Sep 22, 2017, 4:26 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
AA Ticket Refunds and Policies
As of 1 Apr 2016, 24 hour free cancellation, except bookings purchased within seven days of travel, is standard. Tickets purchased within seven days of travel are exempt from 24 hour cancellation policies, per USDOT.
NOTE: Hold can be used when offered. (As of 3 Nov 2016, AA randomly offers free 24 hour hold to those booking travel over seven days out, and some still report being offered up to 7 days hold for $15.99.)
Current refunds policy:
Getting a reservation refunded is a two-step process. First cancel the reservation on aa.com or by calling Reservations, then second request the refund at http://prefunds.aa.com.
For bookings made online, AA may continue to sometimes offer hold for unspecified interim going forward, but 24 hours hold via telephone booking may no longer be granted by agents (though occasional ones might anyway).
update July 2016
Fully refundable tickets that are cancelled: fare, fees and taxes will be returned to the original form of payment (FOP).
Nonrefundable tickets that are cancelled voluntarily: AA will generally issue a voucher for the fare, taxes and fees less the change fee described in the detailed fare rules. The voucher may be used for AA flights and other limited purposes. See Transportation Voucher / vouchers / "MCO" FAQ and master thread.
Full refunds, even for nonrefundable tickets, may often be made for the full fare, fees and taxes:
"We do not refund nonrefundable American Airlines tickets except when the ticket is cancelled within 24 hours of purchase, when we make a schedule change that results in a change of 61 minutes or more, upon the death of a passenger or passenger's travelling companion or because of military orders. Supporting documentation is required."
Some equipment changes, such as purchasing international First and being changed to a flight without First class, or a domestic F or Business seat is eliminated by substituting a single class Economy cabin, may also allow a full refund.
Don't forget to look at other venues for tickets, such as OTAs, if purchasing within the 7 day window and you would like some hedging protection. Expedia offers 24 hour cancellation on AA itineraries within the 7 day window and many AA itineraries can be held via Expedia Trip Lock (which charges a small fee to hold a fare for 48 hours).
As of 1 Apr 2016, 24 hour free cancellation, except bookings purchased within seven days of travel, is standard. Tickets purchased within seven days of travel are exempt from 24 hour cancellation policies, per USDOT.
NOTE: Hold can be used when offered. (As of 3 Nov 2016, AA randomly offers free 24 hour hold to those booking travel over seven days out, and some still report being offered up to 7 days hold for $15.99.)
Current refunds policy:
"You have 24 hours to cancel your trip for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days prior to departure. Link to AA Refunds FAQ."
For bookings made online, AA may continue to sometimes offer hold for unspecified interim going forward, but 24 hours hold via telephone booking may no longer be granted by agents (though occasional ones might anyway).
update July 2016
AA follows USDOT requirements to the letter:● 24 hour cancellation with refund and no penalty, though
● No free 24-hour cancellations for purchases made within seven days of flying (except on refundable fares)
● 24 hour hold will be offered for some random (at least to passengers) online bookings for some tickets for an undetermined interim period of time
● Extended hold for pay will still be offered online on many bookings (not within seven days)
● The five day holds for awards remains unaffected, but be aware all awards by non-elites also incur a $75 close in processing fee for 21 days or fewer from booking to flying.
● Awards that are cancelled incur a $150 redeposit fee (and $25 per other awards from the same account), except for Concierge Key and Executive Platinum members.
● No free 24-hour cancellations for purchases made within seven days of flying (except on refundable fares)
● 24 hour hold will be offered for some random (at least to passengers) online bookings for some tickets for an undetermined interim period of time
● Extended hold for pay will still be offered online on many bookings (not within seven days)
● The five day holds for awards remains unaffected, but be aware all awards by non-elites also incur a $75 close in processing fee for 21 days or fewer from booking to flying.
● Awards that are cancelled incur a $150 redeposit fee (and $25 per other awards from the same account), except for Concierge Key and Executive Platinum members.
Nonrefundable tickets that are cancelled voluntarily: AA will generally issue a voucher for the fare, taxes and fees less the change fee described in the detailed fare rules. The voucher may be used for AA flights and other limited purposes. See Transportation Voucher / vouchers / "MCO" FAQ and master thread.
Full refunds, even for nonrefundable tickets, may often be made for the full fare, fees and taxes:
"We do not refund nonrefundable American Airlines tickets except when the ticket is cancelled within 24 hours of purchase, when we make a schedule change that results in a change of 61 minutes or more, upon the death of a passenger or passenger's travelling companion or because of military orders. Supporting documentation is required."
