HGPilot

I'm thinking of purchasing a fully refundable flight as a backup given all the travel insanity (currently booked flight is on another airline). From the AA website all I can gather is that it's a K fare. I can't seem to find the fare rules anywhere. Does anyone know how late I can cancel the flight? If I miss the flight is it still refundable? Thanks.

JJeffrey

Impossible to answer without the fare rules.

If you make a dummy booking at aa.com, click through like you're going to book the ticket, there will be a "Detailed Fare Rules" link on the very last page at the bottom before clicking "Pay Now".

PHL

When booking a flight on aa.com, make sure you choose the top link 'plan travel' that gives more booking choices, one of which being 'flexible fare' instead of cheapest fare. Then on the flight selection screen you'll see flexible fares that should allow refund.

HGPilot

Ah! Annoying it's right at the end. Here's what I get but I still can't make sense of it:

Refunds Reissues VOLUNTARY CHANGES - ENTER RD*31 OR RD'LINE NUM'*31 FOR VOLUNTARY CHGS.

Is it supposed to be this complicated?!? Here are the full rules

AA logoPrint
Detailed Fare Rules
The most restrictive set of fare rules applies to the entire itinerary. In addition other fare rules may apply.

City Pair Fare Basis Code Flight
MCI to LAX K7AHZRU1 (Displayed Below)
PHX to LAX
K7AHZRU1
Seasonality SEASONALITY - NO SEASONAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
Day Time Application DAY/TIME - NO DAY/TIME TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
Advance Reservation Ticketing Restrictions ADVANCE RESERVATIONS/TICKETING - CONFIRMED RESERVATIONS FOR ALL SECTORS ARE REQUIRED AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE ON EACH TRIP. WAITLIST NOT PERMITTED. TICKETING MUST BE COMPLETED BY MIDNIGHT 1 DAY AFTER RESERVATIONS ARE MADE OR AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE WHICHEVER IS EARLIER.
Surcharges SURCHARGES - IF INFANT WITHOUT A SEAT PSGR UNDER 2. OR - INCLUSIVE TOUR INFANT WITHOUT A SEAT PSGR UNDER 2. OR - CONTRACT BULK INFANT PSGR UNDER 2. OR - MISSIONARY INFANT WITHOUT A SEAT PSGR UNDER 2. OR - SEAMAN INF WITHOUT A SEAT UNDER 2. THERE IS NO MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE PER FARE COMPONENT PER ANY PASSENGER. MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 37.21 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON SUN FROM 17JUL22 THROUGH 14AUG22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON SUN FROM 18AUG22 THROUGH 29AUG22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 23.26 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 01SEP22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 02SEP22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 05SEP22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON SUN FROM 11SEP22 THROUGH 02OCT22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 06OCT22 THROUGH 10OCT22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 14OCT22 THROUGH 15OCT22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON SUN FROM 16OCT22 THROUGH 13NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 17NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 46.51 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 18NOV22 THROUGH 19NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 37.21 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 20NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 22NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 46.51 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 23NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 24NOV22 THROUGH 25NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 55.81 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 26NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARECOMPONENT BASIS. ' OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 93.02 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 27NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 55.81 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 28NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 29NOV22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 30NOV22 THROUGH 15DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 16DEC22 THROUGH 17DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 18DEC22 THROUGH 20DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 21DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 55.81 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 22DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 74.42 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 23DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 24DEC22 THROUGH 25DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 74.42 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 26DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 55.81 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 27DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 28DEC22 THROUGH 30DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 31DEC22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 01JAN23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 74.42 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 02JAN23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 41.86 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 03JAN23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 04JAN23 THROUGH 07JAN23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 08JAN23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 09JAN23 THROUGH 15FEB23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 27.91 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 16FEB23 THROUGH 17FEB23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 18FEB23 THROUGH 19FEB23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 20FEB23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 21FEB23 THROUGH 02MAR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 74.42 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM FRI THROUGH SUN FROM 03MAR23 THROUGH 05APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM TUE THROUGH WED FROM 03MAR23 THROUGH 05APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON MON ON 06MAR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON MON/THU FROM 09MAR23 THROUGH 05APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 46.51 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 06APR23 THROUGH 07APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 08APR23 THROUGH 09APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 46.51 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 10APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 11APR23 THROUGH 12APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 13APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 46.51 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 14APR23 THROUGH 15APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 16APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 17APR23 THROUGH 20APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 21APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 46.51 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 22APR23 THROUGH 23APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER ON 24APR23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE ' FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 25APR23 THROUGH 24MAY23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 32.56 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 25MAY23 THROUGH 26MAY23. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS. OR - MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER SURCHARGE OF USD 18.60 PER FARE COMPONENT WILL BE ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE FARE PER ANY PASSENGER FROM 27MAY23 THROUGH 31DEC25. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. THIS PEAK TRAVEL SURCHARGE IS ASSESSED ON A FARE COMPONENT BASIS.
Maximum Stay MAXIMUM STAY - NO MAXIMUM STAY REQUIREMENTS APPLY.
Eligibility ELIGIBILITY - NO ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS APPLY.
Sales Restrictions SALES RESTRICTIONS - TICKETS MAY BE ISSUED BY MAIL/PTA. TICKETS MUST BE ISSUED BY ELECTRONIC TICKETING. PTA CONSTITUTES TICKETING. TICKETS MAY NOT BE SOLD IN VENEZUELA/CUBA/RUSSIA/ BELARUS. TICKETS MAY ONLY BE SOLD IN AREA 1/AREA 2/AREA 3.
Refunds Reissues VOLUNTARY CHANGES - ENTER RD*31 OR RD'LINE NUM'*31 FOR VOLUNTARY CHGS.
Flight Applications FLIGHT APPLICATION - THE FARE COMPONENT MUST NOT BE ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AS ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY B6. AND THE FARE COMPONENT MUST BE ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ANY AA FLIGHT.
Minimum Stay MINIMUM STAY - NO MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENTS APPLY.
Embargo Dates BLACKOUT DATES - TO LAX - TRAVEL IS NOT PERMITTED 05JAN23 THROUGH 08JAN23. FROM LAX - TRAVEL IS NOT PERMITTED 08JAN23 THROUGH 11JAN23.
