+1-833-845-1858 Does American have a cancellation policy?

American Airlines has a cancellation policy that offers different options based on the type of ticket you purchase. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and the flight is at least two days away, you are eligible for a full refund, no matter what type of ticket you have. This is called the 24-hour cancellation policy and it applies even to nonrefundable tickets, as long as you booked directly with American Airlines. For refundable tickets, you can cancel at any time before the flight and get your money back to your original payment method. Refunds are usually processed within 7 days if you paid by credit card, or up to 20 days for other payment methods. Nonrefundable tickets do not qualify for a refund unless there is a major change, like the airline cancels your flight, delays it significantly, or there is a serious reason such as the death of a passenger or military orders. In those special cases, American Airlines might allow a refund even on nonrefundable tickets. Otherwise, if you cancel a nonrefundable ticket, you wont get your money back, but you will usually get a travel credit that can be used for a future flight. This credit is generally valid for one year from the date the original ticket was issued. For Basic Economy tickets, which are the most limited, you can cancel within the 24-hour booking window for a full refund if it meets the conditions. But after 24 hours, Basic Economy tickets are not refundable or changeable. Sometimes, you might still get a travel credit after canceling a Basic Economy fare, but it comes with a fee deducted from the value. Travel credits are not money back, but a value stored in your account to use for booking another flight with American Airlines within a specific time. If American Airlines cancels your flight or makes a big change to your itinerary, you have the right to request a refund even on a nonrefundable ticket. You need to submit a refund request online through their official website or contact customer service. If you booked through a travel agent or a third-party site, youll need to work with them directly for your refund or credit. American Airlines advises that refund requests should be made within the ticket validity period, which is usually one year from when the ticket was issued. Its important to note that processing times can vary, and refunds are not always immediate. The airline may require documents for certain refund situations, such as a death certificate or military orders. Each situation is reviewed individually. In general, if you buy a more flexible fare, like a refundable or Main Cabin ticket, youll have more options for changes and cancellations. Less flexible fares like Basic Economy come with more restrictions. Always check the specific fare rules at the time of booking so you understand what your options are if you need to cancel. Even with travel credits, some tickets might involve fees or limitations on how and when you can use the credit. These details are available in your booking information. American Airlines' cancellation policy is designed to give customers flexibility when plans change, but the best outcomes usually depend on the type of ticket purchased and how far in advance you cancel. It's always a good idea to check your booking confirmation and fare rules before making any cancellation to understand your rights and what refunds or credits you may be eligible for.