Oct 28, 2015, 12:22 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
AA schedule changes - free flight change / cancellation / refund
The latest change policy may be read here (Thanks to MRP Alert for resource link.)
The above link appears to be broken. The latest change policy, as of June 13, 2023, can be found here.
As of March 2022:
NOTE: The Detailed Fare Rules for your ticket(s) details refundability, etc. You can read (and print to PDF, etc.) before you purchase. Regardless of fare title (Refundable, Flexible, etc.) you should read these prior to purchase.
Older posts may be read here.
The latest change policy may be read here (Thanks to MRP Alert for resource link.)
The above link appears to be broken. The latest change policy, as of June 13, 2023, can be found here.
As of March 2022:
- Limited changes allowed if schedule change is 60 minutes or less.
- More flexibility if schedule change is 61 minutes or more.
- Refunds on non-refundable fares typically require a schedule change of 241 minutes or more.
NOTE: The Detailed Fare Rules for your ticket(s) details refundability, etc. You can read (and print to PDF, etc.) before you purchase. Regardless of fare title (Refundable, Flexible, etc.) you should read these prior to purchase.
beachfan has shared:
I believe if it's an equipment swap, to a less desirable plane (I.e, 777 to 738) then yes, full refund, otherwise it's 120 minutes. One Mile at a Time blog covered this and referred to the contract of carriage (or whatever the linked document is called; it's titled general rules).
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...irplane-change
International Tariff (March 2023)
International General Rules
I believe if it's an equipment swap, to a less desirable plane (I.e, 777 to 738) then yes, full refund, otherwise it's 120 minutes. One Mile at a Time blog covered this and referred to the contract of carriage (or whatever the linked document is called; it's titled general rules).
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...irplane-change
International Tariff (March 2023)
International General Rules
Code:
SCHEDULE CHANGE IN THE EVENT, AFTER TICKET ISSUANCE, SCHEDULE CHANGES ARE MADE BY AA THAT: (I) AFFECT A PASSENGER'S DEPARTURE AND/OR ARRIVAL BY 2 OR MORE HOURS; (II) RESULT IN THE ADDITION OF AN INTERMEDIATE STOP ON THE PASSENGER'S ITINERARY; (III) RESULT IN A SUBSTITUTION OF EQUIPMENT NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE PASSENGER; OR (IV) IF A CANCELLATION OR A CHANGE IN EITHER AIR OR TOUR ITINERARY IS INITIATED EITHER BY AA OR IT'S TOUR OPERATORS WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE PASSENGER, THE PASSENGER WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF CANCELLING WITHOUT PENALTY, OR REROUTING ON DIFFERENT FLIGHTS TO/FROM THE SAME OR DIFFERENT DESTINATION. HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER MUST PAY ANY ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS RESULTING FROM THE REROUTING.
AA schedule changes - flight change / cancellation / refund policy (consolidated)
Jul 16, 2017, 1:36 pm
#436
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: PNW
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,551
So i booked cai to hnl (with stopover in SEA) and back fare using my wells fargo points. Fare code was I.
my original routing was sea-dfw-hnl-dfw-sea. Travel is in October btw. AA canceled by sea-dfw redeye, so they routed me sea-phx-hnl without letting me know. so I went from lie-flat to no lie-flat. Return remains the same.
I called WF so i can get rerouted back through DFW. WF called AA and AA told them that getting back on the DFW-HNL flight is not possible since there's no more I space. what gives? shouldn't AA get in touch of revenue management and open I space for me? I mean, I was involuntarily rerouted.
I'm gonna HUCA until this gets fixed. what do you all think?
my original routing was sea-dfw-hnl-dfw-sea. Travel is in October btw. AA canceled by sea-dfw redeye, so they routed me sea-phx-hnl without letting me know. so I went from lie-flat to no lie-flat. Return remains the same.
I called WF so i can get rerouted back through DFW. WF called AA and AA told them that getting back on the DFW-HNL flight is not possible since there's no more I space. what gives? shouldn't AA get in touch of revenue management and open I space for me? I mean, I was involuntarily rerouted.
I'm gonna HUCA until this gets fixed. what do you all think?
Jul 16, 2017, 1:50 pm
#437
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 462
So i booked cai to hnl (with stopover in SEA) and back fare using my wells fargo points. Fare code was I.
my original routing was sea-dfw-hnl-dfw-sea. Travel is in October btw. AA canceled by sea-dfw redeye, so they routed me sea-phx-hnl without letting me know. so I went from lie-flat to no lie-flat. Return remains the same.
I called WF so i can get rerouted back through DFW. WF called AA and AA told them that getting back on the DFW-HNL flight is not possible since there's no more I space. what gives? shouldn't AA get in touch of revenue management and open I space for me? I mean, I was involuntarily rerouted.
I'm gonna HUCA until this gets fixed. what do you all think?
my original routing was sea-dfw-hnl-dfw-sea. Travel is in October btw. AA canceled by sea-dfw redeye, so they routed me sea-phx-hnl without letting me know. so I went from lie-flat to no lie-flat. Return remains the same.
