Some flight cancellations begin early as the airlines want to move equipment out of the path of the storm to minimize disruption for customers outside the region. For instance they don't want to cancel a flight from LAX to HNL because the equipment is stuck at JFK.

Is anyone else unable to login to Aa.com? Says my account is locked. Strange. And exp line isn't recognizing my phone number or advantage number.

AA Facebook post:

"Flights to and from DCA, IAD, BWI, BDL, PHL, EWR, JFK, ORF and LGA are cancelled through Tuesday due to Hurricane Sandy."

This is somewhat rude. Some pax may not have the $150 (plus maybe some refare issues) to spare if their flight does not show as canceled. And still others did not want to get to NY only to be trapped there an extra day with a city in turmoil, without a way to get back home on time.

I personally was delighted that UA was early in their cancellation process because it gave me a chance to rebook or outright cancel and get a full refund.

And obviously some not too ignorant planners at UA saw the reality of Frankenstom closing airspace by Sunday night as inevitable, i.e. why wait until the last minute. Maybe they will be wrong in the end but hard to believe that they were not well educated, uninformed, and didn't weigh all of the evidence in this situation.

Oh wait:eek:, they've made one or 2 mistakes in the past, haven't they?:p

My points are:
1. UA made a tough decision to cancel early, others chose to do otherwise. It is not clear at this time that early cancellation was wrong nor is it clear that waiting a bit was wrong. Either way, my 2nd point is:
2. I do feel sorry for some who are SOL now

FYI, data point for comparison: last night I tried to get a refund but after 45 min on hold I gave up. I may have not been given the UA 1K line, who knows?

This AM, despite an initial warning message about high call volume, I got an agent without any hold.

My AA flight to JFK tomorrow was (of course) cancelled. I do not want to reschedule. I would like a refund.

Can I wait several days (and avoid the long wait on the phone) to request a refund?

Same here. Tried logging in to my account and it says it is locked for my security. Sorta like what happens when you try to log in with the wrong password several times in a row.

Since I don't need to book a flight for another week or so I am just going to let the problem hopefully fix itself.

People on this board howl when AA cancels flights too soon.

My Tuesday BWI flight has been cancelled. I'll likely move the trip another 2 weeks out. I'm supposed to be in South Florida next week.

I get the same, plus:

Yes, you can, but if you have additional (non-cancelled) segments on the same reservation you need to call (or cancel those segments on aa.com, if they allow it) in BEFORE their departure (the earlier the better for people who are trying to get reaccommodated).

You should theoretically also able to apply for your refund at https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/ with zero wait.

BTW, a refund upon flight cancellation is normal policy, not a special one for (hurricane) Sandy.

Me three (or whatever) on the logging in issue, for both me & my DH. On the first try.

Thanks Hillrider.......I'm sure the info you provided is correct, but I got this message when I tried to apply for a refund online:

Your refund request cannot be processed. The refund request you submitted is for a non-refundable ticket. In some cases, you may be able to apply this value towards the purchase of another non-refundable ticket. Certain restrictions and fees apply. Please call American Airlines Reservations at 1-800-433-7300 for further assistance.

I'll try again tomorrow.....I'm sure I will eventually get the refund.

I wish I was able to postpone my trip and apply the fare to another trip down the line. I believe UA gives you one year to complete the travel. AA and others gave you until Nov 4 to travel. I was forced last night to change my flights from today to December and incur a $75 change fee. Today, I found out that the flight from LAX to JFK that I was suppose to be on was cancelled.

Will there be any impacts on ORD flights? Have SEA-ORD-STL tomorrow morning.

Actually, it was a hypothesis (I know I said "theoretically"); thanks for posting your results.

Of course, it makes little sense for AA not to have automated the request through AA.com!