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)
Aug 22, 2021, 10:16 am
#1036
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
I think practically every class of aircraft had an issue or two when it first started out: the 787 introduction has been pretty smooth.
Aug 22, 2021, 10:24 am
#1037
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: California
Programs: American, SWA, United, IHG,Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,843
The Li-Ion battery has been smooth!? Although I don’t think the posters concern is valid anymore. perhaps if he was flying a Bolt made by GM lol
Aug 22, 2021, 10:30 am
#1038
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 907
I called AA and the first agent I spoke to was quite happy to move me with no pushback whatsoever, even with the basic economy ticket.
Back to my original question… an unacceptable equipment change even in basic economy is clearly eligible (I.e., non-discretionary) for a refund per the International (not domestic) conditions of carriage. However, it isn’t clear (at least to me) whether rebooking on an alternative flight is only discretionary or not. I guess it comes down to the interpretation of “resulting from the rerouting” wording in the conditions of carriage. Some of the above responses indicate it is discretionary and therefore not required on the part of AA.
Aug 22, 2021, 11:50 am
#1039
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
It was actually very smooth. The 787 was a in very, very early production stage when it was grounded - in January 2017: a total of about 60 aircraft had been delivered. The battery issue was dealt with and the aircraft have all returned to service. Nearly 1,000 787s have been delivered since then. Since the plane entered service in 2011, there has not been a single loss of a 787. Not. One.
Aug 22, 2021, 12:43 pm
#1040
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
The maintenance concerns are supplementary to loss of, when booked, two seats at the front of MCE on 777 (vs 3 on 787).
I called AA and the first agent I spoke to was quite happy to move me with no pushback whatsoever, even with the basic economy ticket.
Back to my original question… an unacceptable equipment change even in basic economy is clearly eligible (I.e., non-discretionary) for a refund per the International (not domestic) conditions of carriage. However, it isn’t clear (at least to me) whether rebooking on an alternative flight is only discretionary or not. I guess it comes down to the interpretation of “resulting from the rerouting” wording in the conditions of carriage. Some of the above responses indicate it is discretionary and therefore not required on the part of AA.
I called AA and the first agent I spoke to was quite happy to move me with no pushback whatsoever, even with the basic economy ticket.
Back to my original question… an unacceptable equipment change even in basic economy is clearly eligible (I.e., non-discretionary) for a refund per the International (not domestic) conditions of carriage. However, it isn’t clear (at least to me) whether rebooking on an alternative flight is only discretionary or not. I guess it comes down to the interpretation of “resulting from the rerouting” wording in the conditions of carriage. Some of the above responses indicate it is discretionary and therefore not required on the part of AA.
Oct 15, 2021, 7:01 am
#1041
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold & GGL & CCR, HH Diam, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Spire, Tastecard
Posts: 7,549
quick question.
have an AA itinerary for November which has had a number of flight changes and doesn't work for us anymore.
I spoke to an AA agent just now (regarding a different ticket which I cancelled) and asked about eligibility of moving flights or getting a refund.
For background, it's an International ticket UK - US with quite a few connection stops and includes AY metal on the return legs. The return journey changed timing wise to 75 mins earlier departure and 4 hours 35 mins later arrival.
The agent to me that we were eligible for a full refund but that it was not possible to move the ticket to next year - she said it was only possible to move flights to within a 24 hour window. Is that correct?
Getting a full refund is acceptable but we had a decent fare and so were hoping to move the flights to either April or June.
Thanks in advance.
have an AA itinerary for November which has had a number of flight changes and doesn't work for us anymore.
I spoke to an AA agent just now (regarding a different ticket which I cancelled) and asked about eligibility of moving flights or getting a refund.
For background, it's an International ticket UK - US with quite a few connection stops and includes AY metal on the return legs. The return journey changed timing wise to 75 mins earlier departure and 4 hours 35 mins later arrival.
The agent to me that we were eligible for a full refund but that it was not possible to move the ticket to next year - she said it was only possible to move flights to within a 24 hour window. Is that correct?
Getting a full refund is acceptable but we had a decent fare and so were hoping to move the flights to either April or June.
Thanks in advance.
Oct 15, 2021, 7:07 am
#1042
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
quick question.
have an AA itinerary for November which has had a number of flight changes and doesn't work for us anymore.
I spoke to an AA agent just now (regarding a different ticket which I cancelled) and asked about eligibility of moving flights or getting a refund.
For background, it's an International ticket UK - US with quite a few connection stops and includes AY metal on the return legs. The return journey changed timing wise to 75 mins earlier departure and 4 hours 35 mins later arrival.
The agent to me that we were eligible for a full refund but that it was not possible to move the ticket to next year - she said it was only possible to move flights to within a 24 hour window. Is that correct?
Getting a full refund is acceptable but we had a decent fare and so were hoping to move the flights to either April or June.
Thanks in advance.
have an AA itinerary for November which has had a number of flight changes and doesn't work for us anymore.
I spoke to an AA agent just now (regarding a different ticket which I cancelled) and asked about eligibility of moving flights or getting a refund.
For background, it's an International ticket UK - US with quite a few connection stops and includes AY metal on the return legs. The return journey changed timing wise to 75 mins earlier departure and 4 hours 35 mins later arrival.
The agent to me that we were eligible for a full refund but that it was not possible to move the ticket to next year - she said it was only possible to move flights to within a 24 hour window. Is that correct?
