Oct 28, 15, 1:22 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)
Sep 14, 23, 11:41 am
#1531
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 11,676
I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I couldn't find it in the search. Our JFK-LHR-MXP November 2023 itinerary in paid J has just been hit with a BA schedule change getting us into MXP at 16:50 instead of 12:20. One-stop alternatives I found on EF were not appealing (65 minutes in LHR or 1:30 in MAD). I called the EXP line and they said they couldn't put me on the AA198 nonstop JFK-MXP. Is this true, or is this a HUCA?
Sep 14, 23, 11:56 am
#1532
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 229
UPDATE: We're on the nonstop, which is what I originally wanted to book anyway. Thanks for the schedule change, BA!
Last edited by sambagrrl07; Sep 14, 23 at 3:45 pm
Sep 15, 23, 9:48 am
#1533
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVP 75k, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 442
At least they will protect you if there's an issue. There are other routes to Hawaii (although if you reroute you will lose your lieflats)
I had a similar situation where I was actually self-connecting on an award flight (PHX-LAX) to a paid flight (LAX-HND). My paid flight moved earlier, my award moved later, and I had to leave the airport to get a covid test in between flights, so I wasn't comfortable with the time between flights any more.
I explained an this to an agent, she asked me which PHX-LAX flight I wanted, I told her, and she gave it to me. But I suspect that this is against policy and is an unpublished YMMV EXP benefit. The award flight hadn't moved by anywhere near long enough to trigger the ability to rebook with no fare difference. I think 4 hr is the minimum, though I could be wrong about that.
I would call again and ask. You might want to mention that you are traveling with an elderly traveler and are no longer comfortable with the connection time (leave out the part about it being the last flight of the day). Edit: I missed the part about it being an overnight connection. I would still can and ask though.
If that fails you can try for a SDC when you check in.
And if that fails, just fly it. You'll probably be fine.
I had a similar situation where I was actually self-connecting on an award flight (PHX-LAX) to a paid flight (LAX-HND). My paid flight moved earlier, my award moved later, and I had to leave the airport to get a covid test in between flights, so I wasn't comfortable with the time between flights any more.
I explained an this to an agent, she asked me which PHX-LAX flight I wanted, I told her, and she gave it to me. But I suspect that this is against policy and is an unpublished YMMV EXP benefit. The award flight hadn't moved by anywhere near long enough to trigger the ability to rebook with no fare difference. I think 4 hr is the minimum, though I could be wrong about that.
I would call again and ask.
If that fails you can try for a SDC when you check in.
And if that fails, just fly it. You'll probably be fine.
I don't think I have ever had an itinerary have so many changes. Every segment, five in total, had changed times and 4 changed flight numbers.
Sep 16, 23, 8:05 pm
#1534
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVP 75k, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 442
Schedule change on partner flight ticketed by AA
I have flights booked with AA that include a segment on HA. All five of the flights have changed since booking. I called in yesterday to make an adjustment on an AA flight that gave us too short of a layover with the longest flight. I had not noticed that there was another HA flight that is later that would give us a better layover (1.5 hrs vs 4 hrs), which is closer to what the original flight was. I was told that since I had called in yesterday and made a change it was now too late to do anything else, that I had accepted the change. It would cost $800 each to change the flight. She told me she was adding into the notes that there were no more changes allowed then hung up on me.
If a ticket is issued by AA but has a segment on HA, can I call HA and see if they are willing to change the HA flight segment for me? Do I have any other options? Can this be done at the AC lounge? Flagship? Airport in HNL?
I am frustrated by all the changes to the schedule and trying to get them all fixed. I have been on hold/calls with AA for 3-4 hours in the past few days. I have 4 FC/BC tix to Hawaii that were booked in May. Since then one pax has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and finishes 20+ treatments of radiation the day before we leave. The difference between 4 hrs and 1.5 hrs will add up as they won't be back home until about 24 hours later with flights and a 3 hr car ride after finishing flying. Maybe I am asking too much, but it seems like putting us on a later flight, that has the seats available, is a no brainer. If it was just me I wouldn't really care as much.
If a ticket is issued by AA but has a segment on HA, can I call HA and see if they are willing to change the HA flight segment for me? Do I have any other options? Can this be done at the AC lounge? Flagship? Airport in HNL?
I am frustrated by all the changes to the schedule and trying to get them all fixed. I have been on hold/calls with AA for 3-4 hours in the past few days. I have 4 FC/BC tix to Hawaii that were booked in May. Since then one pax has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and finishes 20+ treatments of radiation the day before we leave. The difference between 4 hrs and 1.5 hrs will add up as they won't be back home until about 24 hours later with flights and a 3 hr car ride after finishing flying. Maybe I am asking too much, but it seems like putting us on a later flight, that has the seats available, is a no brainer. If it was just me I wouldn't really care as much.
Sep 17, 23, 2:14 am
#1535
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,111
With tthe schedule change , you were entitled to 1 free change. Since you have made and accepted the new itinerary, if you want to make another change it is a voluntary change and you will have to pay any fees/fare difference applicable
Phoning HA directly will not get around this
Phoning HA directly will not get around this
Sep 17, 23, 11:33 am
#1537
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,045
Since then one pax has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and finishes 20+ treatments of radiation the day before we leave. The difference between 4 hrs and 1.5 hrs will add up as they won't be back home until about 24 hours later with flights and a 3 hr car ride after finishing flying. Maybe I am asking too much, but it seems like putting us on a later flight, that has the seats available, is a no brainer. If it was just me I wouldn't really care as much.
