Cancellation fees
American Airlines award cancellation fees.
Verified July 2026 · Currency: AAdvantage Miles
TL;DR
American Airlines eliminated award cancellation fees in 2020. All members can cancel awards free of charge. Only no-shows incur a $125 fee.
Fee structure
| Cabin | Timing | Fee | Elite benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime before departure | Anytime before departure | FREE | All members: Free cancellation | Miles fully redeposited, taxes refunded |
| No-show | No-show | $125 | All members: $125 fee | Miles redeposited minus fee |
Partner Award Cancellations
AA's cancellation policy applies to most partner bookings:
British Airways:
FREE (same as AA metal)
Qatar Airways:
FREE (same as AA metal)
Japan Airlines:
FREE (same as AA metal)
Cathay Pacific:
FREE (same as AA metal)
Important notes
- American eliminated all cancellation fees in 2020
- No redeposit fees for any members
- Only no-shows incur a $125 fee
- Same-day flight changes have different fees ($75-$150)
- Basic Economy awards cannot be changed or cancelled
- Award holds can be cancelled within hold period without fee
Frequently asked questions
Do all AA members really get free cancellations?
Yes! American eliminated award cancellation fees in 2020. All members, regardless of status, can cancel awards for free.
Are partner awards treated the same as AA flights?
Yes, the free cancellation policy applies to partner awards booked through AA, including BA, Qatar, JAL, and Cathay Pacific.
What about Basic Economy awards?
Basic Economy awards cannot be changed or cancelled, even by elite members. The miles and taxes are completely forfeited.
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