Did you miss your American Airlines flight or find yourself running late and unable to make it? Regardless, you should understand American Airlines missed flight policy and take the stress out of this seemingly helpless situation. The airline offers you standby options and other features to help you complete your trip even if you fail to catch your original flight.
Missing a flight is not something you want, but if you have missed it anyway, fret not. With American Airlines, you can get on another flight at no extra charge. But how does this really work?
Know more about what happens when you miss an American Airlines flight below and how you can reach your destination at the earliest possible.
What happens if you miss your flight with American Airlines?
Missed an American Airlines flight and wondering what would happen next? Well, go over the details below to first understand what to do and then take action:
- American Airlines missed flight policy applies to any segment of your flight that you failed to show up for.
- There is an unspoken flat-tire rule where you have 2 hours from the scheduled departure date to inform the airline about it.
- If you follow the 2-hour rule and inform the airline, you will get an alternative flight to your destination at no extra charge.
- You are only eligible to fly standby on a flight if you have not checked your bags yet or have an Elite Status on the AAdvantage program.
- Connect with an airline representative at the airport to rebook any AA flight missed by a short 15-minute window.
- In case you missed a connecting flight because of a delay from the airline’s end, you will automatically get a rebooking on the next available flight with the same cabin class as your initial booking.
- Cust0mers who fail to show up for their American Airlines flight and miss it without informing in advance will be considered as No-Show.
Keep these basics on American Airlines missed flight policy in mind and make sure you can still reach your destination without extensive delays to your trip plans.
What Happens After I Miss My American Airlines Flight?
If you miss a flight because of being late, stuck in traffic, or a similar situation, there can be two scenarios.
- One is where you inform the airline in advance and arrive at the airport just in time to get a rebooking;
- the other is where you fail to show up or inform American Airlines about it.
Anyhow, you have to get on with your travel plans, but the stakes are higher when you do not show up. Here’s how it works:
American Airlines No Show Policy
You will be considered a no-show, and American Airlines no no-show policy will apply when you do not inform the airline about missing a flight. This happens when you fail to show up without even connecting with an AA representative. Here’s what goes on next:
- You are considered a no-show.
- All your related flight reservations under the same itinerary are canceled.
- The booking amount associated with your tickets is forfeited.
So, it is better if you call up the American Airlines customer service team and tell them about missing your flight to get a rebooking. Keep on reading to understand
How Do You Rebook a Missed Flight With American Airlines?
Rebooking a missed American Airlines flight is a simple three-step process. You just need to inform the airline about it, reach the airport within the suggested time limit, and get a rebooking at no extra cost. Here are the detailed steps for a quick reference:
1- Contact American Airlines
Immediately dial American Airlines missed flight phone number or call 800-433-7300 to connect to an airline agent after you realize you will miss your flight. Inform them of the reason to let them find and arrange a new booking for you if possible.
American Airlines gives you 15 15-minute buffer period before and after the departure to inform you about missed flights.
2- Arrive Airport ASAP
As soon as possible, arrive at the airport. The airline lets you book an American Airlines flight at no extra cost within 15 minutes before or after the departure. There is also an unspoken rule of 2 hours. Given that you arrive at the airport within 2 hours of the original flight’s departure time and head straight to the AA customer service desk. Tell the agent your concerns and wait for some alternatives.
Please note: American Airlines will not offer missed flight refunds in any case where you are the reason for missing your flight.
3- Ask and Get a Rebooking
You can directly ask the agent at the airport for a rebooking, and he will find the most suitable flight for you as per your previous flight. Remember that American Airlines does not charge for missing a flight.
Other Options to Rebook a Missed AA Flight
If you booked tickets with the help of travel agents, you can also connect with them directly. Make sure you have all the documents you need to rebook and your travel agent/agency allows you to do so.
You have to inform them as soon as you learn you will miss the scheduled flight, and you will get plenty of rebooking options. But remember, a refund is not available unless you are eligible for it.
In What Cases Can I Rebook the Missed American Flight?
You will get to rebook your flight with American Airlines to an alternate schedule after missing your initial one in certain cases. These are the major reasons:
- You were late to reach the airport and you missed the flight.
- There was some issue with your travel documents, and you could not get past the security checks or check-in area.
- You accidentally arrived at a different airport (which happens when your city has different airports).
- You did not apply for ESTA authorization.
For all these reasons, American Airlines will let you book a flight right after your initial one’s departure or let you fly standby on one.
Step-By-Step Process To Rebook a Flight Online
- Login to the American Airlines official website,
- Access the AA manage booking section,
- Retrieve your trip using your details.
- See the missed flight information,
- Connect with an AA representative on the phone.
- Request a rebooking.
If there are still 15 minutes left for departure or you are not past 15 minutes after the plane left the runway, you will be able to rebook using the steps above. Remember, rebooking a flight does not mean you get to change the airport details or destination. You can only get an alternative flight to your destination after your initial one departs.
Will American Airlines Offer a missed flight refund?
You may get a refund for a missed American Airlines flight, but that may depend on the fare you have and the reason for missing your flight. Here are the details:
- American Airlines does not offer refunds for flights due to any reasons under your control.
- If you miss flights due to any uncontrollable reason like a sudden illness, death in the family, etc., your fare decides whether you get a partial or full refund.
The best part is American Airlines does not even charge for a missed flight and lets you rebook free of charge within the specified time frame.
If My Flight is Delayed
If the airline delays your flight and you miss it due to that, there will be separate rules. American Airlines delayed flight policy applies when the delays are under their control else; you won’t get any compensation.
Besides, if you miss a connection, the airline will make sure you can still get a connecting flight to your destination at no extra charge in the same class as your previous reservation.
Final Say
Realize you are going to miss your AA flight and do not want to take any chances at losing money. Check the American Airlines missed flight rules above and make sure you can still fly on an alternate schedule at no extra cost.
Although we suggest you keep track of your schedule and leave for the airport just in time to avoid such situations, you may need to request them for a rebooking. AA tries to help you out in any possible way and offers online check-in for a smoother airport procedure as well.
However, if missing your flight was inevitable, simply go through the above information and request a rebooking from AA. Or connect with us today for additional help,
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don’t show up for a flight on American?
If you do not show up for a flight on American Airlines, their No Show policy will apply. In that case, all your future reservations in the same itinerary will be canceled and your booking amount will be charged as a fee.
What is the 45 minute rule for American Airlines?
The 45-minute rule states that you must check in for American Airlines at least an hour minutes before the flight’s departure time and arrive at the airport before the check-in closes.
Does American Airlines pay for canceled flights?
Well, they may pay you for canceled flights, but unless it is due to a situation under their control, AA is not obligated to do so. You can, however get a rebooking on an alternate flight or receive travel credits if they cancel your flight without a reason.
What if I miss a connecting flight because of an AA flight delay?
In such a case, request the airline to rebook your flight or a refund against the flight delay.
How much compensation does American Airlines provide for a missed flight?
If the airline finds your reason to be valid, you can get a missed flight refund up to 75% of your total ticket amount.