Travel updates
Travel flexibility
Life changes … and so do we
We’re making travel easier by giving you even more flexibility and the freedom to make your own choices when you fly with us.
Here’s what you can expect:
- No more change fees for all domestic, short-haul international and select long-haul international flying on Premium Cabin, Premium Economy and Main Cabin fares. Basic Economy fares bought on or after April 1, 2021 are non-refundable and non-changeable.
- Fly standby for free on earlier domestic flights, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to the same destination on the same day.
- If you buy Basic Economy fares you may now buy extras like upgrades, seats, priority boarding and same-day flight changes.
- AAdvantage® elite members may apply their travel benefits on all tickets, including on Basic Economy fares.
Domestic and short-haul international flights
We eliminated all change fees for First, Business, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for all domestic and short-haul international flying for tickets issued on or after August 31, 2020.
If you're flying between these destinations:
- Any of the 50 U.S. states
- Canada
- Caribbean
- Central America
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
And if you’re flying in any of these cabins:
- Main Cabin (except Basic Economy fares)
- Premium Economy
- Business
- First
Long-haul international flights
We also eliminated change fees for First, Business, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for all long-haul international flights originating in North or South America for tickets issued on or after November 19, 2020.
If your trip starts in North or South America and you're flying to:
- Asia
- Australia
- Europe
- New Zealand
- North America
- South America
- United Kingdom
And if you’re flying in any of these cabins:
- Main Cabin (except Basic Economy fares)
- Premium Economy
- Business
- First
If your travel plans change
You can keep the full value of your original ticket but will need to pay the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive. If your new flight is less expensive, you’ll get the fare difference in the form of travel credit to use on a future trip.
Example: If you paid $500 for your flight and change to a new flight that costs $300, you’ll receive $200 in travel credit for a future trip.
The new change fee policy also applies to AAdvantage® award tickets.
Change fees are waived for tickets bought on or before September 30, 2020, for travel March 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. This offer includes Basic Economy fares and AAdvantage® award tickets.
Keep in mind:
- You may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip.
- You’re allowed to change your origin and destination cities as part of this offer.
- All travel for your new trip must be completed by March 31, 2022.
Plus, if you have a ticket that is expiring between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, the value of your unused ticket can be used for travel through March 31, 2022.*
*Change fees apply if your original ticketed travel was before March 1, 2020, Basic Economy tickets with travel before March 1, 2020 are non-changeable.
We’re waiving change fees on new international tickets originating outside North or South America bought between April 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021, for all travel dates.
| If your trip originates in | Basic Economy* | Main Cabin | Premium Economy | Business / First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | available | available | available | available |
| Asia | Non-changeable | available | available | available |
| Australia | available | available | available | available |
| Europe | available | available | available | available |
| Indian Subcontinent | available | available | available | available |
| Middle East | available | available | available | available |
| New Zealand | available | available | available | available |
*Basic Economy fares on flights marketed by American Airlines.
Keep in mind:
- You may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip.
- You’re allowed to change your origin and destination cities as part of this offer.
- All other Basic Economy fares bought on or after April 1, 2021 are non-refundable and non-changeable.
You're allowed to make a change to your trip once, and the change fee will be waived. You can cancel your trip online and rebook later when you’re ready, including Basic Economy fares bought between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
Keep in mind, you may owe any difference in ticket price if the fare of your new trip is higher when you rebook.
Travel requirements
When you check-in you'll be asked to confirm you've been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the past 10 days. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.
U.S. federal law requires that you wear a face covering from the time you enter the airport where your trip begins, on board your flight, and until you leave the airport where your trip ends. If you refuse to wear one, you may be denied boarding and future travel on American. You may also face penalties under federal law.
These rules do not apply to children under 2, or if you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering and meet the exemption requirements.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about the mask requirement.
You should bring your own face covering to use while traveling. While limited quantities of face coverings may be available at the gate, they will not be available for every customer on every flight.
Acceptable face coverings
- A mask or 2 layered secured cloth that completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly to the sides of your face and under your chin
- Face shields worn with a face covering, but not in place of one
These are not acceptable as face coverings
- Balaclavas
- Bandanas
- Face covers with exhaust valves or vents
- Face covers made of mesh or lace type fabric
- Gaiters
- Scarves
- Ski masks
During your flight
- Wear your face covering at all times, including if you plan to sleep.
- You can briefly lower or remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking oral medication, but it must be worn between bites and sips.
- If oxygen masks drop from an overhead compartment, remove your face covering before placing the oxygen mask over your nose and mouth.
Exemption for customers with disabilities*
If you may be exempt because you have a disability that prevents you from safely wearing a mask as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC 12101 et. seq) you must contact us at least 72 hours before you plan to travel and travel with documentation confirming a negative COVID test or recovery.
Please note, making false claims of a disability or a health condition to obtain an exemption from wearing a face covering may result in denial of travel on American for the duration of the U.S. federal mask requirement.
Call Special Assistance: 800-237-7976
*This is a narrow exception that includes a person with a disability who cannot wear a mask for reasons related to the disability. It is not meant to cover persons for whom mask-wearing may only be difficult.
These cannot fly
For the safety of everyone on board, some types of recreational / personal protection equipment are not allowed for use on our planes or in flight:
- Face or full-body pods / tents
- Portable electronic air fresheners / purifiers
- Ozone generators
Health and testing requirements
The U.S. and countries around the world have imposed a range of travel restrictions and testing requirements due to COVID-19. You may not be allowed to travel to certain destinations or may be required to self-quarantine when you arrive.
Travel requirements are updated often, so we recommend checking the latest entry requirements before your trip.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requires all passengers flying to the U.S., including U.S. citizens, show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure, or documentation of recovery. This does not apply to children under 2 years old.
Keep in mind, if you cannot show proof of a negative test or documentation of recovery, you cannot fly and won’t be allowed to board the plane.
- Show your documents to an American Airlines agent. The forms can be printed, digital, or uploaded to the VeriFly app.
- Complete the CDC attestation form. The form can also be completed in the VeriFly app.
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Your travel experience
If you’re traveling at this time, we’re here for you and are making temporary changes to the travel experience to prioritize your safety.
Curbside check-in / ticket counters
Curbside check-in may not be available. Be sure to check your flight status before you go to the airport, as ticket counter hours may change daily without notice.
Checked pet service
Due to the increased flight changes, we’ve stopped checking pets for now. Carry-on pets and service animals are still allowed to fly in the cabin if they meet the requirements.
Clubs and lounges
We’ve temporarily closed and consolidated premium clubs and lounges. Operating hours for clubs that remain open may change based on flight schedules.
Food and drinks
We’re limiting food and drink service in the Main Cabin based on flight length and destination. You’re welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks on board to enjoy during your flight.
Updated on April 7, 2021