Penalties PENALTIES *SPECIAL EMERGENCY RULES *SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME - FOR TICKETING ON/BEFORE 31MAR21/FOR TRAVEL ON/AFTER 01MAR20 AND ON/BEFORE 31MAR21 IF TRAVEL ON THIS FARE COMPONENT MUST COMMENCE BY MIDNIGHT ON 31MAR22. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. TICKETS ISSUED ON/AFTER 01OCT20 ARE VALID FOR 1 YEAR FROM DATE OF ISSUE. CHANGES ANY TIME CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. -IF PASSENGER CANCELS TICKETED FLIGHT RESERVATION PRIOR TO TICKETED DEPARTURE TIME/ TRAVEL THAT IS REBOOKED IS VALID AS FOLLOWS. 1/WHOLLY UNUSED TICKETS ARE VALID PROVIDED TRAVEL COMMENCES WITHIN 18MONTHS FROM THE ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUE DATE AND ALL TRAVEL COMPLETED BY 31MAR22 OR 2/PARTIALLY USED TICKETS ARE VALID PROVIDED TRAVEL IS COMPLETED WITHIN 18MONTHS OR BY 31MAR22 WHICHEVER COMES FIRST FROM THE OUTBOUND TRAVEL DATE ON THE ORIGINAL TICKET. -IF TICKETED FLIGHT RESERVATION IS NOT CANCELLED PRIOR TO TICKETED DEPARTURE TIME/ REBOOKING IS NOT PERMITTED AND THE TICKET HAS NO VALUE. --- FARE DIFFERENCE MUST BE PAID AND TICKET MUST BE REISSUED WHEN ITINERARY IS REBOOKED. --- WHENEVER A NONREFUNDABLE FARE TICKET IS REISSUED TO A REFUNDABLE FARE/ A NONREFUNDABLE NOTATION MUST BE MADE IN THE ENDORSEMENT BOX OF THE NEW TICKET. THE ORIGINAL NONREFUNDABLE VALUE REMAINS NONREFUNDABLE FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT REISSUES. --- CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF AA INTERNATIONAL FARES. --- I. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OF THE JOURNEY - 1. THE ENTIRE TICKET MUST BE REPRICED WITH FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE. OR REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING THE SAME FARE BASIS CODES AND RULES AS THOSE IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUANCE FOR UNCHANGED OUTBOUND FARE COMPONENT AND USING FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE FOR ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS. 2. USE ANY AA FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES 3. ALL PROVISIONS OF THE NEW FARE I.E. ADV RSVN/MIN/MAX STAY/INVENTORY ETC MUST BE MET 4. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM THE REISSUE DATE TO THE DEPARTURE OF THE PRICING UNIT. 5. ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES PLUS THE SERVICE CHARGE MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/ THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES MAY BE RETURNED IN THE FORM OF A NONREFUNDABLE TRAVEL VOUCHER VALID FOR TRAVEL VIA AA ONLY. --- II. AFTER DEPARTURE OF THE JOURNEY - REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING THE SAME FARE BASIS CODES AND RULES AS THOSE IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUANCE FOR UNCHANGED FARE COMPONENTS OR HISTORICAL ONE WAY FARES FROM THE PREVIOUS TICKET ISSUE DATE FOR FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS AND USING FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE FOR ALL CHANGED OR UNFLOWN FARE COMPONENTS. 1.NO CHANGE IS PERMITTED TO STOPOVER/ THE FIRST FARE COMPONENT OR FARE BREAKS IF USING THE SAME FARE BASIS CODE. FARE BREAKS ALLOWED FOR THE FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS WHEN USING HISTORICAL FARES. 2.USE ANY AA ONE-WAY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES 3.ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS MUST BE MET. 4.ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF THE PRICING UNIT. 5.ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/ THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES LESS THE SERVICE CHARGE MAY BE RETURNED IN THE FORM OF A NONREFUNDABLE TRAVEL VOUCHER VALID FOR TRAVEL VIA AA ONLY. --- III. AFTER EACH TICKETED DEPARTURE TIME 1. NO CHANGES PERMITTED IF PASSENGER HAS NOT CANCELLED THE TICKETED FLIGHT RESERVATION. 2. TICKET HAS NO VALUE IF PASSENGER HAS NOT CANCELLED THE TICKETED FLIGHT RESERVATION. --- IV. IN THE CASE OF THE DEATH OF THE PASSENGER/ TRAVELING COMPANION/ THE SERVICE CHARGE MAY BE WAIVED OR THE TICKET REFUNDED. VISIT AA.COM FOR DETAILS. GENERAL RULE - APPLY UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. -TICKETS MUST BE REISSUED FOR ALL VOLUNTARY CHANGES. -CHANGES RESULTING IN A HIGHER FARE MUST BE ADD COLLECTED. -IF THE CHANGE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE THE DIFFERENCE MAY BE REFUNDED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT WITHOUT PENALTY. -CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY THOSE OF AA INTERNATIONAL FARES. -FULL REFUND WILL BE MADE OF WHOLLY UNUSED REFUNDABLE FARE TICKETS. -FOR PARTIALLY USED TICKETS/ THE REFUND WILL BE THE AMOUNT PAID MINUS THE NORMAL ONE-WAY FARE APPLICABLE TO THE TRANSPORTATION USED. --- I. