Can you cancel an American Airlines flight? Yes - and indeed you have a variety of options to get the job done. While creating travel plans these days can be unpredictable and often out of your control, the airline has simplified policies to give passengers more flexibility.

Here's what you need to know about canceling an American Airlines flight, Cancel American Airlines Flight Tickets, plus tips to help you cancel your flight if you booked with cash or miles.

American Airlines Cancellation Policy

It can be difficult to comb through terms and conditions to understand airline policies. Here is a summary of the key points of American Airlines' flight cancellation policy:

All tickets: Can be canceled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase if booked at least two days before departure.

Refundable tickets: can be canceled for a full refund by requesting a refund online or by contacting reservations.

Non-refundable tickets: no refund after the 24-hour grace period. However, if you cancel a flight prior to departure, you can apply the unused value of eligible fares toward future travel, provided the new flight is within one year of the original ticket issuance date.

Currently, you can only make changes to your trip once.

Note that this policy only applies to purchases made directly with American Airlines. If you bought your ticket from a travel agent or on a website, you must contact the travel agent directly.

American Airlines cancellation fees

American Airlines does not charge cancellation fees. The airline has eliminated cancellation fees on non-refundable domestic flights, short-haul international flights and select long-haul international flights for premium cabin, premium economy and main cabin fares.

This does not apply to Basic Economy fares booked on or after April 1, 2021, which are non-refundable and non-changeable (i.e. you will not even receive a Flight Credit for canceling a Basic Economy booking).

Canceled non-refundable fares will be credited with Flight Credit equal to the value of the original purchase. Although there are no cancellation fees, you may still have to pay a difference in the ticket price if you change to a more expensive flight.

If your new flight is cheaper than the value of your original ticket, American Airlines will issue you a travel credit for the difference.