Independent summary, reviewed September 2026. WarBird Flight is not affiliated with American Airlines. Fare rules on your ticket govern.
American Airlines Flight Changes and Cancellations: Policy Explained
What it costs to change a American Airlines flight, when you can get a refund, and how to get it done. Call (708) 866-8751 with your confirmation code and a licensed agent will check your fare rules and make the change or cancellation for you.
Changing a American Airlines flight
American does not charge change fees on Main Cabin and above for travel within the US, and on most international itineraries originating in North America. Fare difference applies.
Basic economy fares are the exception on most carriers: they generally cannot be changed and are non-refundable outside the 24-hour window.
Same-day flight changes are available for a fee on Main Cabin fares and free for AAdvantage Platinum and above.
Cancelling a American Airlines flight
Under US Department of Transportation rules, any ticket to, from, or within the United States booked at least seven days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase.
Non-refundable Main Cabin and above tickets cancelled before departure become a Flight Credit, valid for one year from the original issue date.
If American cancels your flight or changes the schedule by more than four hours, you can request a refund regardless of fare type.
How to change or cancel by phone
- Have your American Airlines confirmation code and the name on the booking ready.
- Call (708) 866-8751. The agent pulls up the booking and reads the fare rules that apply to your ticket.
- For a change, the agent finds new flights and quotes any fare difference or fee before anything is done. For a cancellation, the agent tells you whether you get a refund or a credit, and how much.
- Approve, and the updated itinerary or the cancellation confirmation is emailed to you.
Related help for American Airlines
Licensed agents at our partner agency handle these by phone, 24/7. No charge for a quote.
Guides on changes, cancellations, and disruptions
Airline policiesThe 24-Hour Flight Cancellation Rule, ExplainedHow the US Department of Transportation's 24-hour rule works, which tickets it covers, and how to use it.
Airline policiesSame-Day Flight Changes: How Each Airline Handles ThemSame-day confirmed changes and standby rules on Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue.
Airline policiesYour Flight Was Cancelled: Rights, Refunds, and RebookingWhat airlines owe you when they cancel, how to choose between rebooking and a refund, and how to get moving fastest.
Airline policiesWhen Airlines Owe You a Cash Refund, Not a CreditThe US Department of Transportation's automatic refund rule: which cancellations and schedule changes qualify, how fast the money must come back, and how to ask.
Airline policiesWhen the Airline Changes Your Schedule: Your Rebooking and Refund RightsAirlines move flight times and drop connections weeks before you travel. Which changes you can refuse, when a full refund is owed, and how to get a better rebooking than the one they picked.- Airline policiesFlight Delays: What US Airlines Owe You, and What They Don'tThere is no federal payout for a delay in the US. What you can actually claim — meals, a hotel, a refund — and how the controllable-versus-weather line decides it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to change an American flight?
No fee on Main Cabin and above; you pay the fare difference. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed.
Can I cancel an American flight for a refund?
Within 24 hours of purchase, yes. After that, refundable fares are refunded and non-refundable fares become a Flight Credit.
What if American changes my schedule?
A schedule change of more than four hours, or a cancellation, entitles you to a full refund or a free rebooking.
American Airlines booking · American Airlines baggage · The 24-hour rule