 24-hour window, or for Basic Economy fares, cancellation policies vary.\24-Hour Cancellation Policy.
If you book a ticket at least two days before your flight's departure, you have 24 hours from the time of purchase to cancel for a full refund.
American Airlines Cancellation Policy
When booking a flight, knowing the airline's cancellation policy is essential especially if your travel plans are subject to change. American Airlines offers a flexible and customer-friendly cancellation policy that caters to different fare types and travel needs. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, understanding how cancellations and refunds work with American Airlines can help you make more confident decisions and avoid unexpected fees.
For most standard fare types, American Airlines has eliminated change and cancellation fees on domestic and short-haul international flights, including flights to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. This applies to Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class fares. While Basic Economy tickets are typically non-refundable and non-changeable, American Airlines has introduced some exceptions during promotional periods or for flights originating outside the U.S. However, as a general rule, Basic Economy fares remain the most restrictive and usually cannot be canceled for a refund or travel credit.
If you need to cancel a non-refundable ticket, you won’t receive a monetary refund but will usually receive a flight credit for the unused portion of your fare. This credit can be used toward future travel on American Airlines and is typically valid for one year from the original booking date. To cancel your flight and retain the value as credit, you must do so before the scheduled departure time. If you fail to cancel and miss your flight (a no-show), you risk losing the value of the ticket entirely.
For passengers who purchase refundable tickets, American Airlines offers more flexibility. These tickets allow you to cancel at any time before departure and receive a full refund back to your original form of payment. Refunds for eligible tickets can be requested online via the “Manage Trips” section of the American Airlines website or by calling customer service.
Travelers who have booked with AAdvantage miles can also cancel award tickets without penalty, and the miles will be redeposited into their account. Taxes and fees paid during the booking will be refunded to the original payment method. This benefit adds another layer of flexibility for American’s frequent flyers.
American Airlines also provides options for cancellations caused by involuntary reasons such as schedule changes, weather disruptions, or flight cancellations initiated by the airline. In such cases, passengers are entitled to a refund if the airline cannot rebook them on a suitable alternative. Additionally, trip insurance or travel protection—available during booking—can offer further peace of mind by covering trip cancellations due to medical emergencies, severe weather, or other unforeseen events.
To cancel a booking, customers can go to aa.com, log in to their account, and access the “My Trips” section. From there, it's easy to view your reservation, cancel your flight, and check refund eligibility or credit status. For additional help, you can also contact American Airlines' customer service directly.[1_83 38 45 18 58
In summary, American Airlines’ cancellation policy is designed to offer travelers flexibility and confidence when plans change. With waived change fees on many fare types, the option to use flight credits, and full refunds for refundable and award tickets, American Airlines makes it easier for passengers to adjust their travel without unnecessary stress.