Your American Airlines flight is delayed, and you found out by checking the flight status online. This sudden change of plans can be frustrating, leaving you with the question: “Should I head to the airport or stay relaxed at home or in my accommodation?” Flight delays can range from as short as 30 minutes to as long as a full day, potentially trapping you at the airport for 24 hours. Now, the question is, do you have to wait at the airport until the airline resolves the issue?
Well, the answer varies.
Your American Airlines Flight is Delayed. Should You Stay or Proceed as Planned?
So, your American Airlines flight is delayed. What’s the next step?
Take a moment to consider your current location. Are you still at home or in your hotel room?
Or have you already arrived in the airport?
Scenario 1 – You Are Already at the Gate, Waiting for Your Flight
You’re seated at the gate, eagerly anticipating your flight when you hear about the delay. What’s the plan now?
Just stay at the gate, and wait for any new information about your flight status.
Scenario 2 – You Are at the Airport, But You Haven’t Yet Gone Through Airport Security
If you’re at the airport but haven’t gone through security yet, and you discover that your American Airlines flight is delayed, it’s best to stay where you are. Monitor any updates to your flight’s check-in schedule before proceeding. If the check-in schedule has been postponed, avoid going through security for now.
Wait for additional information before proceeding with security.
Did you finish the check-in process online?
Regardless, remain at your current location. Don’t progress until check-in starts.
Scenario 3 – You Are in Your Home or Hotel
Determine if the check-in has encountered any delays.
You can do this by getting in touch with American Airlines or making an inquiry at the airport’s information centre.
If the check-in time has been pushed back, there’s no need to hurry to the airport. You can stay in your hotel or at home. However, if the check-in time remains the same, it is recommended to adhere to your original schedule and proceed to the airport.
If check-in is delayed, stay put for the time being.
If there’s no delay in check-in — proceed as per your initial plan to the airport.
How to Check American Airlines Flight Status Online?
If your American Airlines flight is delayed, how can you find out? Find out about the flight online.
Here are alternative methods to check the status of your American Airlines flight online:
- The departing airport’s website;
- The official website of the Airline (aa.com in this case);
- Flight tracking applications like Flightradar24.
It’s always wise to verify your flight’s status before making your way to the airport, especially if it’s an early morning flight. To prevent unnecessary waiting, make sure to check your flight status both in the morning and just before leaving your home or hotel. This way, you can avoid any unexpected delays or cancellations at the airport.
Passengers are typically notified about the delay through several methods:
- An SMS or an email from the airline, alerting you of the delay;
- Checking the online flight status;
- Finding out at the airport, or even at the gate itself.
What If a Flight Delay Causes You to Miss Your Connecting Flight?
If you have a connecting flight with American Airlines, and you miss your connection due to a flight delay, don’t worry. American Airlines will arrange a new flight for you at no additional cost, so you don’t have to worry about arranging a new flight on your own. Simply get in touch with the American Airlines personnel available at the airport if you miss your connecting flight.
However, if you have a self-transfer flight, missing your connection falls on your shoulders, and you’ll have to secure a new flight. If your American Airlines flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be eligible for American Airlines flight delay compensation or American Airlines flight cancellation compensation, for that particular flight. But remember, the airline won’t be responsible for your subsequent flight (because it’s a self-transfer).
Right to Care at the Airport
Passengers who find themselves stuck at the airport due to a flight delay, flight cancellation or denied boarding are entitled to certain amenities (right to care).
- During a brief delay of 3 hours or more that takes place during the day, American Airlines is mandated to offer free food and beverages, along with two modes of communication (like phone calls, emails or faxes), usually provided through vouchers.
- In the event of an overnight delay, American Airlines is obligated to arrange free hotel accommodation, transportation to and from the airport, and meals at no cost to the passenger.
If you haven’t received any of these services, get in touch with American Airlines for help.
As American Airlines is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to American Airlines flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Are You Eligible for American Airlines Flight Delay Compensation?
If your American Airlines flight originating from Europe was disrupted, there are certain circumstances under which you might be eligible for American Airlines flight delay compensation.
If your flight has been delayed for more than three hours, or if it has been cancelled without a minimum of 14 days prior notice, you could be entitled to compensation up to 600 euros under EU legislation, unless the delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
This entitlement applies regardless of the ticket price and nationality. It is important to keep your boarding pass and other travel documents as they may be required to claim compensation. If you require assistance with the process, there are services available that can aid you in claiming your compensation from American Airlines – our partners offer such services (you can use compensation claim form linked on our website to make a claim).
Can You Receive Flight Delay Compensation in the Event of an American Airlines Strike?
If your American Airlines flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike, there are two scenarios – it’s either a strike by American Airlines personnel or some other kind of strike.
Generally, if the strike is initiated by airport staff, air traffic control, or a labour strike that does not directly involve American Airlines, you won’t be eligible for compensation. This is considered an extraordinary circumstance, and airlines are not usually held accountable.
However, if the strike involves American Airlines’ employees, the airline will most likely be obligated to compensate its passengers. It’s always crucial to investigate the specific circumstances surrounding your delay or cancellation and examine any information provided by the airline.
Remember that as American Airlines is not a European airline, EU compensation regulations apply only to their flights departing from Europe.
Read more: American Airlines Strike Compensation
Can You Secure Delay Compensation in Case of Technical Problems with the Airplane?
Yes, if your American Airlines flight is delayed due to technical problems with the aeroplane, you may be eligible for flight delay compensation.
Most of the time, these issues are not considered extraordinary circumstances.
However, exceptions might occur in certain cases, such as if the technical problems were caused by hidden manufacturing defects.
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 is your experience with American Airlines flight delays? Have you ever experienced a flight delay with American Airlines? How did the airline resolve the situation?