American Airlines flight cancellation compensation
Did American Airlines cancel your flight? As a passenger, you have rights and you might be eligible to compensation. In this article we expand on your rights under federal law, and your right to compensation in Europe if your flight was cancelled.
American Airlines compensation for cancelled US flight
If a domestic flight is canceled in the United States, passengers have specific rights and are protected by federal law. American Airlines, one of the leading domestic carriers, is generally required to rebook passengers on the next available flight to their destination at no extra cost. If American Airlines fails to provide reasonable rebooking options, passengers may be eligible for compensation under airline passenger rights regulations.
Here are your rights as a passenger for domestic flight cancellations:
- Right to notification: American Airlines is legally obliged to promptly notify passengers about flight cancellations. This notification should explain the reason for the cancellation and provide alternative options, such as rebooking on the next available flight or receiving a refund.
- Right to rebooking or refund: In the event of a flight cancellation, passengers have the right to choose between being rebooked on the next available American Airlines flight or receiving a refund for the unused portion of their ticket. The choice between rebooking and a refund is entirely up to the passenger.
- Right to Compensation (in some cases): Unlike EU regulations, there is currently no specific compensation requirement for flight cancellations within the United States, except for instances related to denied boarding due to overselling of tickets.
American Airlines commits to:
- Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost
- Rebook on partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement at no additional cost
- Meal or meal cash/voucher when cancellation results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more for a new flight
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight cancellation
Unfortunately, American Airlines doesn’t commit to financiel compensation for cancelled domestic flights.
Passenger rights for cancelled flights to or from Europe (EU261)
In Europe, passengers are provided with comprehensive protection through EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), which outlines airline passenger rights for flight cancellations.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re flying to or from Europe, and when these regulations apply to you.
US passengers from Europe
If you are a US passenger traveling back from Europe to the United States on American Airlines, you could be entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled.
If your flight within Europe is cancelled, for example from Belgium to Italy, you are also eligible for compensation.
The one caveat is that if the airline discloses the cancellation 14 days or longer before the flight, there is no right to compensation.
Unfortunately, if your flight with American Airlines from the US to Europe is cancelled, EU regulations don’t apply and there is no right to compensation.
Flight cancellation compensation amounts under EU261
EU261 provides guidelines on the amount of compensation passengers can receive for canceled flights based on the flight distance and the length of the delay caused by the cancellation.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), passengers can receive compensation for canceled flights, with amounts ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance and the duration of the delay:
- For flights up to 932 miles (1,500 kilometers), the compensation is €250.
- For flights between 932 miles and 2,175 miles (3,500 kilometers), the compensation is €400.
- For flights over 2,175 miles, the compensation is €600.
The dollar amount may vary depending on the applicable exchange rate.
American Airlines and flight cancellation compensation in Europe
American Airlines operates primarily in the United States, but they also offer international flights. If you were to book an American Airlines flight from the United States to Europe or vice versa, and your flight is canceled, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261. Be sure to check American’s specific policies for international flights.
Contact American Airlines for your compensation or a company like EUclaim.
EUclaim is an European company that helps international consumers claim compensation for flight delays and cancellations. They offer free advice and take care of all the paperwork involved in the claims process.
Passenger rights will change for American Airlines
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg are actively working to implement new regulations that would provide American passengers, including those flying with American Airlines, with enhanced protections and compensation in the event of flight cancellations. These proposed regulations are aimed at aligning with the rights offered to passengers in the European Union.
What are my rights if American Airlines cancelled my flight?
If your domestic flight is cancelled, you have the right to:
- A full refund of your ticket price
- A rebooking on the next available flight to your final destination, at no additional cost
- Assistance with accommodation and meals if your rebooked flight departs the next day or later
What are my rights if American Airlines cancelled my flight to or from Europe?
If AA cancels your flight, they are obliged to offer you a replacement flight or a refund.
You might also be eligible for compensation if American Airlines notified you within 14 days that your flight from Europe to the USA is cancelled. The ammount depends on the actual distance. If American Airlines cancelled your flight starting outside Europe, you are not protected by European law, so compensation does not apply.
How do I claim compensation if American Airlines cancels my flight?
To claim compensation with American Airlines, you should first contact the airline. If the airline refuses to compensate you, or simply doesn’t offer a way to claim, we advise you to contact Euclaim.