Of late, people go for the flights that offer them the most benefits and at the cheapest rates. It can be said that now is a better time than ever to change your flight as American Airlines have molded their policies for the betterment of the passengers.

For starters, the change fees have been removed for all domestic and short-haul international flights and selected long-haul international flights with the exception of Basic Economy fares that are purchased after April 1, 2021.

Now you can change your trip online and rebook it later as per your convenience—that includes Basic Economy tickets purchased between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

You are not permitted to change or cancel a Basic Economy ticket that is purchased after April 1, 2021.Same-day flight change will cost you somewhere from USD 75–150 (except Basic Economy).

Purchasing a Basic Economy ticket will now allow you to purchase extras such as upgrades, priority boarding, seats, and same-day flight changes. 

And if you’re an Advantage® Elite member, you can also apply for your travel benefits on all fares—that doesn’t exclude Basic Economy.

After booking your ticket directly from American Airlines (online, via the app, sales office, or ticket center), you have up until 2 hours before your flight’s departure to make changes in your flight. You could also just call the American Airlines on +1 (800) 433-7300 or (if you purchased from a third party) the travel agency you purchased your ticket from for making alterations.

If you are like me, you would love to have an elaborate explanation on how to conveniently change an American Airlines flight hassle-free. So kindly follow the steps mentioned below after visiting the online website AA.com.

Step 1: Visit AA.com

Step 2: Click on the section of Manage trips/Check-in, enter the required information, and hit the ‘Find your trip’ button.

Step 3: Your trip details will be shown up on the screen.

Now click on the tab of View/Change (or Change trip) appearing beside the flight you want to change.

Step 4. Go through the prompts to change your flight booking.

You can also make these changes using the mobile app of American Airlines.

Now let us come to a part where we need most of our attention, how to avoid paying a change fee charge on American Airlines.

Regardless of the type of ticket you’ve purchased, you can make alterations to your flight with no cost within a 24-hour window, provided you reserved your ticket at least 2 days (48 hours) before your flight’s scheduled departure time. To change your ticket, cancel within 24 hours (with no penalty), and rebook a fresh ticket. Voila!

If American Airlines alters a nonstop flight to a flight that has one or more connections, you can reschedule your flight with no additional charges.

If American Airlines reschedules your flight by 4 hours or more, you’re within your rights to reserve a more convenient flight at no additional charge, or even ask for the full refund. 

If American Airlines cancels a flight for which you have even a non-refundable ticket, you can book a new flight that suits you without having to pay any change fee. If you book an award ticket as an American Executive Platinum member, you are allowed to change it at no additional charges. 

If a critical illness or an emergency prevents you from travelling and you can prove it with valid documents, speak with a staff member and ask how they can help.

American Airlines have attempted well to keep their existing passengers with them along with attracting more new ones. These policies are a way to keep the bond ever so strong that if you wish of flying in/from America, you choose American Airlines.