American Airlines Tightens 24-Hour Free Refund Policy to 7-Day Advance Ticketing

American Airlines has updated its customer service FAQs to reflect a change in its 24-hour free refund policy. Previously, passengers could cancel for a full cash refund within 24 hours of booking as long as the ticket was purchased at least two days before departure. The new policy requires the ticket to be booked at least seven days before departure, aligning American with standard Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The policy applies to all ticket types but excludes group block reservations. Passengers booking through travel agencies must contact them directly for refunds. While cash refunds are restricted, many ticket types still qualify for a travel credit usable within 12 months of issuance. This change eliminates one of the key areas where American was more generous than competitors like Delta, which still allows 24-hour refunds for tickets booked as late as the day of departure