American Airlines has a comprehensive cancellation policy designed to accommodate various passenger needs, offering flexibility across different ticket types and circumstances. Understanding the nuances of this policy can help travelers make informed decisions when plans change. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation American Airlines provides a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy for all ticket types. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and at least two days before departure, you are entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment. This policy applies regardless of the fare class and is designed to give travelers flexibility shortly after booking. To qualify, the ticket must have been purchased directly from American Airlines, either through their website, mobile app, or customer service. If the ticket was booked through a third-party agent, their policies may differ, and the 24-hour refund rule might not apply. Refundable Tickets Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility. If you purchased a refundable ticket directly from American Airlines, you can cancel your flight at any time before departure and receive a full refund to your original form of payment. Refunds for refundable tickets are usually processed within a week for credit card payments, though other payment methods may take longer. Refundable tickets tend to be more expensive than non-refundable ones because they offer this extra flexibility. Non-Refundable Tickets Non-refundable tickets are less flexible. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket after the 24-hour risk-free window, you usually will not get a cash refund. Instead, you will receive a travel credit for the value of the ticket minus any cancellation fees. This credit can be used for future travel with American Airlines and typically expires one year from issuance. There are exceptions where refunds are allowed for non-refundable tickets. If American Airlines cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, such as delaying the flight by several hours, you can request a full refund regardless of the ticket type. Also, if you decline an alternative flight offered after a cancellation by the airline, you are entitled to a refund. Refunds may also be granted in special situations like military orders or serious illness, though documentation may be required. Basic Economy Tickets Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive fare class. After the 24-hour risk-free period, these tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. If you cancel or miss a Basic Economy flight after that time, you will lose the full price of the ticket. However, in some cases, AAdvantage members may receive a travel credit minus fees, but this depends on eligibility and specific conditions. How to Cancel a Flight To cancel your flight within the 24-hour risk-free window, you can easily do so online by logging into your American Airlines account and selecting the cancellation option. After canceling within this time frame, the refund is processed automatically to your original form of payment. Refunds usually appear within a few business days depending on your payment method. For cancellations made after 24 hours, you should check your ticket’s fare rules carefully to understand your options and any fees involved. If you booked through a third party, you will need to contact them directly to cancel your reservation and request a refund or credit, as American Airlines cannot manage those bookings. Conclusion In summary, American Airlines offers a cancellation policy that provides flexibility for travelers, especially within the 24-hour risk-free period. Refundable tickets offer the most freedom to cancel and get your money back, while non-refundable tickets generally only provide travel credits. Basic Economy tickets are the least flexible and usually non-refundable after 24 hours. Understanding your ticket’s terms and acting promptly can help you navigate the cancellation process effectively. | 
