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Overview of Booking Policies for USA Flights

[A]866‑658‑5895[A] American Airlines’ booking policies for domestic flights cover ticket types, fare rules, cancellation and change options, and special services like pet travel or unaccompanied minors. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For complete booking policy details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A]. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Key points include:

  • Ticket Types: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Options include Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First, and award tickets (using AAdvantage miles). Each has specific rules for changes, cancellations, and upgrades. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For ticket type details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] All tickets can be canceled or changed for a full refund within 24 hours of booking if purchased at least 2 days before departure (e.g., booked on July 22, 2025, at 09:16 AM CEST for a July 25, 2025, flight). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For policy details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Booking Channels: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Book via aa.com, the American Airlines app, by calling [A]866‑658‑5895[A], at the airport, or through travel agencies. Online bookings avoid phone service fees for non-elite members. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For booking options, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Fare Rules: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Vary by ticket type; Basic Economy is the most restrictive (no changes, cancellations, or upgrades after 24 hours), while First and Business offer more flexibility. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For fare rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Special Services: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Pets, unaccompanied minors, and service animals can be added to bookings with specific requirements and fees. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For special services, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Flight

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1. Choose Your Ticket Type

  • Basic Economy: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Cheapest option, but no changes, cancellations, or upgrades after 24 hours. Limited seat selection, last boarding group. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For Basic Economy rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Main Cabin: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Allows changes, cancellations (for Trip Credit), and upgrades (with miles or cash). Includes seat selection and earlier boarding. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For Main Cabin details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Premium Economy: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Offers more legroom, enhanced amenities, and flexibility for changes, cancellations, and upgrades. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For Premium Economy details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Business/First: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Most flexible, with free changes, cancellations (for Trip Credit), upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access (select routes). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For Business/First details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Award Tickets: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Booked with AAdvantage miles; allow changes and cancellations with miles redeposited (no fees for most cases). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For award ticket rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Tip: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Check fare rules on aa.com during booking to understand restrictions. Avoid Basic Economy if you need flexibility. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For fare advice, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

2. Book Your Flight

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    • Visit aa.com, select “Book,” and enter travel details (departure/arrival cities, dates, number of passengers).
    • Choose a flight, ticket type, and optional extras (e.g., seat selection, extra baggage).
    • Provide passenger details (full name as on ID, date of birth, contact info) and AAdvantage number (if applicable).
    • Pay with credit/debit card, Apple Pay, PayPal, or travel credits (if eligible). Ensure JavaScript and cookies are enabled. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For technical support, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • App: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Download the American Airlines app (App Store or Google Play), select “Book,” and follow the same steps as online. Ensure the app is updated. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For app help, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Phone: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Call [A]866‑658‑5895[A], provide travel details, and book with an agent. A service fee may apply for non-elite AAdvantage members. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For phone fees, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Airport/Travel Agency: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Book at an American Airlines ticket counter or through a travel agency, though fees may apply. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For agency bookings, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
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3. Add Special Services (if Needed)

  • Pets: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Small dogs/cats (under 20 lbs with carrier) can travel in the cabin for a $150 fee each way, except to/from Hawaii. Add via “Special Services” on aa.com or by calling [A]866‑658‑5895[A]. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For pet policies, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
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  • Service Animals: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Travel free with a U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form submitted 48 hours before travel. Add via aa.com or [A]866‑658‑5895[A]. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For service animal rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
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  • Tip: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Add special services at booking to ensure availability, especially for pets (limited to 7 per mainline flight). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For availability, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

4. Review and Confirm Booking

  • Confirmation: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Receive a confirmation email with your confirmation code (e.g., ABC123), ticket details, and fare rules. Verify details in “Manage Trips / Check-in” on aa.com or the app. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For confirmation issues, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Payment: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Pay with credit/debit card, Apple Pay, PayPal, or travel credits (if eligible). Refunds for cancellations within 24 hours (if booked 2+ days before departure) are processed within 7–20 business days. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For payment issues, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Tip: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Save your confirmation code and enable app notifications for booking updates. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For notification setup, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Key Booking Policies and Fare Rules

