American Airlines·oneworld
American Cancellation & Refund Policy
American Cancellation & Refund Policy — Summary
American refund rules: refundable vs non-refundable fares, travel credit validity, and when US DOT rules entitle you to cash back instead of a voucher.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Refundable fares: Refundable fares refund to the original payment method through the Refunds page on aa.com without contacting an agent..
- Non-refundable fares: Non-refundable tickets cancelled before departure become a Trip Credit or Flight Credit depending on how the cancellation was processed..
- How long credits last: American Trip Credits and Flight Credits are generally valid for one year from the original issue date of the ticket..
- Your rights when the airline cancels: Cancellation or significant schedule change by American entitles you to a cash refund if you decline the rebooking, automatically under DOT rules..
Refundable fares
Refundable fares refund to the original payment method through the Refunds page on aa.com without contacting an agent.
Non-refundable fares
Non-refundable tickets cancelled before departure become a Trip Credit or Flight Credit depending on how the cancellation was processed.
How long credits last
American Trip Credits and Flight Credits are generally valid for one year from the original issue date of the ticket.
Your rights when the airline cancels
Cancellation or significant schedule change by American entitles you to a cash refund if you decline the rebooking, automatically under DOT rules.
Cancelling before departure
No-show forfeits the full ticket value on non-refundable fares. Cancel before departure to preserve a trip credit.
How to request a refund
aa.com and the American app handle rebooking, seat changes, refund requests and bag tracking. The Refunds page is genuinely self-service and avoids a phone queue entirely.
If the airline does not respond
Use the Customer Relations form on aa.com. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the US DOT.
American cancellations & refunds — common questions
Can I get a refund from American?
Refundable fares refund to the original payment method through the Refunds page on aa.com without contacting an agent. Non-refundable tickets cancelled before departure become a Trip Credit or Flight Credit depending on how the cancellation was processed.
How long is a American travel credit valid?
American Trip Credits and Flight Credits are generally valid for one year from the original issue date of the ticket.
Do I get cash back if American cancels my flight?
Cancellation or significant schedule change by American entitles you to a cash refund if you decline the rebooking, automatically under DOT rules.
More American help
Booking American? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.