I called WF so i can get rerouted back through DFW. WF called AA and AA told them that getting back on the DFW-HNL flight is not possible since there's no more I space. what gives? shouldn't AA get in touch of revenue management and open I space for me? I mean, I was involuntarily rerouted.
I'm gonna HUCA until this gets fixed. what do you all think?
I would research other options - even the SEA-LAX-HNL flights are better. At least you have newer aircraft with IFE in the seat-backs.
Jul 16, 2017, 2:00 pm
#438
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: PNW
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,551
I would be very upset if my DFW-HNL flight was changed to PHX-HNL. The First Class seats on the 757 have minimal legroom and limited recline. I am unsure if they even offer the Samsung Tablets and Bose headsets on this route. When we have to fly the PHX-HI routes, we usually fly coach and get the bulkhead so at least we have legroom.
I would research other options - even the SEA-LAX-HNL flights are better. At least you have newer aircraft with IFE in the seat-backs.
I would research other options - even the SEA-LAX-HNL flights are better. At least you have newer aircraft with IFE in the seat-backs.
I'm willing to take a redeye to ORD or CLT and then an early flight to DFW just to connect to the DFW-HNL flight. Avgeek here so I dont mind it much
It just annoys me that AA can just say that they can't put me back on the DFW-HNL because there's no I-space. That's their problem, not mine, they should fix it.
I'm just gonna HUCA until it's fixed.
Jul 16, 2017, 6:27 pm
#439
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: Southwest, Alaska, United, American Airlines
Posts: 994
In short, much more active scrutiny on AAgents than in the old days of native SABRE.
Jul 24, 2017, 9:14 am
#440
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,546
had a material schedule change on a 25K saver J award
AA happily rerouted me on my preferred new flights including a 3-cabin J segment.
Reissued as an even exchange, new eticket numbers.
Was not charged the 32.5K saver 3-cabin J price.
Was a 15 minute phone call, as agent did have to go to a supervisor.
Not sure if the supervisor was required to just open saver award inventory and/or to waive the 7.5K add/collect.
AA happily rerouted me on my preferred new flights including a 3-cabin J segment.
Reissued as an even exchange, new eticket numbers.
Was not charged the 32.5K saver 3-cabin J price.
Was a 15 minute phone call, as agent did have to go to a supervisor.
Not sure if the supervisor was required to just open saver award inventory and/or to waive the 7.5K add/collect.
Aug 9, 2017, 5:24 pm
#441
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: DL, Amex MR
Posts: 287
I have an award:
AA ATL-ORD
CX ORD-HKG
KA HKG-ORD
The domestic AA flight (AA and 737-800 plane) has been canceled and I have been rebooked on the next flight which leaves an hour later. The new flight is with Envoy Air (American Eagle) on a crappy E175. Does that fall into equipment swap (regardless of cabin?) and would allow me free cancel/refund or change?
AA ATL-ORD
CX ORD-HKG
KA HKG-ORD
The domestic AA flight (AA and 737-800 plane) has been canceled and I have been rebooked on the next flight which leaves an hour later. The new flight is with Envoy Air (American Eagle) on a crappy E175. Does that fall into equipment swap (regardless of cabin?) and would allow me free cancel/refund or change?
Last edited by satz; Aug 9, 2017 at 8:42 pm Reason: Removed AA to avoid confusions
Aug 9, 2017, 5:33 pm
#442
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
I have an AA award:
AA ATL-ORD
CX ORD-HKG
KA HKG-ORD
The domestic AA flight (AA and 737-800 plane) has been canceled and I have been rebooked on the next flight which leaves an hour later. The new flight is with Envoy Air (American Eagle) on a crappy E175. Does that fall into equipment swap (regardless of cabin?) and would allow me free cancel/refund or change?
AA ATL-ORD
CX ORD-HKG
KA HKG-ORD
The domestic AA flight (AA and 737-800 plane) has been canceled and I have been rebooked on the next flight which leaves an hour later. The new flight is with Envoy Air (American Eagle) on a crappy E175. Does that fall into equipment swap (regardless of cabin?) and would allow me free cancel/refund or change?
That said, there's nothing wrong with the E175s, I'd take it just about any day in either cabin over a 738, certainly for a ~2h flight.
Aug 9, 2017, 5:52 pm
#443
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: Once a somebody now a nobody
Posts: 515
I have an AA award:
AA ATL-ORD
CX ORD-HKG
KA HKG-ORD
The domestic AA flight (AA and 737-800 plane) has been canceled and I have been rebooked on the next flight which leaves an hour later. The new flight is with Envoy Air (American Eagle) on a crappy E175. Does that fall into equipment swap (regardless of cabin?) and would allow me free cancel/refund or change?
AA ATL-ORD
CX ORD-HKG
KA HKG-ORD
The domestic AA flight (AA and 737-800 plane) has been canceled and I have been rebooked on the next flight which leaves an hour later. The new flight is with Envoy Air (American Eagle) on a crappy E175. Does that fall into equipment swap (regardless of cabin?) and would allow me free cancel/refund or change?