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OF THE JOURNEY - CHANGES TO THE ORIGINATING FLIGHT ON THE TICKET - CANCEL AND START OVER. 1.THE ENTIRE TICKET MUST BE REPRICED WITH FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE. 2.USE ANY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES WHICH DOES NOT USE FARE TYPE EOU/ERU. 3.ALL PROVISIONS OF THE NEW FARE I.E. ADV RSVN/ MIN/MAX STAY/INVENTORY ETC MUST BE MET. 4.ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM THE REISSUE DATE TO THE DEPARTURE OF THE PRICING UNIT. 5.ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT. --- II. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OF THE JOURNEY - CHANGES TO CONTINUING/RETURN FLIGHTS WHEN THERE IS NO CHANGE TO ORIGIN/DESTINATION OR STOPOVERS. THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AND THE LOWEST SOLUTION WILL APPLY. --- A. ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE SAME FARES AS TICKETED. REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING THE SAME FARE BASIS CODE/SAME FARE LEVEL/ SAME RULES AS TICKETED/ THAT IS/ THOSE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME THE ORIGINAL TICKET WAS SOLD. 1.NO CHANGE IS PERMITTED TO STOPOVER/ THE FIRST FARE COMPONENT OR FARE BREAKS. 2.THE TICKETED FARE BASIS CODE/ SAME RULE MUST BE USED AS THE REPLACEMENT FARE FOR THE REVISED FARE COMPONENT ON THE NEW TICKET. 3.NEW FARE MUST BE EQUAL TO THE PREVIOUS FARE. COMPARE BASE FARE VALUES FOR THE REVISED FARE COMPONENT TO THAT OF THE TICKETED FARE COMPONENT. 4.ALL RULE/BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS MUST BE MET. 5.FLIGHT SPECIFIC FARES MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE TIMES SPECIFIED FOR THAT FARE. 6.ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM THE REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT. --- B. CANCEL AND START OVER. REPRICE THE ENTIRE ITINERARY USING FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE. 1.USE ANY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES WHICH DOES NOT USE FARE TYPE EOU/ERU. 2.ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF THE PRICING UNIT. 3.ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/ THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT. --- C. REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING THE SAME FARE BASIS CODES AND RULES AS THOSE IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUANCE FOR UNCHANGED FARE COMPONENTS AND USING FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE FOR ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS. 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FARE COMPONENT/FARE BREAKS UP TO THE FIRST CHANGED FARE COMPONENT. 2. THE TICKETED SAME FARE MUST BE USED ON THE FIRST FARE COMPONENT. 3. USE ANY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES WHICH DOES NOT USE FARE TYPE EUO/ERU. 4. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS MUST BE MET. 5. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT. 6. ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT. --- III. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OF THE JOURNEY- CHANGES TO THE CONTINUING/RETURN FLIGHTS WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE TO ORIGIN/DESTINATION OR STOPOVERS. --- A. CANCEL AND START OVER. REPRICE THE ENTIRE ITINERARY USING FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE. 1. USE ANY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES WHICH DOES NOT USE FARE TYPE EOU/ERU. 2. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE ' OF THE PRICING UNIT. 3. ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/ THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT. --- IV. AFTER DEPARTURE OF THE JOURNEY - WHEN THERE IS NO CHANGE TO ORIGIN/DESTINATION OR STOPOVERS. THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AND THE LOWEST SOLUTION WILL APPLY. --- A. ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE SAME FARES AS TICKETED. REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING THE SAME FARE BASIS CODE/SAME FARE LEVEL/SAME RULES AS TICKETED/THAT IS/THOSE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME THE ORIGINAL TICKET WAS SOLD. 1. NO CHANGE IS PERMITTED TO STOPOVER/THE FIRST FARE COMPONENT OR FARE BREAKS. 