How Much Does It Cost to Change a Flight on American Airlines?

Do you want to change a flight on American Airlines?  But, do you know you may need to pay American Airlines change flight fee in some circumstances? Therefore, it is important to know them in advance. Being a passenger friendly airline, American Airlines allows its passengers to change flights for free except in certain conditions. However, they still need to pay the fare difference. 

Change to sameday flight for the same itinerary can attract a change fee. So, it is important to understand American Airlines fee rules before changing a flight. To learn more read the blog properly.  

American Airlines Change Flight Rules

Before you proceed with changing flight on American Airlines, check the following terms and conditions:

  • American Airlines provides a full refund to change flight in 24-hour of reservation. This rule applies to all refundable and non refundable tickets.
  • Passengers should reserve their tickets a minimum two days prior to flight. 
  • American Airlines asks for a fee for same-day flight changes. 
  • You can change a refundable ticket without any cost.
  • However, for changes to non refundable tickets, you should pay American Airlines change flight fee and  the fare difference.
  • AAdvantage members can skip the charges. 
  • Same day flight change is possible only for American Airlines / American Eagle operated flights. 
  • All passengers can standby on earlier flights. However, AAdvantage status members can also standby for later day flight. 
  • You can not make changes to a flight when you buy a Basic Economy fare. 

Note: Same day flight changes are possible depending on the availability. 

How much is a Flight Change fee on American Airlines?

American Airlines does not charge a flight change fee. However, you may need to pay it when you opt for a same day flight change. The fee can differ with different conditions. Check out the table below for more clarity.

Destinations

Same Day Flight Change

Standby Flight 

U.S, U.S virgin islands, Puerto rico

Begins at $60

$0

Canada and the Caribbean

Begins at $60

Not available

Between /via 

Begins at $150

Not Available

Note: American Airlines can change the above charges as per its policies. Therefore, check the prices on its website before making the changes.

How to Change American Airlines Flights without Fee?

American Airlines lets you change a flight without fee in 24 hours of booking and two days before departure. However, there are some other conditions when you can change the flight without paying for it. Below table will help you understand better.

Passenger/ fare class 

Confirmed flight change

Standby

AAdvantage platinum pro / AAdvantage executive platinum status(along with companions)

Free 

Free

Economy(except basic economy), First, Business, AirPass

Free 

Free

First /business class award ticket

Free

Free

AAdvantage Gold status /AAdvantage Platinum (maximum 8 companions in single reservations)

Not sure

Free 

Oneworld Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire status (maximum 8 companions in single reservation

Not sure

Free

Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100k

Free 

Free

Active U.S military personnel (on duty or personal travel)

Not sure

Free


Will I Be Charged to Change a Reservation Made by a Travel Agency or Another website?

You do not need to pay an additional fee for changes when you make booking through a travel agency or other website. However, you have to do the changes on American Airlines official website. Further, you have to make the subsequent changes on the American Airlines website or call the American Airlines reservations only. 

How American Airlines Flight Change Fee Waiver Works in Uncontrollable Events?

Uncontrollable events may require you to change your flight dates. However, you can waive your change fee in that situation.  For example, currently, there is a flood situation in Porto Alegre Region in Brazil. Therefore, you can waive American Airlines change flight fee during the journey to and from the following destinations:

  • Caxias do Sul, Brazil 
  • Passo Fundo, Brazil 
  • Chapeco, Brazil 
  • Pelotas, Brazil 
  • Santo Angelo, Brazil 
  • Porto Alegre, Brazil 

However, you need to meet the following conditions:

  • Booked any fare class on AA flight.
  • Bought ticket last by 6 May 2024
  • Travel date is between 6 May and 31 August 2024
  • Change flight date between 12 May and 20 September 2024

Note: Changes only to particular destinations can help you get the fee waiver. However, pay for the fare difference. For example 

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FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions)

No. American Airlines usually does not charge a flight change fee. However, you may need to pay a fare difference. You may need to pay the fee for the same day flight change.

American Airlines has no change fee except for the same day flight change. However, passengers need to pay for the fare difference.

American Airlines does not allow changes in Basic economy tickets. For other economy tickets there is no fee except for same day flight change.