Some equipment changes, such as purchasing international First and being changed to a flight without First class, or a domestic F or Business seat is eliminated by substituting a single class Economy cabin, may also allow a full refund.
Don't forget to look at other venues for tickets, such as OTAs, if purchasing within the 7 day window and you would like some hedging protection. Expedia offers 24 hour cancellation on AA itineraries within the 7 day window and many AA itineraries can be held via Expedia Trip Lock (which charges a small fee to hold a fare for 48 hours).
AA Ticket Refund and Related (master thread)
May 15, 2018, 8:24 am
#256
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Redding, CT
Posts: 604
Process Question on non refundable future value
HI all,
Just trying to make sure I understand the process when higher value non refundable is exchanged for cheaper tickets. We (Family of 4) have a change in circumstance and won't be traveling on our non-refundable tickets. I want to rebook two of us for a different trip (different destination) that is much cheaper than original ticket. I assume the difference in original fare versus the new fare less the $200 change fee will be issued in form of a voucher for future travel within one year? Is that correct? Also when I cancel the 4 of our original tickets--how are the two pax that don't have an immediate rebooking handled--will they receive vouchers for the original fare less $200 change fee or do they need to rebook at same time as I cancel originals? Thanks.
Just trying to make sure I understand the process when higher value non refundable is exchanged for cheaper tickets. We (Family of 4) have a change in circumstance and won't be traveling on our non-refundable tickets. I want to rebook two of us for a different trip (different destination) that is much cheaper than original ticket. I assume the difference in original fare versus the new fare less the $200 change fee will be issued in form of a voucher for future travel within one year? Is that correct? Also when I cancel the 4 of our original tickets--how are the two pax that don't have an immediate rebooking handled--will they receive vouchers for the original fare less $200 change fee or do they need to rebook at same time as I cancel originals? Thanks.
May 17, 2018, 1:37 pm
#257
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: JAX
Programs: Ex-BA/AA/CP/LY staff, BA Executive Club Blue, IHG Diamond, Marriott Silver, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 3,586
Also when I cancel the 4 of our original tickets--how are the two pax that don't have an immediate rebooking handled--will they receive vouchers for the original fare less $200 change fee or do they need to rebook at same time as I cancel originals? Thanks.
Jun 25, 2018, 10:16 am
#258
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,760
Where can I find Fare Rules on an AA fare?
It used to have Refundable option, now it only has Lowest and Flexible - but the Flexible does not always mean 100% refundable. I went thru the whole booking process to the last screen where I can put a hold on the reservation, and still not seeing the Fare Rules button? I know it used to be a tiny button on the last screen, but now it no longer exists?
Is that now the only way to make sure it is a fully refundable fare is to book a Fully Flexible fare?
It used to have Refundable option, now it only has Lowest and Flexible - but the Flexible does not always mean 100% refundable. I went thru the whole booking process to the last screen where I can put a hold on the reservation, and still not seeing the Fare Rules button? I know it used to be a tiny button on the last screen, but now it no longer exists?
Is that now the only way to make sure it is a fully refundable fare is to book a Fully Flexible fare?
Jul 5, 2018, 2:11 pm
#259
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
I just cancelled two nonrefundable tickets. I submitted a refund request, but expect it will be denied. Can't hurt to try -- it was a medical issue.
But, assuming it is denied, how do I use the residual value of the tickets net of the change fee? Can I book on line, or do I have to call. If the latter, do they charge me a phone booking fee?
And, just to be sure I understand the math. Let's say the tickets were $600 and the change fee is $250. Does this mean I can apply to a $350 ticket with no further charge, or does it mean that I have to pay the change fee regardless of the value of the new ticket if it's less than the original ticket? Such that I have to come out of pocket another $250?
But, assuming it is denied, how do I use the residual value of the tickets net of the change fee? Can I book on line, or do I have to call. If the latter, do they charge me a phone booking fee?
And, just to be sure I understand the math. Let's say the tickets were $600 and the change fee is $250. Does this mean I can apply to a $350 ticket with no further charge, or does it mean that I have to pay the change fee regardless of the value of the new ticket if it's less than the original ticket? Such that I have to come out of pocket another $250?
Jul 6, 2018, 7:35 am
#260
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
I just cancelled two nonrefundable tickets. I submitted a refund request, but expect it will be denied. Can't hurt to try -- it was a medical issue.
But, assuming it is denied, how do I use the residual value of the tickets net of the change fee? Can I book on line, or do I have to call. If the latter, do they charge me a phone booking fee?
