American Airlines Change Fee Policy 2025 — What You Need to Know

American Airlines made major changes to its change fee policy — and understanding them could save you significant money. Here's everything you need to know about American Airlines change fees in 2025.

The Big News: No More Change Fees on Most Fares

American Airlines eliminated change fees on most domestic and international tickets in 2020 and has maintained this policy. Here's what it means for you:

• Main Cabin and above: No change fee to modify your flight date, time, or route
• First Class and Business: No change fee, maximum flexibility
• Basic Economy: Still restricted — cannot be changed after the 24-hour window

Important: While there's no change fee, you still pay any fare difference if your new flight costs more.

Basic Economy — The Exception

American's Basic Economy fares remain the most restrictive. Outside the 24-hour cancellation window:

• Cannot be changed to a different date, time, or route
• Can be canceled for a travel credit (minus a $99 cancellation fee in some cases)
• No seat selection at booking
• No same-day change option

If you have a Basic Economy ticket and need flexibility, call (833) 754-8013 — our specialists will walk through your specific options.

Same-Day Flight Changes on American Airlines

American Airlines offers two same-day change options:

• Same-Day Confirmed Change: $75 fee (waived for AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members). Guarantees you a seat on an earlier or later flight on the same day.
• Same-Day Standby: Free for all passengers. You're added to a waitlist and assigned a seat if one opens up.

How to Change Your American Airlines Flight

Call (833) 754-8013 with your booking confirmation number. Our specialists will:

• Pull up your booking and confirm your fare rules
• Search available flights on your new preferred dates
• Calculate any fare difference and get your approval before processing
• Complete the change and send your new itinerary by email

What About International Changes?

American eliminated change fees on international flights too — for most fare classes. Some transatlantic and international routes booked as "Saver" fares may still have restrictions. Call us to confirm your specific international ticket's change rules.

AAdvantage Award Ticket Changes

AAdvantage award tickets can generally be changed without a fee, subject to availability on the new flight. Miles are not forfeited for changes. Canceling an award and redepositing miles may incur a fee depending on your AAdvantage status.