Sep 17, 23, 12:56 pm
#1538
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: YYZ & CAE
Programs: AC, AA, TK, OW Emerald
Posts: 1,000
Since then one pax has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and finishes 20+ treatments of radiation the day before we leave. The difference between 4 hrs and 1.5 hrs will add up as they won't be back home until about 24 hours later with flights and a 3 hr car ride after finishing flying. Maybe I am asking too much, but it seems like putting us on a later flight, that has the seats available, is a no brainer. If it was just me I wouldn't really care as much.
Sep 17, 23, 2:31 pm
#1539
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,111
Sep 18, 23, 2:44 pm
#1540
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVP 75k, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 442
Thanks for all the input. The info on the change is not what I wanted to hear, but I guess it is out of my hands.
As far as taking the trip, they are set on doing it, no matter what. So far, 16 treatments in, he seems to be doing well, but I know it is supposed to get worse as it goes. They won't listen to me.
The tumor is on his hip/leg, so can affect his walking, so we are planning wheelchairs/scooters in case. We will just see what happens I guess! We do have lie flat seats and first class all the way, to help give him as much comfort as possible.
As far as taking the trip, they are set on doing it, no matter what. So far, 16 treatments in, he seems to be doing well, but I know it is supposed to get worse as it goes. They won't listen to me.
The tumor is on his hip/leg, so can affect his walking, so we are planning wheelchairs/scooters in case. We will just see what happens I guess! We do have lie flat seats and first class all the way, to help give him as much comfort as possible.
Sep 18, 23, 3:51 pm
#1541
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,907
Thanks for all the input. The info on the change is not what I wanted to hear, but I guess it is out of my hands.
As far as taking the trip, they are set on doing it, no matter what. So far, 16 treatments in, he seems to be doing well, but I know it is supposed to get worse as it goes. They won't listen to me. The tumor is on his hip/leg, so can affect his walking, so we are planning wheelchairs/scooters in case. We will just see what happens I guess! We do have lie flat seats and first class all the way, to help give him as much comfort as possible.
As far as taking the trip, they are set on doing it, no matter what. So far, 16 treatments in, he seems to be doing well, but I know it is supposed to get worse as it goes. They won't listen to me.
The tumor is on his hip/leg, so can affect his walking, so we are planning wheelchairs/scooters in case. We will just see what happens I guess! We do have lie flat seats and first class all the way, to help give him as much comfort as possible.
Sep 20, 23, 11:32 pm
#1543
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 386
As far as question 2, you can upfare "one half" of a round trip ticket.
You might even look at Premium Economy seats on a wide body flight to DFW or CLT, equivalent of Domestic First seat on a B738/A321... if the upfare to J is too much $$$.
They do sell PE as its own class on widebody flights to/from Hawaii. Would be a workable setup for your crew, a bit more comfy than standard Y.
You might even look at Premium Economy seats on a wide body flight to DFW or CLT, equivalent of Domestic First seat on a B738/A321... if the upfare to J is too much $$$.
They do sell PE as its own class on widebody flights to/from Hawaii. Would be a workable setup for your crew, a bit more comfy than standard Y.
Sep 21, 23, 5:43 am
#1544
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 11,676
OK, so I spoke to the phone AAgent, and successfully moved to a widebody to DFW. I'm now trying to upgrade to premium plus, but when I search using the flight change tool it only shows two columns. The columns are titled "main" and "premium" and the results for the particular flight (a 788) are for main cabin and flagship. How do I upgrade to only premium plus? Do I have to call again?
Another option is to just check your reservation online and in the app and see if AA is offering any type of buy-up upgrade offer.
Sep 23, 23, 2:42 am
#1545
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,053
running into an issue. basically booked JFK-LHR-MAD-Bilbao
JFK-LHR is a day flight on dec 24 which i obviously booked for very specific reasons
now BA cancelled the LHR-MAD flight 25 DEC however the AAgent is not able to find any flights on that day to put me on because of a married segment issue despite this being a cash/biz ticket with an overnight stopover and is insisting that the only way they can put me on a flight the following day to MAD is if i take an overnight from JFK-LHR which i absolutely do not want.
thoughts? i wanted to depart from LGW but with AA at least they do not consider it a co-terminal and would result in re-pricing.
have i just gotten a bad agent? i ended up hanging up because nothing about this sits right with me and wanted to get some insights before calling back. thanks!
JFK-LHR is a day flight on dec 24 which i obviously booked for very specific reasons
now BA cancelled the LHR-MAD flight 25 DEC however the AAgent is not able to find any flights on that day to put me on because of a married segment issue despite this being a cash/biz ticket with an overnight stopover and is insisting that the only way they can put me on a flight the following day to MAD is if i take an overnight from JFK-LHR which i absolutely do not want.
thoughts? i wanted to depart from LGW but with AA at least they do not consider it a co-terminal and would result in re-pricing.
have i just gotten a bad agent? i ended up hanging up because nothing about this sits right with me and wanted to get some insights before calling back. thanks!
