American Airlines Date Change Policy: What's Allowed and How to Change Your Flight
American Airlines lets you change your flight date on most tickets without charging a change fee. If your new flight is more expensive, you'll need to pay the fare difference. Basic Economy tickets usually can't be changed after the 24-hour booking period.
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American Airlines Date Change Policy: What's Allowed and How to Change Your Flight
American Airlines lets you change your flight date on most tickets without charging a change fee. If your new flight is more expensive, you'll need to pay the fare difference. Basic Economy tickets usually can't be changed after the 24-hour booking period.
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Standard Date Change vs. Same-Day Flight Change
Standard Date Change
A standard date change lets you move your flight to a new day. Most eligible tickets don't have a change fee, but you may need to pay the fare difference.
What qualifies:
Original Flight: New York → Los Angeles on 12 September
Changed To: New York → Los Angeles on 18 September
Reason: Your travel plans were postponed by six days.
Same-Day Flight Change
Allows you to change to an earlier or later flight on the exact same calendar day of departure.
What is not permitted:
Must depart on the same day and route as your original ticket.
May include a same-day change fee (starting at $60) or free same-day standby.
Standard Date Change vs. Same-Day Flight Change
American Airlines offers two ways to change your flight.
A standard date change lets you move your flight to a new day. Most eligible tickets don't have a change fee, but you may need to pay the fare difference.
Standard Date Change
A standard date change lets you move your flight to a new day. Most eligible tickets don't have a change fee, but you may need to pay the fare difference.
What qualifies:
- Original Flight: New York → Los Angeles on 12 September
- Changed To: New York → Los Angeles on 18 September
- Reason: Your travel plans were postponed by six days.
Same-Day Flight Change
Allows you to change to an earlier or later flight on the exact same calendar day of departure.
What is not permitted:
- Must depart on the same day and route as your original ticket.
- May include a same-day change fee (starting at $60) or free same-day standby.
Same-Day Flight Changes
Want to change your travel plans?
If your plans change, you may be able to switch to a different flight on the same day. Some flights allow this for a small fee, while others let you fly standby for free.
Rules
Your new flight must:
- Leave on the same day, using the same departure and arrival airports as your original flight
- Have the same number of stops, at the same airports
- Be an American Airlines flight (both booked and operated by them)
Good to Know
- Standby for an earlier flight: Open to all passengers
- Standby for a later flight: Only available to AAdvantage® status members
- Same-day changes and standby depend on seat availability and only apply to select flights
- If you make a same-day change, you can choose your seat afterward — not while requesting the change
Booked Through a Partner Airline?
If you booked your ticket with a partner airline but your flight is operated by American Airlines, you can still request a standby or same-day change. Just use your American Airlines confirmation number to find your booking.
Same-Day Flight Changes
Want to change your travel plans?
If your plans change, you may be able to switch to a different flight on the same day. Some flights allow this for a small fee, while others let you fly standby for free.
Rules
Your new flight must:
- Leave on the same day, using the same departure and arrival airports as your original flight
- Have the same number of stops, at the same airports
- Be an American Airlines flight (both booked and operated by them)
Good to Know
- Standby for an earlier flight: Open to all passengers
- Standby for a later flight: Only available to AAdvantage® status members
- Same-day changes and standby depend on seat availability and only apply to select flights
- If you make a same-day change, you can choose your seat afterward — not while requesting the change
Booked Through a Partner Airline?
If you booked your ticket with a partner airline but your flight is operated by American Airlines, you can still request a standby or same-day change. Just use your American Airlines confirmation number to find your booking.
American Airlines Date Change Policy Details
American Airlines Date Change Policy Details
Complimentary Change / Standby
Free flight changes and same-day standby are available only for American Airlines flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Same-Day Change Eligibility
For Award (Points/Miles) Tickets
Complimentary Change / Standby
Free flight changes and same-day standby are available only for American Airlines flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Same-Day Change Eligibility
For Award (Points/Miles) Tickets
Need help understanding your ticket rules?
Call +1 (888) 843-5849 and our travel experts can help you review your available options.
Need help understanding your ticket rules?
Call +1 (888) 843-5849 and our travel experts can help you review your available options.
How to Change Your American Airlines Flight Date
Check your booking details and find the flight you want to change.
Contact American Airlines or Airlines Manage with your reservation information.
Choose your new travel date based on available flights.
Review any fare difference or applicable charges before confirming.
Check your updated ticket details before your trip.
Check your booking details and find the flight you want to change.
Contact American Airlines or Airlines Manage with your reservation information.
Choose your new travel date based on available flights.
Review any fare difference or applicable charges before confirming.
Check your updated ticket details before your trip.
Check your booking details and find the flight you want to change.
Contact American Airlines or Airlines Manage with your reservation information.
Choose your new travel date based on available flights.
Review any fare difference or applicable charges before confirming.
Check your updated ticket details before your trip.
How to Change Your American Airlines Flight Date
- Check your booking details and find the flight you want to change.
- Contact American Airlines or Airlines Manage with your reservation information.
- Choose your new travel date based on available flights.
- Review any fare difference or applicable charges before confirming.
- Check your updated ticket details before your trip.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about changing your American Airlines flight date
Most eligible Main Cabin and premium cabin tickets don't have a standard change fee, but you'll still pay any fare difference if your new flight is more expensive.
Still need help?
Our AA date change specialists are on standby to help you rebook quickly — no waiting on hold for hours.
Available 24 hours / 7 days
Quick Tips
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American Airlines reschedule flights for free?
Most eligible Main Cabin and premium cabin tickets don't have a standard change fee, but you'll still pay any fare difference if your new flight is more expensive.
Is there any way to change a Basic Economy ticket on American Airlines?
Does American Airlines charge for same day flight change?
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