Does American Airlines Give Refunds?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Are you planning to travel with American Airlines but worried about the possibility of having to cancel your trip? One of the most common concerns among passengers is whether the airline offers refunds in case of unforeseen circumstances. In this article, we will explore whether American Airlines provides refunds and how you can go about requesting one. So, read on to find out more!

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the United States, with a vast network of domestic and international destinations. However, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, you may need to cancel your flight. Whether it’s due to a family emergency, illness, or any other reason, it’s essential to know your options when it comes to refunds. Let’s dive deeper into the refund policy of American Airlines and what you need to know.

Does American Airlines Give Refunds?

Does American Airlines Give Refunds?

For many travelers, the cost of a plane ticket is a significant investment, and it can be frustrating to have to cancel a flight and lose that money. If you’ve booked a ticket with American Airlines and need to cancel your flight, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for a refund. In this article, we’ll explore American Airlines’ refund policy and explain when you can expect to receive a refund.

Refund Policy Overview

American Airlines’ refund policy varies depending on the type of ticket you’ve purchased and when you cancel your flight. Generally, if you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket, you won’t be eligible for a refund if you cancel your flight. However, you may be able to receive a credit for a future flight, minus a change fee.

If you’ve purchased a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight and receive a full refund. Keep in mind that refundable tickets tend to be more expensive than non-refundable tickets, so you’ll need to weigh the cost of the ticket against the potential benefits of a refund.

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Non-Refundable Tickets

If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket with American Airlines, you won’t be eligible for a refund if you cancel your flight. However, you can receive a credit for a future flight, minus a change fee. The amount of the change fee depends on the type of ticket you’ve purchased and when you cancel your flight.

The change fee for non-refundable tickets typically ranges from $200 to $750, depending on the fare class and the length of time between the cancellation and the scheduled departure. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, you may be able to receive a full refund without incurring a change fee.

Refundable Tickets

If you’ve purchased a refundable ticket with American Airlines, you can cancel your flight and receive a full refund. Refundable tickets tend to be more expensive than non-refundable tickets, but they offer more flexibility if you need to change or cancel your flight.

Keep in mind that even if you’ve purchased a refundable ticket, you may still be charged a change fee if you cancel your flight within a certain timeframe. The change fee for refundable tickets typically ranges from $0 to $200, depending on the fare class and the length of time between the cancellation and the scheduled departure.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are some exceptions to American Airlines’ refund policy. If your flight is canceled by the airline, you’ll be eligible for a full refund or a credit for a future flight. If you have a medical emergency or a death in the family, you may be able to receive a refund or a credit without incurring a change fee.

In addition, American Airlines offers a “24-hour hold” policy that allows you to hold a reservation for 24 hours without payment. If you decide not to purchase the ticket, you can simply let the hold expire without incurring any charges.

Benefits of Refundable Tickets

While refundable tickets tend to be more expensive than non-refundable tickets, they do offer some benefits. For example, if you’re not sure about your travel plans, a refundable ticket can give you the flexibility to change or cancel your flight without losing your investment.

In addition, refundable tickets often come with other perks, such as priority boarding and free checked bags. If you’re a frequent traveler or if you need extra flexibility, a refundable ticket may be worth the extra cost.

Non-Refundable Tickets Vs. Refundable Tickets

If you’re trying to decide between a non-refundable ticket and a refundable ticket, there are a few factors to consider. Non-refundable tickets are generally less expensive than refundable tickets, but they offer less flexibility if you need to change or cancel your flight.

Refundable tickets are more expensive, but they offer the peace of mind of knowing that you can cancel your flight and receive a full refund. If you’re not sure about your travel plans or if you need extra flexibility, a refundable ticket may be the better choice.

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Conclusion

American Airlines’ refund policy varies depending on the type of ticket you’ve purchased and when you cancel your flight. If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket, you won’t be eligible for a refund if you cancel your flight, but you may be able to receive a credit for a future flight, minus a change fee.

If you’ve purchased a refundable ticket, you can cancel your flight and receive a full refund, although you may still be charged a change fee if you cancel within a certain timeframe. Keep in mind that there are some exceptions to American Airlines’ refund policy, such as flight cancellations and medical emergencies.

Ultimately, whether you choose a non-refundable ticket or a refundable ticket depends on your travel plans and your budget. If you need extra flexibility or want the peace of mind of knowing that you can cancel your flight and receive a full refund, a refundable ticket may be the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about refunds from American Airlines.

What is American Airlines’ refund policy?

American Airlines offers refunds to passengers who cancel their flights within 24 hours of booking, as long as the reservation was made at least 2 days before the flight’s departure. For non-refundable tickets, passengers may be able to receive a refund if they have extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family or a serious illness.

Refunds for cancelled flights due to American Airlines’ fault, such as mechanical issues or scheduling changes, are also available. Passengers who are involuntarily bumped from their flights may also receive a refund, depending on the reason for the bump.

How long does it take to receive a refund from American Airlines?

The time it takes to receive a refund from American Airlines varies depending on the payment method used to purchase the ticket. If the ticket was paid for with a credit card, the refund should appear on the same card within 7 business days. If the ticket was paid for with cash or a check, it may take up to 20 business days to receive a refund.

For tickets that were purchased through a travel agency, the refund process may take longer as the agency will need to process the refund on behalf of the passenger.

Can I get a refund for a non-refundable American Airlines ticket?

In some cases, passengers with non-refundable American Airlines tickets may be able to receive a refund if they have extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family or a serious illness. Passengers should contact American Airlines’ customer service to discuss their options.

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Alternatively, passengers with non-refundable tickets may be able to change their flight for a fee or receive a credit towards a future flight with American Airlines.

What happens if my American Airlines flight is cancelled?

If your American Airlines flight is cancelled, you may be eligible for a refund. American Airlines will typically rebook you on the next available flight, but if you prefer to cancel your trip, you can contact customer service to request a refund.

If your flight is cancelled due to an issue that is within American Airlines’ control, such as mechanical issues or scheduling changes, you should be able to receive a refund. If the flight is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances beyond American Airlines’ control, you may not be eligible for a refund.

What happens if I miss my American Airlines flight?

If you miss your American Airlines flight, you may not be eligible for a refund. However, if you have a non-refundable ticket, you may be able to change your flight for a fee or receive a credit towards a future flight with American Airlines.

If you miss your flight due to circumstances beyond your control, such as a medical emergency or severe weather, you may be able to request a refund or a waiver of the change fee. Passengers should contact American Airlines’ customer service to discuss their options.

Will American Airlines give me a refund?


In conclusion, American Airlines does offer refunds, but the process can be complex and time-consuming. Customers should review the airline’s refund policy carefully before booking their flights and be aware of any restrictions or fees that may apply. If a cancellation or change of plans is necessary, it is important to contact American Airlines as soon as possible to start the refund process.

Although refunds may not always be guaranteed, American Airlines is committed to providing excellent customer service and working with passengers to find a solution that meets their needs. Whether it’s a flight cancellation, lost luggage, or other issue, the airline strives to make the travel experience as stress-free as possible.

Overall, while refunds from American Airlines may not always be straightforward, customers can rest assured that the airline values their business and will do everything possible to ensure their satisfaction. So if you’re planning to fly with American Airlines in the future, be sure to read up on their refund policy and know your options in case of any unexpected changes to your travel plans.

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