American Airlines refund for cancellation.
Wondering if you’re eligible? Here’s what you need to know about the rules. The governing guidelines for flight cancellations in Europe are outlined in European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This regulation clearly explains the compensation mechanism and terms that airlines must adhere to when cancelling a flight. In the case of American Airlines, (EC) No 261/2004 only covers their flights departing from Europe.
American Airlines Refund For Cancellation
Can you claim an American Airlines refund for cancellation?
When are you eligible for compensation for a flight cancellation? There are two likely situations, and your eligibility to the refund depends on the timing of the flight cancellation.
So, let’s dive in — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
Your entitlements: Refund or alternate flight + compensation (if the cancellation is due to American Airlines’ fault).
This is considered a last-minute flight cancellation.
If your flight with American Airlines gets cancelled within 14 days of departure, you have two options: a full refund or a free rebooking to your intended destination. The decision is up to you. If the cancellation is a result of a mistake by American Airlines, you may also be entitled to flight cancellation compensation.
Both the refund and compensation must be transferred to your bank account.
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Read more:
- American Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Your American Airlines Compensation Claim Is Denied. Now What?
- Your American Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do Next?
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
Your entitlements: American Airlines refund for cancellation or a new flight to your destination.
If your flight is cancelled more than 14 days before departure, compensation is not applicable. However, you still have the choice to go for a refund instead of the alternative flight. American Airlines is obligated to offer you the choice between a new flight or a refund, with the decision being yours.
Your American Airlines refund should be processed within 7 days.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
If your American Airlines flight is canceled and you miss your connection, American Airlines is required to arrange a replacement trip to your destination for free.
What about compensation? The same regulations apply to flight delays. Calculate the difference between your initial schedule and your arrival time at your destination. You may be entitled for reimbursement if the delay exceeds 2 hours.
See our guide to American Airlines missed connection compensation.
Keep in mind that compensation rules apply only to American Airlines flights from Europe.
American Airlines Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
Yes, if American Airlines is your airline and your trip is from Europe.
You have the choice to request an American Airlines refund for cancellation instead of re-routing on a different flight. However, you cannot avail of both.
But, if American Airlines cancels your flight less than 14 days before the scheduled date and it’s their responsibility, you may be eligible for a refund (or a new flight) and American Airlines flight cancellation compensation.
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
American Airlines Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if American Airlines provides you with a voucher as compensation?
Should American Airlines offer you a voucher instead of compensation, you are entitled to decline and demand a cash payment instead. European Union regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004) enforce airlines to offer refunds and compensation in cash or through bank transfers.
Have you already accepted a voucher?
Request American Airlines to convert the voucher into cash.
What If American Airlines Is Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
Don’t give up if American Airlines refuses to return your money.
Remember that you have the right to a refund. Articles 5 and 8 of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 require airlines to repay customers in certain circumstances. If American Airlines continues to refuse to cooperate, contact the national enforcement body in the country where your flight originated for more help.
Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
Yes, both may be claimed in some circumstances.
If American Airlines cancels your flight fewer than 14 days before departure due to a mistake, you are entitled to a full refund as well as compensation from the company. Please keep in mind that your refund and compensation must be transferred to your bank account rather than distributed as vouchers.
If you have already received a voucher or coupon from American Airlines, you may exchange it for cash by contacting American Airlines.
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
What Happens If I Cancel My Flight, Not The Airline?
If you opt to cancel a flight with American Airlines rather than the airline cancelling it, the amount of your refund is determined by the tariff conditions of your ticket.
A cancellation charge will be deducted from the total refund for the majority of fares.
Certain fares, however, are non-refundable, which means you will not get any money back. Before purchasing a ticket, it is usually a good idea to read the regulations and restrictions.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Refund?
EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 requires airlines operating in the EU to handle refund requests within seven days of receipt. If you are encountering delays, please contact American Airlines or a National Enforcement Body.
What Should I Do If I Requested a Refund But Didn’t Receive It?
If you have not received your refund within seven days, please contact American Airlines customer support. It might be a bank transfer delay, but if the wait exceeds a reasonable time frame, you should consider obtaining further aid or legal action.
Read more: Your American Airlines Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do Next?
Can I Change My Flight Without Any Charges?
This primarily depends on the fare conditions of your ticket.
Some fare types offer a certain level of flexibility, allowing you to adjust your dates or possibly your route without additional costs. Other fare types, however, may charge a fee for changes in addition to any difference in fares. Always ensure to read the fare rules carefully before finalizing your booking.
Who Should I Contact If I Have a Complaint About American Airlines?
If you disagree with American Airlines that you are unable to address directly with the airline, you may file a complaint with the National Enforcement Body in the nation from where your flight was scheduled to leave from. You might also consider hiring a flight compensation firm, which will take on your case.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
What is your experience with American Airlines flight cancellations? Have you ever received an American Airlines refund for cancellation?