2. THE TICKETED ONE WAY FARE BASIS CODE/SAME RULE MUST BE USED AS THE REPLACEMENT FARE FOR THE REVISED FARE COMPONENT ON THE NEW TICKET. 3. NEW FARE MUST BE EQUAL TO THE PREVIOUS FARE. COMPARE BASE FARE VALUES FOR THE REVISED FARE COMPONENT TO THAT OF THE TICKETED FARE COMPONENT. 4. ALL RULE/BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS MUST BE MET 5. FLIGHT SPECIFIC FARES MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE TIMES SPECIFIED FOR THAT FARE. 6. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM THE REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT. --- B. REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING THE SAME FARE BASIS CODES AND RULES AS THOSE IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUANCE FOR UNCHANGED FARE COMPONENTS AND USING FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE FOR ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS. 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FARE COMPONENT/FARE BREAKS UP TO THE FIRST CHANGED FARE COMPONENT. 2. THE TICKETED SAME FARE MUST BE USED ON THE FIRST FARE COMPONENT. 3. FULLY FLOWN ONE-WAY FARE MUST NOT BE PRICED AS A HALF ROUNDTRIP. 4. USE ANY ONE-WAY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES WHICH DOES NOT USE FARE TYPE EOU/ERU. 5. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS MUST BE MET. 6. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF THE PRICING UNIT. 7. ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT. --- C. REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING HISTORICAL ONE WAY FARES FROM THE PREVIOUS TICKET ISSUE DATE FOR FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS IN AN EQUAL OR HIGHER BOOKING CLASS. USE FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE FOR ALL UNFLOWN COMPONENTS 1. FARE BREAKS FOR THE FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS MAY NOT BE CHANGED. 2. USE BOOKING CLASS HIERARCHY WHEN REPLACING FARES FOR THE FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS. THE HIERARCHY IS ECONOMY CLASS - Y B H K M L V G S N Q O BUSINESS CLASS - J D I C FIRST CLASS - F A P 3. USE ANY ONE-WAY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES WHICH DOES NOT USE FARE TYPE EOU/ERU. 4. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW FARES MUST BE MET. 5. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM THE REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF THE PRICING UNIT. 6. COMPARE THE TOTAL FROM THE ORIGINAL TICKET TO THE NEW TOTAL OF THE FLOWN AND UNFLOWN FARE COMPONENTS. 7. ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/ THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT. --- V. AFTER DEPARTURE OF THE JOURNEY - CHANGES TO CONTINUING/RETURN FLIGHTS WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE TO ORIGIN/DESTINATION OR STOPOVERS. --- A. REPRICE THE ITINERARY USING HISTORICAL ONE WAY FARES FROM THE PREVIOUS TICKET ISSUE DATE FOR FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS IN AN EQUAL OR HIGHER BOOKING CLASS. USE FARES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF NEW TICKET ISSUANCE FOR ALL UNFLOWN COMPONENTS. 1. FARE BREAKS FOR THE FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS MAY NOT BE CHANGED. 2. USE BOOKING CLASS HIERARCHY WHEN REPLACING FARES FOR FLOWN FARE COMPONENTS. THE HIERARCHY IS ECONOMY CLASS - Y B H K M L V G S N Q O BUSINESS CLASS - J D I C FIRST CLASS - F A P 3. USE ANY ONE-WAY FARE ALLOWED BY COMBINATION AND REISSUE RULES WHICH DOES NOT USE FARE TYPE EOU/ERU. 4. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW FARES MUST BE MET. 5. ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ARE MEASURED FROM THE REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF THE PRICING UNIT. 6. COMPARE THE TOTAL FROM THE ORIGINAL TICKET TO THE NEW TOTAL OF THE FLOWN AND UNFLOWN FARE COMPONENTS. 7. ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARES MUST BE COLLECTED. IF THE REPRICE RESULTS IN A LOWER FARE/ THE DIFFERENCE IN FARES WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL FORM OF PAYMENT.
Rule Application and Other Conditions RULE APPLICATION AND OTHER CONDITIONS - NOTE - THE FOLLOWING TEXT IS INFORMATIONAL AND NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. NORMAL/EXCURSION FARES APPLICATION CLASS OF SERVICE THESE FARES APPLY FOR FIRST/BUSINESS/ECONOMY/ PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS SERVICE. CAPACITY LIMITATIONS SEATS ARE LIMITED.
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HGPilot

