Within 24 hours of booking
If you book at least 2 days before departure, you have a 100% refund window within 24 hours—yes, even on non-refundable fares ☎️+1 (877) 443-8285.
After the 24‑hour grace period
Refundable fares: You can cancel anytime up to departure and receive a refund to your original payment method. Turn-around is ~7 business days for credit cards, ~20 calendar days for others reddit.comreddit.com+15aa.com+15cntraveler.com+15americanairlinescustomersupport.zohodesk.com+4aa.com.do+4aa.com+4nerdwallet.com+1groups.google.com+1nypost.com.
Non‑refundable fares (Main Cabin, Premium, etc.): No cash refund, but you earn a trip credit valid for 1 year. No cancellation fee on many fares; you just apply the remaining value to a future booking .
Basic Economy: Most restricted. After 24 hours, you can’t change or cancel for credit—though AAdvantage members on U.S. origin flights may pay a ~$99 fee for cancellation credit thepointsguy.com.
Schedule changes by the airline
If American alters your flight by 3+ hours domestically or 4+ hours internationally, DOT regulations allow you a full refund—even on non‑refundable tickets—if you don't accept rebooking americanairlinescustomersupport.zohodesk.com+15aa.com+15nypost.com+15.
How to cancel or change
You can manage online via “Manage Trips” at aa.com or through the app.
Alternatively, call Reservations at 800‑433‑7300 ☎️+1 (877) 443-8285 for agent help thepointsguy.com+1reddit.com+1reddit.com+2aa.com+2nerdwallet.com+2nerdwallet.com.