1-833-845-1858Can I get a refund if I cancel my American Airlines flight?%Update~Policy

Yes, you can cancel your American Airlines flight for free, but there are specific conditions under which this is allowed. The most customer-friendly and widely applicable policy is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule. According to this rule, if you book a flight directly with American Airlines and cancel it within 24 hours, you are eligible for a full refund—regardless of the type of ticket purchased, including non-refundable fares like Basic Economy. However, this policy only applies if your flight was booked at least two days before departure. This gives travelers a short window to finalize travel plans or make corrections without any penalty. If your flight was booked through a third-party travel agency or online booking site, you’ll need to check their specific policies or contact them directly to manage the cancellation.

Outside the 24-hour window, your ability to cancel for free depends largely on the type of fare purchased. Basic Economy tickets are generally non-refundable and non-changeable after the 24-hour period. This means if you cancel a Basic Economy fare beyond that time, you won’t receive a refund or credit unless you qualify for an exception, such as a military duty change, a death in the family, or a schedule disruption caused by the airline. On the other hand, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, and First-Class tickets are more flexible. American Airlines has eliminated change fees on most of these ticket types for both domestic and international flights originating in the U.S. While you won’t be charged a fee to cancel, you will typically receive a flight credit for the value of your ticket, which can be applied to a future trip.

If American Airlines cancels your flight or significantly alters your itinerary—such as a long delay or a change in departure time or destination—you are entitled to a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets. This is part of their passenger rights commitment. In these cases, you can either accept the rebooking offered by the airline or request a refund to your original payment method. Similarly, if there is a government travel restriction or your flight is impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for a refund or free change, depending on the circumstances.

To cancel your flight, the easiest and fastest way is through the American Airlines website or mobile app. You can log in using your booking reference or AAdvantage account, view your trip, and follow the steps to cancel. If your ticket is eligible for a refund or flight credit, the system will display those options during the cancellation process. If you experience issues online or need help understanding your ticket rules, you can contact American Airlines customer service at 1-800-433-7300.

In summary, American Airlines offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking and flexible options for many ticket types beyond that period. Knowing your fare conditions and cancellation rights can help you avoid fees and navigate unexpected changes with ease.