It goes without saying that the coronavirus has affected travel in a big way. For those of you who booked American Airlines flights, you may be wondering what is American Airlines cancellation policy?
This post will cover everything you need to know about the American Airlines cancellation policy. Whether you booked a cash or points flight, I show you all of your options if you need to cancel a flight. Separately, I recommend reading How to change or cancel an American Airlines flight as a supplement to this post. For the most up-to-date information, check out the American Airlines cancellation policy coronavirus page.
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Best Travel Insurance Credit Card
Before diving into the American Airlines Cancellation Policy, it’s important to highlight your options for a travel insurance credit card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum Card are likely the two best cards to consider for a travel insurance credit card.
The Sapphire Reserve offers trip cancellation, trip interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and Coronavirus/COVID-19 specific benefits. The American Express Platinum offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) specific benefits.
American Airlines Cancellation Policy
Summer Travel Policy
American Airlines is waiving change fees on all tickets for travel through September 30, 2020, including Basic Economy and award tickets.
It’s important to note that 1) you owe the difference in ticket price when you rebook your flight, 2) you can change your origin and destination cities, and 3) your rebooked travel must be completed by December 31, 2021.
In addition, if your ticket expires between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020, you can use the value of your expiring ticket for a new flight through December 31, 2021. You can find the full summer travel policy here.
New Flights Booked by July 31, 2020
Passengers who book a ticket between now and July 31, 2020, also receive waived change fees for travel that occurs on or after October 1, 2020, including Basic Economy tickets. Award tickets are not included in this policy.
As mentioned above, you owe the difference in ticket price when you rebook your ticket and can change your origin and destination cities. You can find the full new flight details here.
Common American Airlines Cancellation Policy Questions
Can you get a refund on American Airlines?
You can receive an American Airlines refund of up to 24 hours from the time you booked your flight if you booked at least 48 hours prior to departure. This refund policy applies to all flights, however, you must cancel your flight to receive a refund.
Can I cancel my American Airlines flight and get a refund?
As noted earlier, American will allow you to change your flight but you will not receive a refund. Generally speaking, American provides you with a flight voucher to use for a future flight.
Can you get your money back if you cancel your flight?
Generally speaking, no. If you cancel your flight, American will issue you a flight voucher. This may or may not include a change fee, depending on the date of when you booked your flight.
How long does it take American Airlines to review a refund?
Per the American Receipts and Refunds policy, you receive communication from American within seven days of your refund request.
Conclusion on the American Airlines Cancellation Policy
The coronavirus has forced airlines to be creative when it comes to their cancellation policies. In the case of the American Airlines Cancellation Policy, you have flexibility if you need to cancel your flight. This flexibility comes in the form of booking a future flight without a change fee.
What do you think about the American Airlines Cancellation Policy? Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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