Last-minute travelers, take note. One of the biggest airlines in the United States has updated its refund rules for flights booked less than seven days before departure.
American Airlines has changed its 24-hour refund policy to no longer include flights that are booked less than one week before takeoff.
The new policy is reflected in American’s contract of carriage rules, which were updated on July 29.
The move brings the Texas-based carrier in line with other major U.S. airlines, including United and Southwest Airlines.
“American Airlines strives to provide every customer with the travel experience they’ve selected,” the airline said in an emailed statement.
“In the rare instances where operational needs require a change in cabin, we have implemented new technology that refunds customers for the difference between the original fare and the fare for the cabin flown on the affected flight. We also offer customers the ability to get a full refund if they purchase a ticket within 24 hours and booked at least 7 days before departure,” American’s statement said.
Under FAA regulations, all airlines that operate flights to or from the U.S. must allow passengers who book at least seven days before departure to cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund or to place a ticket on hold at the quoted price without paying for 24 hours.
Airlines are not required to do both, but American says that even under its new refund policy, it also still allows customers the ability to put a trip on hold for 24 hours at no cost.
To use this option, travelers can select their flights and select “hold for 24 hours” on the checkout page.
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