How to handle American Airlines delays & cancellations
What to check, and when to call.
Look up your flight on aa.com or the American app the morning of travel — gates and times change.
Options on the next flight fill fast. Calling right away is the quickest way to protect a seat.
You're generally entitled to a rebooking or a refund to your original payment method — even on a nonrefundable ticket.
Depending on the cause you may be entitled to a free rebooking. Don't rebook blindly — call first.
In some regions and situations, added compensation applies. We'll pursue the best outcome for your case.
Rights and options depend on the route, cause and your fare. We don't quote amounts — an agent gets you rebooked and tells you what applies before anything is charged.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled
Act fast — the best options go first.
Delayed
Seats moving
- Seats on the next flight fill within minutes on busy routes
- Calling can hold a seat while you talk
- Watch for gate and time changes
- You may still make a tight connection with help
Cancelled
Know your rights
- Generally a rebooking or refund to your original payment
- Even nonrefundable tickets qualify when the airline cancels
- Some regions/situations add compensation
- Don't rebook blindly — the free option may be better
Missed a connection?
There's often a better path than the app shows.
- Depending on the cause, you may qualify for a free rebooking
- Don't book a new ticket before checking — call first
- An agent can find the fastest viable route and hold it
- Keep boarding passes and delay notices for any claim
The moment something changes, call. A person can protect a seat on the next flight while comparing options — usually faster than doing it yourself when seats are moving.
Frequently asked
My flight is delayed — what should I do?+
My flight was cancelled — what am I owed?+
I missed my connection — can I rebook free?+
Can you rebook me faster than the app?+
Contact options
Reach American directly, or let us handle it.
Contact American Airlines directly
The airline's own official channels — free.
More American Airlines help
Related guides.