Same Day Change Success
Example: Changed from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM flight on same day due to work meeting.
- No change fee charged for same-day change.
- Processed online through aa.com in minutes.
- Seat selection maintained on new flight.
American Airlines Date Change Guide
Master American Airlines date change policies with confidence. Learn about fees, restrictions, and the complete process for modifying your travel dates.
Real-life Case Studies
Date Change with Fare Difference
Example: Changed from Tuesday to Friday due to family emergency.
- $200 change fee plus $150 fare difference paid.
- Processed through customer service in 15 minutes.
- New confirmation number issued immediately.
Understanding Date Changes
American Airlines offers different date change policies depending on your ticket type. Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed, while Main Cabin and higher fare classes allow modifications with fees.
Same-day changes are often the most cost-effective option, while advance date changes incur both change fees and potential fare differences.
Types of Date Changes
Same Day Change
$0 - $75
Change to a different flight on the same day
Morning to evening flight
Different route same day
Date Change (Basic Economy)
Not allowed
Change to a different date
No changes permitted
Ticket is non-refundable
Date Change (Main Cabin+)
$200 + fare difference
Change to a different date
Change to any future date
Subject to availability
How to Change Your Date
1
Check Your Ticket Type
Verify if your ticket allows date changes (Basic Economy does not)
2
Contact American Airlines
Call 1-800-433-7300 or use aa.com to request date change
3
Pay Required Fees
Pay change fee plus any fare difference for new date
4
Receive Confirmation
Get updated ticket with new travel date
What You Need for Date Changes
- Booking reference (PNR)
- Passenger name as on ticket
- New preferred travel date
- Payment method for fees
- AAdvantage number (if applicable)
Step-by-step Timeline
Before you call American Airlines
- Check your ticket type and change eligibility.
- Have your booking reference and passenger details ready.
During the change process
- Be flexible with your new travel dates for better availability.
- Ask about same-day change options to save on fees.
After the change is confirmed
- Save your new confirmation number and ticket details.
- Update any hotel or car rental bookings to match new dates.
Before your new travel date
- Check-in online 24 hours before departure.
- Verify all details match your identification documents.
Important Notes & Alerts
Basic Economy restrictions
Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
Fare differences apply
You'll pay the difference if new date costs more.
Change before departure
Changes must be made before original flight time.
American Airlines Date Change Policies
| Ticket Type | Change Fee | Same Day | Advance Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Main Cabin | $200 | $0 - $75 | $200 + fare diff |
| First Class | $0 | $0 | $0 + fare diff |
Pro Tips for Date Changes
1
Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed - choose Main Cabin or higher for flexibility.
2
Same-day changes are often free or low-cost if seats are available.
3
Book with AAdvantage miles for more flexible change policies.
4
Changes must be made before the original departure time.
5
Consider travel insurance for unexpected date changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my American Airlines flight date for free?
Same-day changes are often free or low-cost. First Class tickets have no change fees, but Main Cabin tickets cost $200 plus fare difference.
Can I change a Basic Economy ticket?
No, Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed, canceled, or refunded. Consider upgrading to Main Cabin for flexibility.
How much does it cost to change my flight date?
Main Cabin tickets cost $200 change fee plus any fare difference. First Class has no change fees but you pay fare difference.
Can I change my flight online?
Yes, you can change most tickets online through aa.com or the American Airlines app, or call customer service.
Related Airline Date Change Guides
Delta Air Lines
Delta's date change policies and procedures.
United Airlines
United's date change policies and procedures.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest's date change policies and procedures.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue's date change policies and procedures.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska's date change policies and procedures.
General Date Change Guide
Overview of airline date change policies.