Getting a full refund is acceptable but we had a decent fare and so were hoping to move the flights to either April or June.
Thanks in advance.
If there is a schedule change or cancellation on an AA booking and if there are options available within -24/+24 hours of the original travel date, you are not permitted to move the dates free to a future date without paying fare difference.
Oct 15, 2021, 7:12 am
#1043
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold & GGL & CCR, HH Diam, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Spire, Tastecard
Posts: 7,549
Unfortunately, that is correct. AA is not offering the flexibility that BA does regarding date changes.
If there is a schedule change or cancellation on an AA booking and if there are options available within -24/+24 hours of the original travel date, you are not permitted to move the dates free to a future date without paying fare difference.
If there is a schedule change or cancellation on an AA booking and if there are options available within -24/+24 hours of the original travel date, you are not permitted to move the dates free to a future date without paying fare difference.
Odd, given that that means we'll just take the money back and either rebook or do something else with the money rather than keeping it in AA's coffers but c'est la vie I guess.
Happy Friday!
Oct 15, 2021, 7:24 am
#1044
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
you’re lucky that it was a 4 hour delayed arrival. If it was three hours and 59 minutes, you would not be eligible for a refund or a date change without fare difference under the new, harsh rules.
Nov 10, 2021, 11:18 am
#1045
Join Date: May 2019
Programs: AA
Posts: 344
Question: is this a case of HUCA?
Was booked in business on a Finnair codeshare, LAX - HEL - SVO. Finnair cancelled LAX - HEL. Looking to change to Qatar LAX - DOH - SVO. AAgent said I couldn't change to Qatar. Is that correct? (guidance below from Schedule change manual)
AA*(Codeshare) AA*/JB – operating carrier is AY/BA/IB/JL/QF
May book AA*/oneworld flight or oneworld prime, maintaining same origin/destination, same ticketed inventory or equivalent RBD inventory for ticketed fare when booking oneworld prime
Was booked in business on a Finnair codeshare, LAX - HEL - SVO. Finnair cancelled LAX - HEL. Looking to change to Qatar LAX - DOH - SVO. AAgent said I couldn't change to Qatar. Is that correct? (guidance below from Schedule change manual)
AA*(Codeshare) AA*/JB – operating carrier is AY/BA/IB/JL/QF
May book AA*/oneworld flight or oneworld prime, maintaining same origin/destination, same ticketed inventory or equivalent RBD inventory for ticketed fare when booking oneworld prime
Nov 10, 2021, 11:30 am
#1046
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Question: is this a case of HUCA?
Was booked in business on a Finnair codeshare, LAX - HEL - SVO. Finnair cancelled LAX - HEL. Looking to change to Qatar LAX - DOH - SVO. AAgent said I couldn't change to Qatar. Is that correct? (guidance below from Schedule change manual)
AA*(Codeshare) AA*/JB – operating carrier is AY/BA/IB/JL/QF
May book AA*/oneworld flight or oneworld prime, maintaining same origin/destination, same ticketed inventory or equivalent RBD inventory for ticketed fare when booking oneworld prime
Was booked in business on a Finnair codeshare, LAX - HEL - SVO. Finnair cancelled LAX - HEL. Looking to change to Qatar LAX - DOH - SVO. AAgent said I couldn't change to Qatar. Is that correct? (guidance below from Schedule change manual)
AA*(Codeshare) AA*/JB – operating carrier is AY/BA/IB/JL/QF
May book AA*/oneworld flight or oneworld prime, maintaining same origin/destination, same ticketed inventory or equivalent RBD inventory for ticketed fare when booking oneworld prime
Nov 10, 2021, 2:50 pm
#1047
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Question: is this a case of HUCA?
Was booked in business on a Finnair codeshare, LAX - HEL - SVO. Finnair cancelled LAX - HEL. Looking to change to Qatar LAX - DOH - SVO. AAgent said I couldn't change to Qatar. Is that correct? (guidance below from Schedule change manual)
AA*(Codeshare) AA*/JB – operating carrier is AY/BA/IB/JL/QF
May book AA*/oneworld flight or oneworld prime, maintaining same origin/destination, same ticketed inventory or equivalent RBD inventory for ticketed fare when booking oneworld prime
Was booked in business on a Finnair codeshare, LAX - HEL - SVO. Finnair cancelled LAX - HEL. Looking to change to Qatar LAX - DOH - SVO. AAgent said I couldn't change to Qatar. Is that correct? (guidance below from Schedule change manual)
AA*(Codeshare) AA*/JB – operating carrier is AY/BA/IB/JL/QF
May book AA*/oneworld flight or oneworld prime, maintaining same origin/destination, same ticketed inventory or equivalent RBD inventory for ticketed fare when booking oneworld prime
Nov 10, 2021, 2:53 pm
#1048
Join Date: May 2019
Programs: AA
Posts: 344
You can certainly try, you might get an agent willing to do it. If you were booked on an AY prime flight, I think you'd have a much stronger case to ask to be rebooked on QR prime flights. Since you were booked on an AA codeshare on an AY-operated flight, it would be easier to ask for flights with AA or AY codes. Unfortunately, I don't see any on QR metal on a random date I checked (since you didn't say which dates you're flying). I did see LAX-ORD/JFK-HEL-SVO.
Nov 18, 2021, 6:45 pm
#1050
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,947