How do I get a refund from American Airlines?

Steps: Visit the American Airlines refunds site to request a refund. To cancel, find your trip using your confirmation code or log in to your AAdvantage® account. Click 'Cancel trip' in the menu and confirm. Check email for trip cancellation information.

What refund methods does American Airlines offer?

Original form of payment. Travel credit (non-refundable tickets canceled before departure).

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American Airlines Refund Policy

Last verified Oct 12, 2026

Official American Airlines PolicyOfficial source

www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/faqs/reservations-tickets-faqs.jsp

Oct 12, 2026

Policy changed on Oct 12, 2026

24-hour risk-free cancellation now requires booking at least 7 days before departure (was 2 days)

We updated this page from American Airlines's new policy text on aa.com.

Rechecked Oct 12, 2026: we reviewed the current policy text on aa.com. How we verify

Summary

American Airlines offers refunds within Within 24 hours from the time of purchase, if booked at least 7 days before departure.. Processing time: Original credit card refunded within 7 business days (allow 1-2 billing cycles for the credit to show); other forms of payment within 20 days of receiving all paperwork. Refund methods include original form of payment and travel credit. Cancellation within 24 hours of purchase, for tickets booked at least 7 days before departure..

Refund Window

Within 24 hours from the time of purchase, if booked at least 7 days before departure.

Processing Time

Original credit card refunded within 7 business days (allow 1-2 billing cycles for the credit to show); other forms of payment within 20 days of receiving all paperwork

Refund Method

Original form of payment

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How to Get a Refund — Step by Step

1Visit the American Airlines refunds site to request a refund.
2To cancel, find your trip using your confirmation code or log in to your AAdvantage® account.
3Click 'Cancel trip' in the menu and confirm.
4Check email for trip cancellation information.

When You Can Get a Refund

Cancellation within 24 hours of purchase, for tickets booked at least 7 days before departure.
Refunds not allowed for non-refundable fares after 24 hours; if you cancel before departure you get a travel credit instead of cash.
Eligible taxes can be refunded on request: destination-specific taxes not imposed by American may be eligible; taxes American must pay whether or not you travel are not.
Voluntary changes to paid seats are not refundable.
Fees paid for checked bags or seats at the airport are non-refundable upon flight cancellation.

All Refund Methods

Original form of payment
Travel credit (non-refundable tickets canceled before departure)

Partial Refunds

Refundable tickets that are partly used: the value of the unused travel is refunded.
Destination-specific taxes not imposed by American may be eligible for a refund.

Additional Notes

Keep the cancellation email if you’re issued a travel credit, as it contains the ticket number and original confirmation code for rebooking.
If you cancel your flight, any fees you paid for checked bags or seats at the airport are non-refundable.
Voluntary changes to paid seats are not refundable.

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