Aug 9, 2017, 8:41 pm
#444
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: DL, Amex MR
Posts: 287
The change of operating carrier should make you eligible for free cancellation/award redeposit. Day/time/routing changes are always free anyway on AAwards.
That said, there's nothing wrong with the E175s, I'd take it just about any day in either cabin over a 738, certainly for a ~2h flight.
That said, there's nothing wrong with the E175s, I'd take it just about any day in either cabin over a 738, certainly for a ~2h flight.
ON a short flight like that I'd rather take the e175....in both coach and 1st. Unless the hour less connection time worries you....I'd just stick with it. If it's a connection time thing...I'm sure you can convince AA to move you to an earlier flight since an ORD-HKG misconnect would likely lead to a 12+ hour delay getting to Hong Kong
My understanding is that the E175 is a much smaller plane (which probably requires gate checking bags) and has no wifi. The later flight also risks a misconnect as noted.
Aug 9, 2017, 9:29 pm
#445
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
My understanding is that the E175 is a much smaller plane (which probably requires gate checking bags)
and has no wifi.
The later flight also risks a misconnect as noted.
Thank you both for the response. There is a chance that I might need to cancel the flight and wanted to know whether I could cancel and redeposit without fee.
Aug 13, 2017, 4:42 am
#446
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SIN
Programs: CX DM, SQ KF Gold
Posts: 980
I booked an itinerary TXL-LHR-ORD//MSP-MIA-LHR-DUS-LHR-TXL in business (D and I) a long time ago for travel over this coming Christmas period, and I just got an email from Expedia saying that AA has changed its schedule, which would cause me a fair bit of inconvenience.
Instead of the old itinerary being...
MSP-MIA AA4600 1205-1643 in D and MIA-LHR in I on AA38 2100-10:30+1
...the first sector has changed to...
MSP-MIA AA4679 0610-1048
...which would cause me and my wife having to spend 10h in Miami, instead of just over 4h under the original itinerary.
Unfortunately there is no later flight on AA from MSP to MIA that would get us to connect to AA38 on time.
Given that I had specifically booked us to fly via MIA in order to enjoy the nicer seats on AA38 (77W), but I do not want us to get up at 3am in order to catch our first domestic flight, can I ask AA to reroute us in a way so that:
A) We leave MSP at a friendlier time of 10am or later AND
B) Connect to a transatlantic flight that will be operated by a 77W?
What I have in mind is asking to change us to fly MSP-DFW-LHR instead, e.g.:
MSP-DFW AA2722 1820-2050 to connect to
DFW-LHR AA78 2215-1310+1
Unfortunately I had booked the tickets via Expedia, so I doubt I will get to speak to AA directly.
Any advice from the FT community on my chances and approach, or reasonable alternatives?
If it helps, I am a OWS on CX right now and my wife will be 5 months pregnant by the time of our flight.
Instead of the old itinerary being...
MSP-MIA AA4600 1205-1643 in D and MIA-LHR in I on AA38 2100-10:30+1
...the first sector has changed to...
MSP-MIA AA4679 0610-1048
...which would cause me and my wife having to spend 10h in Miami, instead of just over 4h under the original itinerary.
Unfortunately there is no later flight on AA from MSP to MIA that would get us to connect to AA38 on time.
Given that I had specifically booked us to fly via MIA in order to enjoy the nicer seats on AA38 (77W), but I do not want us to get up at 3am in order to catch our first domestic flight, can I ask AA to reroute us in a way so that:
A) We leave MSP at a friendlier time of 10am or later AND
B) Connect to a transatlantic flight that will be operated by a 77W?
What I have in mind is asking to change us to fly MSP-DFW-LHR instead, e.g.:
MSP-DFW AA2722 1820-2050 to connect to
DFW-LHR AA78 2215-1310+1
Unfortunately I had booked the tickets via Expedia, so I doubt I will get to speak to AA directly.
Any advice from the FT community on my chances and approach, or reasonable alternatives?
If it helps, I am a OWS on CX right now and my wife will be 5 months pregnant by the time of our flight.
Aug 13, 2017, 4:53 am
#447
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Remember the pitfall of rebooking for schedule changes the next time you think about booking through an agency.
Aug 13, 2017, 4:59 am
#448
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SIN
Programs: CX DM, SQ KF Gold
Posts: 980
And thank you for your advice regarding booking directly with the airline - I do that pretty much all the time, only in this case Expedia offer me this fare much much cheaper than if I had booked directly with AA, so I really could not resist the temptation at that time...
Aug 13, 2017, 1:57 pm
#449
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
I have little experience working with the consumer OTAs on airline tickets, but more with a corporate TA. In *theory* it shouldn't be that much different. You may basically need to get Expedia to call AA to allow the rebooking if, for some reason, they can't/won't do it themselves. Your proposal is certainly something that would be accommodated by AA directly. Good luck.
Aug 13, 2017, 2:10 pm
#450
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
I have little experience working with the consumer OTAs on airline tickets, but more with a corporate TA. In *theory* it shouldn't be that much different. You may basically need to get Expedia to call AA to allow the rebooking if, for some reason, they can't/won't do it themselves. Your proposal is certainly something that would be accommodated by AA directly. Good luck.