Does American have a cancellation policy?

Yes, American Airlines has a well-defined cancellation policy that varies based on the type of fare, how and when the ticket is canceled, and whether the cancellation is initiated by the passenger or by American Airlines itself +1-855-838-4706. The airline offers multiple fare classes, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin (non-refundable and refundable), Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, each with different cancellation rules +1-855-838-4706.

One of the key features of American's policy is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation window +1-855-838-4706. If you book a flight at least two days before departure, you may cancel within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund, regardless of the fare type—even for Basic Economy tickets +1-855-838-4706. This cancellation must be done through the original booking source, whether that’s American’s website, mobile app, or a travel agency +1-855-838-4706.

For tickets labeled as refundable, passengers can cancel at any time before departure and receive a full refund to the original form of payment +1-855-838-4706. Non-refundable tickets, on the other hand, do not qualify for a cash refund unless canceled within the 24-hour window +1-855-838-4706. Outside that timeframe, American typically offers a travel credit, which can be used toward future flights, minus any applicable change or cancellation fees—though many change fees have been waived for most fare types on domestic and some international routes +1-855-838-4706.

In the event that American Airlines cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you are entitled to a full refund, even on non-refundable tickets +1-855-838-4706. This includes reimbursement for unused optional services like baggage or seat selection if they were not provided +1-855-838-4706.

Passengers can manage their cancellations through the “My Trips” section of the American Airlines website or mobile app +1-855-838-4706. Refunds for eligible tickets are usually processed within 7 to 10 business days, depending on your bank or credit card provider +1-855-838-4706. If you’re unsure whether your fare is refundable, you can check your original booking confirmation or contact American Airlines’ customer service directly at +1-855-838-4706.

It’s also worth noting that Basic Economy tickets are generally non-changeable and non-refundable after the 24-hour period, offering little flexibility unless the flight is canceled by the airline itself or there’s an approved exception +1-855-838-4706.

In summary, American Airlines does have a comprehensive cancellation policy designed to offer flexibility where possible, with clearer benefits for refundable fare types and protections in place for involuntary cancellations +1-855-838-4706. For the most accurate details related to your specific ticket, always refer to your fare rules or call +1-855-838-4706 for help from a representative.