Travel updates

Domestic and short-haul international flights

We eliminated all change fees for First, Business, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for all domestic and short-haul international flying for tickets issued on or after August 31, 2020.

Long-haul international flights

We also eliminated change fees for First, Business, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for all long-haul international flights originating in North or South America for tickets issued on or after November 19, 2020.

If your travel plans change

You can keep the full value of your original ticket but will need to pay the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive. If your new flight is less expensive, you’ll get the fare difference in the form of travel credit to use on a future trip.

Example: If you paid $500 for your flight and change to a new flight that costs $300, you’ll receive $200 in travel credit for a future trip.

The new change fee policy also applies to AAdvantage^® award tickets.

We’re extending our offer to waive change fees on any existing tickets* for travel March 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. This offer includes Basic Economy fares and AAdvantage^® award tickets.

Keep in mind:

• You may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip.
• You’re allowed to change your origin and destination cities as part of this offer.
• You may have until December 31, 2021, for future travel.

Plus, if you have a ticket that is expiring between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, the value of your unused ticket can be used for travel through December 31, 2021.**

For any new tickets booked between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we’re expanding our offer to waive change fees for all dates, regardless of fare type or itinerary. This offer includes Basic Economy fares and AAdvantage^® award tickets.

Keep in mind:

• You may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip.
• You’re allowed to change your origin and destination cities as part of this offer.

U.S. federal law requires that you wear a face covering from the time you enter the airport where your trip begins, on board your flight, and until you leave the airport where your trip ends. If you refuse to wear one, you may be denied boarding and future travel on American. You may also face penalties under federal law.

These rules do not apply to children under 2, or if you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering and meet the exemption requirements.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about the mask requirement.

Requirement for face masks on planes and in airports Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

You should bring your own face covering to use while traveling. While limited quantities of face coverings may be available at the gate, they will not be available for every customer on every flight.

Acceptable face coverings

• A mask or 2 layered secured cloth that completely covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly to the sides of your face and under your chin
• Face shields worn with a face covering, but not in place of one

These are not acceptable as face coverings

• Balaclavas
• Bandanas
• Face covers with exhaust valves or vents
• Face covers made of mesh or lace type fabric
• Gaiters
• Scarves
• Ski masks

CDC recommendations for face coverings Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

During your flight

• Wear your face covering at all times, including if you plan to sleep.
• You can briefly lower or remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking oral medication, but it must be worn between bites and sips.
• If oxygen masks drop from an overhead compartment, remove your face covering before placing the oxygen mask over your nose and mouth.

Exemption for customers with disabilities*

If you may be exempt because you have a disability that prevents you from safely wearing a mask as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC 12101 et. seq) you must contact us at least 72 hours before you plan to travel and travel with documentation confirming a negative COVID test or recovery.

Please note, making false claims of a disability or a health condition to obtain an exemption from wearing a face covering may result in denial of travel on American for the duration of the U.S. federal mask requirement.

Call Special Assistance: 800-237-7976

These cannot fly

For the safety of everyone on board, some types of recreational / personal protection equipment are not allowed for use on our planes or in flight:

• Face or full-body pods / tents
• Portable electronic air fresheners / purifiers
• Ozone generators

• Restricted items
• Mobility and medical devices

Starting January 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will require all passengers flying to the U.S., including U.S. citizens, show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure, or documentation of recovery. This does not apply to children under 2 years old.

Read more about U.S. testing and other requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Keep in mind, if you cannot show proof of a negative test or documentation of recovery, you cannot fly and won’t be allowed to board the plane.

• Show your documents to an American Airlines agent. The forms can be printed, digital, or uploaded to the VeriFly app.
• Complete the CDC attestation form. The form can also be completed in the VeriFly app.

Get the VeriFly app Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Food and drinks

We’re limiting food and drink service in the Main Cabin based on flight length and destination. You’re welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks on board to enjoy during your flight.

Temporary changes to food and drink service