American Airlines Cancellation Policy (2026) — Change Fees, Refunds & How to Cancel
Full refund to original payment method if cancelled within 24 hours of booking, regardless of fare type. Flight must be booked at least 2 days before departure.
Have a question about American Airlines cancellation policy?
Talk to an Expert24-Hour Rule
Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Full refund to original payment method if cancelled within 24 hours of booking, regardless of fare type. Flight must be booked at least 2 days before departure.
Cancellation Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Non-refundable (credit minus no-show fee if applicable) |
| Main Cabin | No fee — receive travel credit |
| Premium | No fee — receive travel credit or refund |
| Business | No fee — full refund to original payment |
Change Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | No changes allowed (forfeit ticket value) |
| Main Cabin | No fee (fare difference applies) |
| Premium | No fee (fare difference applies) |
| Business | No fee (fare difference applies) |
Refund Method
Refundable fares: original payment. Non-refundable: trip credit valid 1 year from original ticket date.
Same-Day Change
$75 for Main Cabin (free for elite status). Not available for Basic Economy.
No-Show Policy
Ticket forfeited for Basic Economy. Other fares: value held as credit minus any applicable fee.
How to Cancel
- Online at aa.com → My Trips → Cancel
- American Airlines app → My Trips → Cancel Flight
- Call 800-433-7300 (24/7)
- At airport ticket counter
Tips
- Book Main Cabin or higher for maximum flexibility
- Use the 24-hour rule to hold a fare while you decide
- AAdvantage elite members get free same-day changes
- Trip credit expires 1 year from original ticket date — set a reminder
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is American Airlines cancellation policy?
- American Airlines cancellation policy allows free cancellation within 24 hours of booking (must be booked 7+ days before departure for US flights). After 24 hours: Main Cabin — no fee — receive travel credit. Basic Economy — non-refundable (credit minus no-show fee if applicable).
- Can I cancel a American Airlines flight for free?
- Yes — Full refund to original payment method if cancelled within 24 hours of booking, regardless of fare type. Flight must be booked at least 2 days before departure. No fee — receive travel credit
- What is American Airlines's change fee?
- Main Cabin: No fee (fare difference applies). Basic Economy: No changes allowed (forfeit ticket value).
- How do I get a refund from American Airlines?
- Refundable fares: original payment. Non-refundable: trip credit valid 1 year from original ticket date.
- What happens if I no-show on American Airlines?
- Ticket forfeited for Basic Economy. Other fares: value held as credit minus any applicable fee.