American Airlines Cancellation Policy (2026)
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. 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.. 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.