And, just to be sure I understand the math. Let's say the tickets were $600 and the change fee is $250. Does this mean I can apply to a $350 ticket with no further charge, or does it mean that I have to pay the change fee regardless of the value of the new ticket if it's less than the original ticket? Such that I have to come out of pocket another $250?
But, assuming it is denied, how do I use the residual value of the tickets net of the change fee? Can I book on line, or do I have to call. If the latter, do they charge me a phone booking fee?
And, just to be sure I understand the math. Let's say the tickets were $600 and the change fee is $250. Does this mean I can apply to a $350 ticket with no further charge, or does it mean that I have to pay the change fee regardless of the value of the new ticket if it's less than the original ticket? Such that I have to come out of pocket another $250?
Yes, the change fee will come out of the original ticket value. Any fare difference will be issued in a new voucher or paid by CC.
Jul 8, 2018, 1:40 am
#261
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,640
I have a flight that was affected by a schedule change of ~7 hours. I want to cancel and rebook. Does AA issue vouchers/eVouchers if I cancel (which I am assuming will not incur any fees because of the schedule change)? I know AA takes a while to refund, so I'd rather get a voucher if it's any faster than getting a refund to my credit card and rebooking (since the fare has actually dropped as well)
Jul 8, 2018, 7:16 am
#262
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 255
I had a flight booked for travel in late May 2017 and had to call to cancel. It was only around $218 so I knew the credit would be small and I was having difficulty finding a booking to use it on. So in May 2018, I went ahead and requested a refund online thinking the taxes would be refunded and that this would exceed the $18 flight credit that I would have otherwise received. To my surprise, 2 days later they processed a refund fo my CC for the entire $218. It definitely was NOT a refundable fare and made me wonder how much of a “review” goes into these refunds. I was certainly pleased though.
Jul 8, 2018, 8:49 am
#263
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
I had a flight booked for travel in late May 2017 and had to call to cancel. It was only around $218 so I knew the credit would be small and I was having difficulty finding a booking to use it on. So in May 2018, I went ahead and requested a refund online thinking the taxes would be refunded and that this would exceed the $18 flight credit that I would have otherwise received. To my surprise, 2 days later they processed a refund fo my CC for the entire $218. It definitely was NOT a refundable fare and made me wonder how much of a “review” goes into these refunds. I was certainly pleased though.
Jul 24, 2018, 9:35 pm
#265
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 236
Refund When Paying w/ Gift Cards (24 hour window)
Earlier today I cancelled a reservation (booked less than 24 hours ago for an itinerary more than 7 days out) that was purchased using AA gift cards. According to the first rep I spoke to, the funds won't be return to the gift cards for at least 20 days. A second rep then said the funds will be refunded to an electronic voucher instead of to the original gift cards used. I searched AA's website and didn't find a clear explanation as to the refund policy when using gift cards. Can someone clarify? Thanks!
Aug 17, 2018, 2:36 pm
#266
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 152
My kids will fly international ( China to US) by himself. I'd like to be with him till boarding if possible. In order to pass Customs, Immigration and Security before boarding, my plan is to buy a fully flexible AA ticket, get the boarding pass, go through Customs, Immigration and Security checkpoint. After kid is left, exit Immigration again.
Would this work?
Is fully flexible AA ticket fully refundable even after getting the boarding pass and pass Customs, Immigration and Security checkpoint?
Is there any issue exit immigration again?
Thanks
Would this work?
Is fully flexible AA ticket fully refundable even after getting the boarding pass and pass Customs, Immigration and Security checkpoint?
Is there any issue exit immigration again?
Thanks
Aug 17, 2018, 3:05 pm
#267
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 5
Earlier today I cancelled a reservation (booked less than 24 hours ago for an itinerary more than 7 days out) that was purchased using AA gift cards. According to the first rep I spoke to, the funds won't be return to the gift cards for at least 20 days. A second rep then said the funds will be refunded to an electronic voucher instead of to the original gift cards used. I searched AA's website and didn't find a clear explanation as to the refund policy when using gift cards. Can someone clarify? Thanks!
Aug 18, 2018, 6:44 pm
#269
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,587
If it is a non refundable ticket - in some markets AA allows credit to be held subject to whatever the change fee is - on others , non refundable means simply that - no refund available and only changes ( if permitted and subject to any fees ) can be made
In neither case is a cash refund going t ooccur
Aug 31, 2018, 10:34 am
#270
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 5
I'm in the same situation and wondering about this too. I contacted AA on Twitter, and they said the refund will be in a virtual gift card (not sure original or not) in about 20 days. In the AA gift card master thread, some people said they were emailed a new gift card or mailed a check.