Are American Airlines Award Tickets Refundable?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

If you’re planning to book a flight with American Airlines using award miles, you may have wondered whether these tickets are refundable. It’s a common question that many travelers ask, and the answer can vary depending on the type of award ticket you book.

Generally speaking, American Airlines award tickets are non-refundable. However, there are some exceptions and rules that you should be aware of before booking your flight. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of American Airlines award ticket refunds, so you can make an informed decision about your travel plans.

Are American Airlines Award Tickets Refundable?

Are American Airlines Award Tickets Refundable?

American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, with a vast network of destinations across the globe. It offers a loyalty program called AAdvantage, which allows members to earn miles that can be redeemed for award tickets. However, many people wonder whether these award tickets are refundable or not. In this article, we will explore the rules and policies of American Airlines regarding refunding award tickets.

Refund Policy for American Airlines Award Tickets

American Airlines allows passengers to cancel their award tickets and get a refund of the miles and taxes paid for the ticket. However, the refund policy varies depending on the type of award ticket and the status of the passenger.

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For non-elite members, the cancellation fee for award tickets is $150 per ticket, which is waived for Executive Platinum members. Also, the miles used for the award ticket will be redeposited to the passenger’s account, but the taxes paid are non-refundable.

It is important to note that the refund policy for award tickets is different from that of revenue tickets. For revenue tickets, passengers can get a full refund if they cancel within 24 hours of booking or if the flight is cancelled or delayed by more than 4 hours. However, for award tickets, the cancellation fee applies regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Benefits of Refundable Award Tickets

There are several benefits to choosing refundable award tickets over non-refundable ones. One of the most significant benefits is the flexibility it offers to the passenger. If a passenger needs to change their travel plans, they can cancel their award ticket and get a refund without losing their miles.

Another benefit is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you can cancel your ticket if something unexpected happens. For example, if a passenger falls ill or has a family emergency, they can cancel their ticket and get a refund without incurring a penalty.

Non-Refundable Award Tickets vs. Refundable Award Tickets

When choosing between non-refundable and refundable award tickets, it is important to consider your travel plans and your budget. Non-refundable tickets are usually cheaper than refundable ones, but they come with more restrictions and less flexibility.

If you are sure about your travel plans and do not expect any changes, non-refundable tickets may be a good option. However, if you want the flexibility to cancel your ticket and get a refund, refundable tickets may be a better choice.

How to Cancel an American Airlines Award Ticket

To cancel an American Airlines award ticket, passengers can log in to their AAdvantage account and go to the “My Trips” section. They can then select the ticket they want to cancel and follow the instructions to cancel the ticket and get a refund.

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It is important to note that the cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund, and the refund will be in the form of miles and taxes paid. The miles will be redeposited to the passenger’s account within a few days, while the taxes may take up to two billing cycles to be refunded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American Airlines award tickets are refundable, but the refund policy varies depending on the type of ticket and the status of the passenger. Passengers can cancel their award tickets and get a refund of the miles and taxes paid, but they will have to pay a cancellation fee. Refundable tickets offer more flexibility and peace of mind, but they are usually more expensive than non-refundable ones. When choosing between refundable and non-refundable tickets, passengers should consider their travel plans and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about American Airlines award tickets:

What is an American Airlines award ticket?

An American Airlines award ticket is a ticket that is purchased with American Airlines miles instead of cash. These tickets can be used to book flights on American Airlines and its partner airlines.

The number of miles required for an award ticket will depend on a variety of factors, including the destination, the time of year, and the availability of award seats.

Can American Airlines award tickets be changed?

Yes, American Airlines award tickets can be changed. However, there may be fees associated with making changes to an award ticket, and changes may be subject to availability.

It is important to note that if you make changes to an award ticket, the new itinerary must still adhere to the rules of the original ticket, including any restrictions on travel dates or destinations.

Can American Airlines award tickets be cancelled?

Yes, American Airlines award tickets can be cancelled. However, there may be fees associated with cancelling an award ticket, and the miles used to purchase the ticket may not be refunded.

If you need to cancel an award ticket, it is important to do so as soon as possible to avoid or minimize any fees.

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Are American Airlines award tickets refundable?

Generally, American Airlines award tickets are not refundable. However, in some cases, such as the death of the passenger or a family member, refunds may be available.

It is important to review the terms and conditions of your specific award ticket to understand the refund policy that applies.

Can American Airlines award tickets be used for upgrades?

Yes, American Airlines award tickets can be used for upgrades. However, the number of miles required for an upgrade will depend on a variety of factors, including the destination, the time of year, and the availability of upgrade seats.

It is also important to note that upgrades are subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights or for all fare classes.

How to Hack American Airlines Award Search


In conclusion, the answer to the question “Are American Airlines award tickets refundable?” is not a straightforward one. It depends on the type of award ticket you have purchased and the cancellation policy that applies to it.

If you have purchased a non-refundable award ticket, you may be able to receive a refund of the taxes and fees associated with the ticket, but you will not receive a refund of the miles used to purchase the ticket.

On the other hand, if you have purchased a refundable award ticket, you may be able to receive a full refund of both the miles and the associated taxes and fees. It is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your particular award ticket before making any changes or cancellations.

Overall, while American Airlines award tickets may not always be refundable, the airline offers various options and policies to accommodate a range of travelers and situations. It is always best to be informed and prepared in case of any unforeseen changes or cancellations.

adminChief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

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