New American Airlines Refunds Policy (Latest)

Apr 29

19:41

2024

Jane Scaplen

Confused by American Airlines' new refund policy? Get the details on DOT rules, refundable tickets, processing times & more! Avoid cancellation fees & know your rights.

There are actually two key points to consider regarding American Airlines' refund policy:

1. Recent Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations:

In recent consumer-friendly moves, the Biden-Harris administration implemented new Department of Transportation regulations. These require airlines to automatically issue refunds to passengers for cancelled flights, eliminating the need for explicit requests or lengthy processes. This applies to American Airlines just like any other US carrier.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Automatic Refunds: Airlines must now automatically issue refunds for cancelled flights.
Refund Timeframes: The timeframe for receiving a refund depends on your payment method:
- Credit Card: Refunds must be processed within 7 business days.
- Cash or Other Payment Methods: Refunds must be issued within 20 calendar days.
Refund Amount: You're entitled to a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, minus any value used for completed parts of the journey.
Transparency in Fees: Airlines are required to disclose any change or cancellation fees upfront, so you're aware of the costs before booking.

2. American Airlines Specific Refund Policy:

American Airlines also has its own refund policy that applies alongside the DOT regulations. Here are some important things to remember:

Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets: This distinction remains crucial. Refundable tickets (often more expensive) allow for easier returns, while non-refundable tickets typically come with stricter limitations and fees.
Processing Times: American Airlines aims to process refund requests within:
- 7 business days for credit card purchases
- 20 business days for cash or other payment methods

Important Caveats:

International Tickets: The DOT regulations and American Airlines' specific timelines may have exceptions for international tickets. It's always wise to double-check for these specific fares.
Fare Adjustments: Fare adjustments might also follow different rules.
Currency: Refunds for tickets purchased in international currencies may have different processing times.

Faqs:

Do you get a refund on American Airlines?

Generally, yes. Thanks to recent DOT regulations, airlines are required to automatically issue refunds for cancelled flights. American Airlines also has its own refund policy, but in cases of cancellation, the DOT regulation applies first. However, the refundability of your ticket depends on whether it's refundable or non-refundable.

How do I know if my American Airlines ticket is fully refundable?

American Airlines offers different fare classes, and some are refundable while others are not. The fare conditions will clearly state whether your ticket is refundable. You can usually find this information on your ticket or confirmation email.

Can I get my money back if I cancel my flight?

Whether you get a refund for a cancelled flight depends on the type of ticket you purchased (refundable vs. non-refundable) and the reason for cancellation. The DOT regulations apply to cancellations by the airline, but for cancellations you initiate, American Airlines' specific refund policy applies. Generally, non-refundable tickets won't get a full refund if you cancel, but may qualify for a travel credit. Check the fare conditions or contact American Airlines for clarification.

Is American Airlines main economy refundable?

This depends on the specific fare you purchased within the "Main Economy" class. Some may be refundable, while others may not. Always check the fare conditions for your specific ticket.