Good point. This shows main cabin flexible and main cabin fully flexible (a lot more expensive). Do you know what the difference is? I just need a ticket that's easy to cancel.

xliioper

You just need the flexible fare for refund. Fully flexible fares don't have advance purchase requirements and basically can be changed to most any time without additional fare charges. While there will often be fare differences if you wish to change a cheaper flexible fare to a different flight on a route close to flight time (but it still remains refundable). This is the text to look for refundable fares in Penalties section of fare rules. It's easier to read fare rules on ITA Matrix which is free (or Expert Flyer which has fee). Perhaps not the most straightforward, but pretty much all airlines use the same basic "Cancellations permitted" text for refundable fares. It is what it is.



This is what the section says on non-refundable fares which is more obvious.

HGPilot

Got it thanks and ticker booked as main cabin flexible. If I don't cancel before travel do you know if I forfeit the funds?

ijgordon

This does NOT look refundable to me. It does not have "cancellations permitted", only "changes permitted" and it notes that if the reservation is not canceled prior to the departure of the flight, the ticket loses value. Most refundable fares do not have this requirement. But OTOH, it also does not say non-refundable. So color me

Also, while I would certainly defer to xiiloper on the intricacies of fare rules, and without checking how AA.com categorizes things, I would interpret "flexible" to mean you can change without a fee (which is basically everything but basic economy), and "fully flexible" to mean it's refundable. Of course if AA.com says something different, then go by that (and take screen caps!)

xliioper

I copied the fare rules from this specific AA fare from EF, and as shown above, it says "CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED" under Cancellations sub-section of Penalties section. It is also in the text OP posted, but it's hard to spot as AA just mashes all the fare rule text together rather than presenting it in a reasonably formatted layout. Fully flexible fares will have exact same text in Cancellations section, and as in fare rules above, this is the only indication you will get that a fare is refundable. Some refundable fares can have fees for refunds, but they are pretty much only on international routes and any fees will be called out in the Penalties section.

In pre-Covid times, refundable fares used to be limited to only certain high fare classes that generally had no advance purchase requirements. Since Covid hit, they have introduced a whole range of refundable fares with a fairly modest upcharge and which have the same advance purchase terms and other restrictions of the underlying non-refundable variants. You can see from Advance Reservation restrictions section above that this particular fare has a 7 day advance purchase requirement. Fully flexible fares are more like traditional refundable fares with no advance purchase requirement. But both flexible and fully flexible are ultimately refundable as AA notes when you select their feature lists. The reason for purchasing a fully flexible fare might be if you are purchasing it for someone else and their flight plans are likely to change (say a busy executive / VIP type) and you want to provide them the ability to change flights without getting hit with fare difference charges in most cases. Aside from the routes that have Flexible fares with fees for refunds, I'd consider the Fully Flexible fares to be mostly a marketing gimmick.

NYC Flyer

Although the fare rules do not appear to include "no show" restrictions, I'd encourage you to cancel in the AA app prior to departure time to avoid hassle. Don't check in ahead of time if there's a meaningful chance you won't fly the AA ticket--this will make cancelling your reservation more complicated and time-consuming.

ijgordon

Hmm, I did a CTRL-F to search for it in the gobbledegook text that the OP posted, but I could have sworn it wasn't there. I do see the cancellations permitted language now. FWIW, I think many/most other airlines have virtually no text in the penalties section other than "changes/cancellations permitted" which of course makes it much easier to ascertain the refundability. These AA rules are an absurd mess. Like why are those "special emergency rules" still in there?? They're totally irrelevant now!