Anyone can experience an unforeseen situation that might lead to a flight cancellation. However, the first thing that comes to mind is the cancellation charges imposed by the airline. Most airlines charge heavy penalties, and sometimes, this leads to a loss of ticket value. However, passengers who booked the ticket with American Airlines can get relief in this regard. How?
American Airlines generally charges no penalty for ticket cancellations initiated within a day of the purchase. However, if the cancellation is made outside of this window, the “cancellation fee for American Airlines” must be paid. Let’s understand more thoroughly.
American Airlines Cancellation Policy
American Airlines cancellation policy outlines rules that benefit both consumers and the airline. Following this policy helps to save money and retain the ticket’s value. How? Let’s find the answer in the rules that are mentioned below:
- If you follow the airline’s 24-hour cancellation policy, you can get a full refund for both refundable and non-refundable tickets.
- According to American Airlines cancellation policy, refunds will only be provided based on the ticket type after the grace period is over.
- Cancellation fee for American Airlines depends on the ticket type and when it is cancelled.
- $99 cancellation fee will be charged on cancellation of a basic economy ticket after surpassing the grace period.
- Tickets are reserved directly with American Airlines; it is required to contact them to learn the cancellation fee and gather information regarding the refund.
- If the ticket is bought through a travel agency or another booking source, the traveler must contact them to cancel and refund the ticket. The airline cannot help in such a case.
- Reservations booked as part of a group block are not eligible for a refund even after the cancellation process is initiated within 24 hour of booking.
- The cancellation fee for American Airlines can be checked on the official website or by contacting the airline directly at 800-433-7300. Meanwhile, if the official line is busy, call +1-800-633-0441 and speak to a travel expert.
Do I Need To Pay Cancellation Fee For American Airlines Non-Refundable Tickets?
American Airlines imposed a penalty for canceling non-refundable tickets, such as basic economy tickets. However, if the cancellation is made within 24 hours of the window, no charges will be imposed, and the eligibility for the refund will be increased. Even the ticket that is cancelled at least two days before the departure date will also receive the full refund. But if the grace period is over and you cancelled a basic economy class ticket, then you won’t get a cash refund, and you will be charged $99 as a cancellation fee for American Airlines.
Are Refundable Tickets Pay Cancellation Fee For American Airlines?
Generally, the airline follows a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows refundable and non-refundable tickets to be cancelled without a fee or penalty. However, if the grace period is over, you are required to pay the charges. Cancellation policies vary by fare class. Hence, check the details on the airline’s official website or directly contact them. Usually, refundable tickets receive the full refund amount, as AA has removed cancellation fees for most fares.
How To Cancel an American Airlines Ticket And Pay Penalty?
The official website is widely used to cancel and pay the cancellation fee for American Airlines ticket. However, it requires following certain steps, which are mentioned below:
- Appear on the main website of American Airlines, aa.com.
- Log in to your account.
- Choose “Manage Trips” and input the reservation code and the passenger’s last name.
- After entering the details, find your flight.
- Look for the option to “Cancel Trip” or “Change Trip”.
- Follow the prompts and confirm the flight cancellation.
- Pay the cancellation fee if mentioned on the screen.
- Check your registered email to find the details of the cancellation request.
Cancellation fee for American Airlines is usually imposed on non-refundable tickets, particularly when the cancellation is made after the 24-hour risk-free period. Hence, try to initate the process within a day of the booking.
Is There Another Method To Cancel American Ticket And Pay Penalty?
Yes, other methods can be used to cancel the ticket and to pay the penalty if a passenger doesn’t want to use the official website. Either call the airline customer service or visit the nearby airport. If contacting over the phone, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Details regarding the cancellation fee for American Airlines, or to initiate the process, dial the airline’s official contact number 800-433-7300. By any chance, the line is busy or not reachable (due to a technical issue), call the consolidation desk at +1-800-633-0441.
- When dialing the number, keep the booking details with you and provide them to the airline’s representative once you are connected.
- Once the booking information is retrieved, share the reason for your cancellation. Based on your ticket type, the representative will inform you whether your ticket is eligible for a refund. Cancellation fee for American Airlines may be required to pay if the ticket is non-refundable and initiated after a 24-hour grace period.
- Confirm your cancellation and pay the penalty if needed. If your ticket is eligible for a refund, it will take at least 7-20 business days to be reflected in your account.
- Please keep checking your email for a notification regarding the refund or for updated information on ticket cancellation.
Generally, the airline issues full refunds to the original form of payment after deducting sales taxes and service charges you paid when booking the ticket through reservations. However, it is best to check the details from the airline by contacting them over the phone.
Conclusion
American Airlines has eliminated most of the cancellation fees, but the flexibility only works when the cancellation is initiated within 24 hours of booking and is made at least two days before the flight departure. As mentioned on the website, refundable and non-refundable tickets also get a full refund if you follow the 24-hour risk-free policy. To obtain details, call the airline customer service at 800-433-7300. If you want quick assistance and information on other queries, such as “charges for name change on American ticket”, call the consolidation desk at +1-800-633-0441.