Can you cancel an American Airlines flight? Yes — and in fact, you have a variety of options to get the job done. While making travel plans these days can be unpredictable and many times out of your control, the airline has simplified policies to add flexibility for passengers.

Here's what you need to know about canceling an American Airlines flight plus tips to help you nix your flight if you booked with cash or miles.

American Airlines cancellation policy

It can be difficult to comb through terms and conditions to understand airline policies. Here's a summary of the main points of the American Airlines flight cancellation policy:

All tickets: may be canceled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase when booked at least two days before departure.

Refundable tickets: may be canceled for a full refund by requesting a refund online or by contacting reservations.

Nonrefundable tickets: no refund after the 24 hour grace period. However, if you cancel a flight before departure, you can apply the unused value of eligible fares toward a future trip, so long as the new flight takes place within one year of the original ticket issue date.

Currently, you're allowed to make changes to your trip once only.

Keep in mind that this policy only applies to purchases made directly with American Airlines. If you bought your ticket from a travel agent or website, you must contact the agency directly.

American Airlines cancellation fees

American Airlines doesn’t charge fees to cancel. The airline has eliminated cancellation fees on nonrefundable domestic, short-haul international and select long-haul international flight tickets for premium cabin, premium economy and main cabin fares.

This does not include basic economy fares booked on or after April 1, 2021, which are nonrefundable and non-changeable (meaning — you won’t even get a flight credit for canceling a basic economy booking).

Canceled nonrefundable fares are remitted in the value of the original purchase as flight credits. Although cancellation fees are waived, you may still owe any difference in ticket price if you rebook on a more expensive flight.

If your new flight is less expensive than the value of your original ticket, American will then issue you a trip credit for the difference.

How to cancel a flight on American Airlines

To cancel a flight, contact reservations within the U.S. or Canada by calling 800-433-7300. Alternatively, you can cancel an American Airlines flight online at aa.com.

First, navigate toward your trips from the homepage and enter your flight confirmation code. Then, follow the prompts to locate your flight booking and cancel.

Once you’ve canceled your flight, you’ll receive an email confirmation from American, which will include your ticket number.