Acquire information about American Airlines' last-minute flight change
American Airlines allows confirmed changes to your flight on the same day for a fee but with some exceptions. You can change your departure or arrival time, but not the departure/arrival airports, number of flight segments, connection cities, or from a through flight to a connecting or nonstop flight. This option is subject to availability and may not be offered on all routes. To learn more about it, you must consider the below content.
Can I change my American flight at the last minute?
Whether it is or isn't easy to change the American flight at the last minute depends on the destination, time, route, fare, or more.
Will American Airlines let me change my flight time?
Whether American Airlines will let you change your flight time depends on several factors, which are:
- Confirmed change: For a fee, you can usually change your departure or arrival time for the same day, but not other details like airports or number of segments. It depends on availability and may not be offered on all routes.
- Same-day standby: You can stand by for an earlier American or American Eagle® flight on your departure day if seats are available, but it's not guaranteed. This option is free for some passengers, but others may need to pay.
- More than 24 hours before departure: Changes are usually possible online, through the app, or with customer service, often without penalty.
- Less than 24 hours before departure: Fees increase, and confirmed changes are less likely. Same-day standby might not be available.
- At the airport: An unpublished policy allows rebooking on the next available flight if you arrive at the check-in counter within 15 minutes of departure. Still, it depends on seat availability and isn't guaranteed.
How much does American Airlines charge to change dates?
American Airlines charges for changing dates per some conditions stated below.
- Non-refundable fares: don't allow changes at all or come with significant penalties that could be equal to the entire ticket price.
- Basic Economy fares: These fares also generally don't allow changes.
- Other fare types: More flexible fares have lower change fees or may even allow free changes depending on the specific fare rules.
- Domestic flights (excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands): you wouldn't pay any change fees but may still need to pay the difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive.
- International flights: Change fees can range from $75 to $750.
How do I change my American Airlines flight at the last minute?
If you seek to change the American Airlines flight at the last minute, consider the below ways to help you amend the flight at the last minute.
Phone: Call American Airlines customer service at 1-800-433-7300. Be prepared for wait times, incredibly close to departure, and talk about the last-minute upgrade at AA.
Airport ticket counter: While technically possible, this option is not recommended due to potentially long wait times and limited assistance close to departure.
Airport kiosk: You can use the self-service kiosks at the airport to change your flight, but options may be limited, and fees are more likely.
