You can get a refund if you cancel your American Airlines flight, but whether you receive one depends on several factors including when you cancel, the type of ticket you purchased, and the circumstances. American Airlines offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy which allows passengers to cancel their booking within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund if the flight is scheduled to depart at least two days later. This applies to all fare types and is designed to give travelers flexibility shortly after booking. To qualify, the ticket must have been purchased directly from American Airlines, either through their website, mobile app, or customer service. If the ticket was bought through a third-party agent, their policies may differ and the 24-hour refund rule might not apply.

If you purchased a refundable ticket, you generally have the greatest flexibility. Refundable tickets allow you to cancel your flight at any time before departure and receive a full refund to the original form of payment. Refunds for refundable tickets are usually processed within a week for credit cards and might take longer for other payment methods. However, refundable tickets tend to be more expensive than non-refundable ones because they offer this extra flexibility. On the other hand, non-refundable tickets are less flexible. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket after the 24-hour cancellation window, you usually will not get a cash refund. Instead, you will receive a travel credit equal to the amount paid minus any cancellation fees. This credit can be used toward future travel with American Airlines and typically expires one year from issuance.

There are exceptions where refunds are allowed for non-refundable tickets. If American Airlines cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, such as delaying the flight by several hours, you are entitled to a full refund. Additionally, if you decline an alternative flight offered after a cancellation by the airline, you can request a refund. Refunds may also be granted in special situations like military orders or serious illness, though documentation may be required. Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive fare class. After the 24-hour risk-free period, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and do not allow changes. If you cancel after the 24-hour window, you will lose the value of your ticket. However, in some cases, AAdvantage members may receive a travel credit minus fees, but this depends on eligibility and specific conditions.

To cancel your flight within the 24-hour window, you can easily do so online by logging into your American Airlines account and selecting the cancellation option. After canceling within this time frame, the refund is processed automatically. Refunds usually appear within a few business days depending on your payment method. If you cancel after 24 hours, you need to check your ticket’s fare rules to understand whether you qualify for a refund or travel credit and what fees may apply. If you booked through a third party, you must contact them directly to handle cancellations and refunds since American Airlines cannot manage those bookings.

In summary, you can get a refund if you cancel your American Airlines flight, especially if you act within the 24-hour risk-free cancellation window or if you hold a refundable ticket. Non-refundable tickets generally offer travel credits rather than cash refunds after this window. Basic Economy tickets offer little to no refund after 24 hours. Always review your ticket’s terms before booking to understand cancellation and refund options. Being aware of the rules helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures you know when and how to cancel to maximize your chances of getting a refund.