Katie has opened dozens of credit cards—while maintaining an 800+ credit score—and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles since 2015. She started her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016 and began freelance writing a year later. She i.
Katie Seemann Credit Cards WriterKatie has opened dozens of credit cards—while maintaining an 800+ credit score—and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles since 2015. She started her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016 and began freelance writing a year later. She i.
Written By Katie Seemann Credit Cards WriterKatie has opened dozens of credit cards—while maintaining an 800+ credit score—and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles since 2015. She started her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016 and began freelance writing a year later. She i.
Katie Seemann Credit Cards WriterKatie has opened dozens of credit cards—while maintaining an 800+ credit score—and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles since 2015. She started her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016 and began freelance writing a year later. She i.
Credit Cards Writer Jerod Morales Deputy EditorJerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he.
Jerod Morales Deputy EditorJerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he.
Jerod Morales Deputy EditorJerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he.
Jerod Morales Deputy EditorJerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he.
Updated: Aug 5, 2024, 8:30am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
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Travel can be a lot of fun, but it doesn’t always go to plan. When a flight gets canceled or delayed, it can be tricky to know what (if any) compensation you’re entitled to. But each airline’s policies are different, which can complicate matters. It can help you to know in advance exactly what to expect in the event your travel plans get disrupted with a particular carrier.
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American Airlines may give compensation for delays and cancelations depending on the circumstances and who is at fault.
If your flight is canceled or severely delayed, including any delays that cause you to miss a connecting flight, you’ll be rebooked at no charge on the next American Airlines flight with open seats. If there are no American Airlines flights until the following day, you’ll be rebooked on a partner airline, if available.
In the event you’re delayed onboard while on the ground and unable to access the terminal gate (not including on an active runway or taxiway) for over two hours, American Airlines will make a reasonable effort to provide basics like snacks, water, access to restrooms and basic medical assistance.
If the delay or cancelation is the fault of American Airlines, customers are entitled to the following compensation upon request.
Passengers rerouted to another city with a flight to their final destination that doesn’t board before 11:59 p.m. are also entitled to hotel and transportation vouchers or reimbursement.
Most travelers will experience flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather at some point. It’s never fun, but it’s easier to deal with when you know what compensation you might be entitled to and how to get it.
If your flight delay or cancellation is because of something outside the control of American Airlines, like the weather, you are responsible for your own hotel, transportation and meal expenses.
If you decide not to fly due to a significant delay, you can request reimbursement for the unused portion of your ticket.
If your flight was delayed or canceled by American Airlines, you may be entitled to reimbursement for select out-of-pocket costs.
To request reimbursement for reasonable costs for meals, a hotel room and transportation to and from a hotel, contact American Airlines. You can email them at AmericanAirlinesCustomerRelations@aa.com or contact them through the AA website customer service form. Be sure to include all your flight information and receipts for your expenses.
To receive compensation for hotel and transportation costs, your flight must be delayed overnight. To be eligible for meal vouchers, your flight must be delayed at least three hours.
If American Airlines cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund, even if you purchased a nonrefundable ticket.
Passengers who experience a significant schedule change or delay caused by the airline are entitled to a refund, according to the Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, the DOT hasn’t defined what a “significant delay” is, so refund requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Credit cards with trip delay coverage offer reimbursement for expenses that result from a delayed flight. This policy protects you in situations often not covered by the airlines, like weather delays, and can fill in the gaps between what the airline covers and your actual expenses.
Credit cards with trip interruption and cancellation insurance can cover nonrefundable travel purchases made with your credit card if your trip is cut short or canceled.
Coverage levels and policies vary by card. You’ll need to pay for your flight with the card that holds the coverage, so choose one with a good balance of airline bonus points and trip insurance. Make sure you’re familiar with the terms for each card because some might require round-trip travel to be covered, while others won’t have that same requirement.
Here are some of the best cards with trip delay coverage and trip interruption/cancellation insurance.
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No one enjoys a delayed or canceled flight, but knowing the best way to handle it can make the situation less stressful.
Most passengers head for the customer service desk when things go wrong. If delays are widespread, the waiting time in these lines can be hours. Instead of waiting in line, check the American Airlines mobile app, as you can often change your flight quickly and easily with just a few clicks.
If you have access to American Airlines Admirals Clubs or Flagship Lounges, you’ll often have better luck rebooking your flights with the help of lounge agents than waiting in the general customer service line. Without status, annual Admirals Club membership fees start at $850 or 85,000 miles.
Admirals Club membership is included with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® * , or you can purchase a day pass, depending on the location and lounge capacity. A day pass to an Admirals Club costs $79 or 7,900 American Airlines miles, while a day pass to a Flagship lounge costs $150 or 15,000 American Airlines miles.
While the insurance with your credit card may be enough for simple trips, buying an additional insurance policy may be worth it if you’re planning an expensive or once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Many travel insurance companies offer policies ranging from single-trip to yearly plans. If you want to insure your American Airlines flight against delays and cancellations, pay special attention to the policy’s trip interruption, cancellation and trip delay sections.
Here are some of the main types of coverage you may see when researching travel insurance.
Regardless of the type of insurance policy you buy, read the fine print carefully, as each company’s policies can vary.
Travel can be unpredictable, and like it or not, delays and cancellations aren’t uncommon. Each airline’s policy will vary, and it can pay to get familiar with your carrier’s procedures in the event of a significant delay or canceled flight. Add supplemental insurance if necessary and, if possible, book with a card that includes some travel insurance to receive even more protection.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Credit Cards WriterKatie has opened dozens of credit cards—while maintaining an 800+ credit score—and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles since 2015. She started her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016 and began freelance writing a year later. She is currently a senior content contributor and news editor for Upgraded Points and has also written for Travel + Leisure and Fortune Recommends.
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