Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and fortunately, American Airlines makes it easy to modify your flight online. Whether you're adjusting your departure date, changing your destination, or upgrading to a different class of service, here's a detailed guide to walk you through the process.
Step 1: Log into Your American Airlines Account
Click on the "Sign In" button at the top-right corner of the homepage.
Enter your AA Advantage number, email, or record locator (booking reference) and your password to access your account. If you don’t have an account, you can proceed as a guest using your flight details.
Step 2: Go to "Manage Reservations"
Once logged in, navigate to the "Manage Reservations" section.
This can be found in the "My Trips" menu or by clicking directly on the "Manage Booking" tab.
Enter your booking reference (record locator) and last name, or if logged in, your flight will appear automatically.
Step 3: Select the Flight You Wish to Change
Browse through your upcoming trips and select the flight you want to modify.
Choose "Change Flight" or "Edit" next to the flight details.
Step 4: Choose Your New Flight Options
American Airlines will show you a range of alternative flights based on your new preferred travel dates, times, and destinations.
You’ll be able to view any available seats on the new flights along with potential price differences.
If you're upgrading or changing your seating class, you can adjust this on the same page.
Step 5: Pay for Any Differences
If the new flight has a higher fare or if there are change fees, American Airlines will inform you of the total cost.
Depending on your fare type, there may be change fees, but if your fare is flexible, you could be able to change without any additional charges.
Tip: Some tickets, like Basic Economy, are less flexible and might incur additional fees or no changes at all.
Step 6: Confirm and Pay
After reviewing the new details and ensuring everything is correct, proceed to the payment page.
If there are no additional charges, your change will be processed immediately. If you have to pay the fare difference, enter your payment details to finalize the change.
Step 7: Receive Your Updated Itinerary
After successfully completing your changes, you will receive an updated flight itinerary via email.
You can also access it under the "My Trips" section of the American Airlines website.
Additional Tips
Changes to Domestic vs. International Flights: For international flights, be aware that changes might involve more complex rules or longer processing times, depending on the country.
Refundable vs. Non-refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets generally offer more flexibility, whereas non-refundable tickets may incur hefty fees or limited options for changes.
Same-Day Flight Changes: If you’re trying to change your flight on the same day of travel, check for available options under the "Same-Day Flight Change" feature. You can pay a small fee to switch to an earlier or later flight, subject to availability.
Conclusion
Changing an American Airlines flight online is a straightforward process, but it’s always important to review the terms associated with your ticket. Whether you’re looking to reschedule your travel plans, change your seat, or adjust your destination, the airline’s website offers easy access to managing your bookings directly. Make sure to check for any applicable fees before confirming your changes.