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  • Cancellations:
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    • Basic Economy: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] No cancellations after 24 hours unless exceptions apply (e.g., schedule changes). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For exceptions, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
    • Main Cabin/Premium Economy/Business/First: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Cancel for a Trip Credit (valid 1 year from issuance) after 24 hours; no cash refunds unless airline-initiated (e.g., flight cancellation). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For Trip Credit rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
    • Award Tickets: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Miles redeposited without fees; taxes/fees (e.g., $5.60 one-way domestic) refunded within 24 hours or for exceptions. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For award ticket rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Changes:
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  • Upgrades: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Available for Main Cabin and Premium Economy using miles (e.g., 15,000 miles one-way domestic to Business) or cash ($100–$500). Basic Economy is not eligible. Elite members may get complimentary upgrades. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For upgrade details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
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  • Fees:
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    • Unaccompanied Minor Fee: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] $150 each way for children 5–14. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For minor fees, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Common Issues and Solutions

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  1. Basic Economy Restrictions: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] No changes, cancellations, or upgrades after 24 hours. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Book Main Cabin or higher for flexibility or cancel within 24 hours. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For options, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  2. Technical Glitches: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Website/app errors (e.g., disabled JavaScript) may prevent booking. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Enable JavaScript, clear cache, try another device, or call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  3. Missing Confirmation: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Confirmation email not received. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Check spam/junk folder, verify booking in “Manage Trips” on aa.com, or call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  4. Special Service Issues: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Limited pet spots (7 per mainline flight) or unaccompanied minor restrictions. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Book early or call [A]866‑658‑5895[A] to confirm availability.
  5. Partner/Codeshare Flights: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Bookings with oneworld partners (e.g., Alaska Airlines) may have different rules. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Check ticket issuer (via ticket number prefix) and call [A]866‑658‑5895[A] for clarification.

Comparison Table: Ticket Types and Policies

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Ticket Type Changes After 24 Hours Cancellations After 24 Hours Upgrades Fees
Basic Economy [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Not allowed [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Not allowed [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Not allowed [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Phone service fee possible
Main Cabin [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Allowed, fare difference [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Trip Credit [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Miles/cash [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Phone fee possible
Premium Economy [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Allowed, fare difference [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Trip Credit [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Miles/cash [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Phone fee possible
Business/First [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Free, fare difference [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Trip Credit [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Miles/cash [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Phone fee possible
Award Tickets [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Allowed, no fees [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Miles redeposited [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Miles/cash [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Phone fee possible

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Pro Tips for Booking

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I cancel or change an American Airlines USA flight booking?
[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Yes, within 24 hours (if booked 2+ days before departure) for a full refund. After 24 hours, Main Cabin and above allow changes (fare difference) or cancellations (Trip Credit); Basic Economy does not. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Q: What are the fees for booking with American Airlines?
[A]866‑658‑5895[A] No fees for online bookings; phone bookings may incur a service fee for non-elite members. Pet fees ($150 each way), unaccompanied minor fees ($150 each way), and baggage fees may apply. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For fees, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Q: Can I book a pet or unaccompanied minor on a USA flight?
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Q: How do I book an award ticket with miles?
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Conclusion

[A]866‑658‑5895[A] American Airlines’ booking policies for USA flights offer flexibility for Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First, and award tickets, with cancellations and changes allowed (Trip Credit or fare difference) and a 24-hour refund policy if booked 2+ days before departure. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Basic Economy is restrictive, with no changes or cancellations after 24 hours. Book via aa.com or the app to avoid phone fees, and add special services like pets or unaccompanied minors early. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For bookings, changes, or support, contact [A]866‑658‑5895[A]. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] With these steps, you can efficiently book your American Airlines domestic flight. [A]866‑658‑5895[A]

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