Does American Airlines Allow Flight Changes?

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American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the United States, serving millions of passengers every year. When it comes to flight changes, many travelers wonder if American Airlines allows them to make adjustments to their itineraries. In this article, we will explore whether American Airlines allows flight changes and what you need to know about their policies.

Whether you have an unexpected change of plans or simply want to adjust your travel schedule, it’s important to know your options when it comes to flight changes. Let’s dive into the details and find out if American Airlines is flexible when it comes to making adjustments to your flight itinerary.

Does American Airlines Allow Flight Changes?

Does American Airlines Allow Flight Changes?

If you have booked a flight with American Airlines, but for some reason, you need to make changes to your itinerary, you might be wondering if the airline allows flight changes. The answer is yes, American Airlines does allow flight changes, but there are some rules and restrictions that you need to be aware of.

How to Change Your Flight with American Airlines

To change your flight with American Airlines, you have the option to do it online, over the phone, or in person at the airport. If you want to change your flight online, you can do it by logging into your American Airlines account and selecting the “Change Trip” option. You will need to pay any difference in fare, as well as a change fee, which varies depending on the type of ticket you purchased.

If you prefer to change your flight over the phone, you can call American Airlines customer service and speak to a representative. They will assist you with making changes to your itinerary and provide you with the updated fare and change fee that you will need to pay.

Alternatively, you can change your flight in person at the airport by visiting the American Airlines ticket counter or self-service kiosk. Again, you will need to pay any difference in fare and the change fee, if applicable.

Rules and Restrictions for Flight Changes with American Airlines

When it comes to changing your flight with American Airlines, there are some rules and restrictions that you need to keep in mind. First, you can only make changes to your itinerary if you have a flexible ticket. If you have a non-refundable ticket, you will not be able to make any changes to your flight.

Second, if you want to change your flight, you need to do it at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. If you try to make changes within 24 hours of your flight, you will not be able to do so online, and you will need to contact American Airlines customer service or visit the airport to make the changes.

Third, if you want to change your flight to a different destination, you will need to pay any difference in fare, as well as the change fee. Finally, if you have purchased a Basic Economy ticket, you will not be able to make any changes to your itinerary, regardless of when you purchased the ticket.

The Benefits of Changing Your Flight with American Airlines

Even though there are rules and restrictions when it comes to changing your flight with American Airlines, there are also some benefits. For example, if you need to change your flight due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a family emergency or a sudden illness, American Airlines will allow you to make changes without penalty.

Additionally, if you have a flexible ticket, you can change your flight to a different date or time if you need to adjust your travel plans. This can be especially helpful if you are traveling for business and need to stay longer or return earlier than originally planned.

American Airlines vs. Other Airlines for Flight Changes

When it comes to flight changes, American Airlines is similar to other major airlines in the United States. Delta, United, and Southwest all allow flight changes, but each airline has its own rules and restrictions.

Delta and United both require you to make changes at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, and they charge a change fee and any difference in fare. Southwest, on the other hand, does not charge a change fee, but you still need to pay any difference in fare.

Overall, if you need to make changes to your flight with American Airlines, it is possible, but you need to be aware of the rules and restrictions. By planning ahead and understanding the fees and requirements, you can make changes to your itinerary without any surprises or delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Airlines’ policy on flight changes?

American Airlines allows flight changes on most of its flights, subject to availability and fare rules. Passengers can make changes to their flight reservations online, through the mobile app, or by calling the airline’s customer service center.

However, changes to flights may incur additional fees, depending on the fare type and the time of the change. Passengers are advised to check the fare rules and change fees before making any changes to their reservations.

Can passengers change the date of their American Airlines flight?

Yes, passengers can change the date of their American Airlines flight, subject to availability and fare rules. The airline allows date changes on most of its flights, and passengers can make changes to their reservations online, through the mobile app, or by calling the customer service center.

However, passengers may have to pay change fees and any difference in fare, depending on the fare type and the time of the change. It is recommended to check the fare rules and change fees before making any changes to the reservation.

What is the fee for changing an American Airlines flight?

The fee for changing an American Airlines flight varies depending on the fare type, destination, and time of the change. Passengers are advised to check the fare rules and change fees before making any changes to their reservations.

As a general rule, American Airlines charges a change fee of $200 for domestic flights and up to $750 for international flights. However, the fee may be waived for certain fare types or elite status members.

Can passengers change their American Airlines flight for free?

Passengers may be able to change their American Airlines flight for free if they have purchased a flexible fare or have elite status with the airline. American Airlines offers several types of fares, and the rules for changing flights vary depending on the fare type.

Passengers are advised to check the fare rules and change fees before making any changes to their reservation. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a flexible fare or book a flight with a different airline that offers free changes.

What is American Airlines’ policy on flight cancellations?

American Airlines allows passengers to cancel their flight reservations, subject to the fare rules and fees. Passengers can cancel their flights online, through the mobile app, or by calling the customer service center.

If a flight is canceled by the airline due to weather or other circumstances, passengers may be eligible for a refund or a free change to their reservation. However, if a passenger cancels their flight, they may be subject to a cancellation fee and may not be eligible for a refund, depending on the fare type.

Know your rights when airlines change your flight (Global News)


In conclusion, American Airlines does allow flight changes, but the policies and fees associated with those changes vary depending on several factors. If you need to make a change to your flight, it’s important to review your ticket’s terms and conditions, as well as the airline’s change policies, before making any moves.

While American Airlines charges fees for some flight changes, they do offer flexibility with their “same-day flight change” policy. This policy allows eligible customers to change to an earlier or later flight on the same day for no additional fee, which can be a real lifesaver for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Overall, American Airlines’ change policies are relatively standard for the airline industry, so it’s important to read the fine print and understand your options. With the right information and planning, you can make changes to your American Airlines flights with confidence and ease.

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