You’ve already booked your American Airlines ticket, but your itinerary has unexpectedly changed. Perhaps you needed to reschedule a meeting, postpone your trip, or simply realized you wanted to fly out the day before. Totally typical, right? Here comes the question that we all want to know: how much will American Airlines charge me if I want to change my itinerary? This is what we will go through so you understand what to expect.
The Big Update: No Change Fees for Most Flights
This is the good news: a few years ago, American Airlines made a substantial policy shift. Most domestic and international flights now do not charge a change fee.
It means that whether flying within the United States, Puerto Rico, or the United States Virgin Islands, you can change your ticket without incurring additional fees. It is true for the majority of long-distance international flights, as well as when flying in the Main Cabin or higher.
However, if your new ticket costs more than your old flight, you must still pay the difference in fare. If the new flight is less expensive, you may be granted a travel credit that can be used later. Have questions or need to speak with someone directly? Contact American Airlines support at +1 (855) 510-7629 for quick assistance.
Where Fees Still Apply
Not all tickets are now covered by the no-change charge policy. American Airlines is generous, yet they do not have any rules. Here are the major exceptions:
- Basic Economy tickets have the most restricted pricing. In most situations, they are not changed at all after booking. Exceptions may apply during certain promotions or travel waivers, but these tickets will typically tie you up.
- Same-day flight changes: If you want to change your flight (domestically) to another flight, it typically costs $75, unless you have elite status with AAdvantage or are traveling in a premium cabin.
- Flights outside of the covered routes: Despite the fact that some long-haul flights are subject to change fees based on destination and price type, a fee is demanded.
As a result, the amount is primarily decided by the type of ticket purchased. If you’re unsure, you can always speak to an expert by calling the American Airlines Change Flight support at +1 (855) 510-7629.
Breaking Down the Fare Difference
Individuals are usually at a crossroads. Even if no official change charge is specified, your payment may exceed the needed amount. Why? Because your original ticket cost $300 and the new ticket costs $450, you must pay the difference in price.
However, if your new flight is cheaper, American will not just refund the difference in price. In most cases, you will be awarded a flight credit that can be used on future flights.
Tips to Keep Costs Low When Changing
This is what I’ve discovered while juggling American Airlines bookings:
- Book in advance. The closer Sawer’s misbooking gets to the travel date, the higher the ticket tends to be. A change from the preceding one usually results in a smaller variation in fares.
- Compare flights on many airlines. A simple change (such as a flight departing a couple of hours earlier or later) can cost you a significant amount of money.
- Give travel credit: When fares drop, don’t throw away those credits; they’ll come in handy on your next flight.
- Take use of elite rank. AAdvantage customers with top tiers typically receive free same-day modifications.
Conclusion
This is a major win for the travelers, as at the end of the day, America has made its policy much more lenient than previously. When you have a trip to make and believe that you will change your mind about what you want to do, then just check your fare type before making your booking; that small thing is the difference between your success and failure.
If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to call +1 (855) 510-7629.
