Flight delays can disrupt your travel plans and result in unexpected expenses. They can be stressful and inconvenient, too. Understanding your options after a flight delay may help you determine whether you are eligible for a refund, reimbursement, or other assistance. In this blog, we explain what to do when your American Airlines flight is delayed and whether you are eligible for compensation.
What Are My Rights While Flying American Airlines?
On any flights departing from the United States, whether domestic or international, your passenger protections and rights are governed and enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Eligibility for refunds, reimbursements, and compensation is laid out through DOT regulations and American Airlines Customer Service Commitments.
Refund
Return of the unused ticket value when eligible.
Reimbursement
Repayment of expenses such as hotel stays, meals, or transportation that the airline agrees to cover.
Compensation
Additional payments, travel credits, or vouchers offered because of the disruption.
Why Was My Flight Delayed?
Whether American Airlines provides refunds and compensation often depends on whether the delay was within the airline’s control or not.
Delays caused by maintenance issues, crew shortages, or operational problems are generally considered the airline’s responsibility. Weather events and air traffic restrictions are usually outside the airline’s control and are referred to as “extraordinary circumstances”.
| Airline-Controlled Causes | Extraordinary circumstances |
| Operational issues | Weather conditions |
| Technical problems | Security threats or emergencies |
| Strikes by airline staff | Strikes by airport staff |
| Crew shortages | Natural disasters |
| Aircraft servicing delays | Air traffic control restrictions |
What To Do If Your American Airlines Flight Is Delayed
Your airline passenger rights protect you in cases of flight delays and cancellations. If your flight is delayed, you have the following options immediately available to you:
Rebook Your Flights
If you can’t afford to wait around, rebooking the next available flight might be the most convenient option. In case of delays, American Airlines usually offers to rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost.
To rebook your flight, you can:
- Use the American Airlines app
- Visit an airport kiosk or help desk
- Use the aa.com website
The most efficient way to rebook your flight is by using the American Airlines app, which shows you delays and potential flight changes, as well as the next flight with available seating.
Request a Refund
If your American Airlines flight is delayed significantly and you are not satisfied with available rebooking options, you may be entitled to a refund for ticket value and optional fees like baggage fees under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
The DOT considers lengthy delays to be a significant schedule disruption. Their guidelines state that passengers should generally be entitled to a refund if domestic flights are delayed by three or more hours and international flights are delayed by six or more hours.
However, airlines retain discretion over whether to offer rebooking, hotel, or food vouchers to passengers for shorter delays.
Request a Room
If your flight is delayed overnight due to the airline’s fault, American Airlines may book a complimentary hotel room for your stay. Enquire at an American Airlines help desk about this option.
When Do I Qualify for Compensation?
In case of delays, American Airlines does offer flight ticket refunds and reimbursement of unexpected expenses because of the delay. However, if you are eligible, you can request compensation for your inconvenience.
According to DOT regulations, airline carriers are not required to compensate passengers for delays in domestic flights. For international flights, compensation may be provided for significant delays and missed connections depending on the route, the circumstances of the delay, and the passenger-rights regulations that apply.
If you were flying in from another country, your passenger-rights regulations depend on the jurisdiction of that country. The European Union (EU261) and United Kingdom (UK261) provide stronger compensation protections than U.S. laws.
What Assistance Can American Airlines Provide After a Delay?
American Airlines’ Customer Service Commitments state that they may choose to compensate passengers for “significant delays” at their own discretion.
U.S. law generally does not require airlines to provide cash compensation for delayed domestic flights. The airline is not required to provide compensation if your American Airlines flight is delayed because of “extraordinary circumstances”, or situations that the airline was not responsible for, such as extreme weather conditions or bird strikes.
Depending on your individual circumstances, American Airlines may offer meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or travel credits as reasonable compensation for any inconvenience you may have experienced due to airline-controlled causes.
How To Make A Compensation Claim With American Airlines
If your flight was delayed due to extraordinary circumstances, you may not be eligible for compensation, but might still be able to get a ticket refund.
If the flight delay was caused by factors within the airline’s control, you can file a claim for compensation. You can claim compensation directly via American Airlines or get a third party application to handle the process for you.
To make a claim with the airline, begin by documenting the damage the delay caused you. This may include screenshots showing the flight was delayed or if a connection was missed, and receipts for unexpected expenses like transport, food, and accommodation.
Speak to American Airlines customer service about reimbursement for additional expenses the delay caused you. You can use the American Airlines compensation portal to fill out a claim form. If your claim isn’t fulfilled satisfactorily, you can escalate your claim to the national aviation authority, the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are my rights protected when flying American Airlines?
When flying American Airlines, your rights are protected by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the airline’s own Customer Service Plan.
What is the difference between a refund, reimbursement, and compensation?
A refund is getting your ticket cost returned, while a reimbursement is when the airline covers your repayment of additional expenses because of flight issues. Compensation refers to additional payments, credits, or vouchers offered because of a travel disruption.
What are my rights if I’m flying American Airlines from the EU?
If your flight with American Airlines is departing from the European Union, your rights are protected by EU261/2004.
Can I rebook a delayed American Airlines flight?
If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, you are entitled to rebook onto another available American Airlines flight at no additional cost, or receive a full refund.
Can I get a refund if my American Airlines flight is delayed?
If your flight experiences a significant delay and you choose not to travel, you may be entitled to a refund under applicable U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
What happens if I miss a connecting American Airlines flight due to a delay?
If you miss a connecting flight because of a delay on the same booking, American Airlines is responsible for rebooking you onto the next available flight at no extra cost.
