Can I change a connecting flight under American Airlines flight change policy?

When it comes to air travel, plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it's a sudden shift in your schedule or a personal emergency, understanding your airline's flight change policy can save you time, money, and stress. For customers of American Airlines, this becomes especially relevant when dealing with connecting flights. If you’re wondering whether you can change a connecting flight under the American Airlines flight change policy, you’ve come to the right place.

At Tours N Travel Pro, we specialize in making travel easier for our clients. In this blog, we’ll break down the ins and outs of changing connecting flights on American Airlines, along with key considerations to keep in mind.

What is a Connecting Flight?

Before we dive into the specifics of American Airlines' flight change policy, let’s clarify what a connecting flight is. A connecting flight involves two or more flights where you have to switch planes at an intermediate airport before reaching your final destination. For instance, if you’re flying from New York to Los Angeles with a layover in Dallas, your first flight takes you to Dallas, and your connecting flight takes you onward to Los Angeles.

Can You Change a Connecting Flight?

Yes, you can change a connecting flight under the American Airlines flight change policy. However, there are a few things to consider. The process of changing a connecting flight might differ slightly from changing a direct flight due to the logistics involved in handling multiple flights. Let's explore the process:

1. Check Your Ticket Type

American Airlines offers different types of tickets, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and First/Business Class, each with different flexibility when it comes to changes. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Basic Economy: If you have a Basic Economy ticket, your options for making changes are limited. American Airlines typically does not allow changes to Basic Economy tickets unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you’re looking to change your connecting flight, you might need to pay extra fees, or in some cases, the change might not be possible.

• Main Cabin and Higher: For Main Cabin and premium class tickets, American Airlines is more flexible. You can change your connecting flight, but you may have to pay a change fee, depending on your ticket’s fare rules and whether the change is made within a specific timeframe.

2. Understanding Change Fees

When changing a connecting flight with American Airlines, one of the most important things to be aware of is the change fee. American Airlines typically charges a fee to change flights, which can vary based on the route, fare class, and time of change.

• Domestic Flights: For domestic routes, the change fee can range from $0 to $200.

• International Flights: International flights tend to have higher fees, generally between $75 and $450.

It's worth noting that American Airlines has waived change fees for many routes since the pandemic, but this is subject to certain conditions. Be sure to check the specific details of your ticket before making changes.

3. Online or Phone Changes?

For most changes, including modifying connecting flights, you can handle the process online. Visit the American Airlines website and go to the “Manage Trips” section. You can make changes to your itinerary, including selecting new connecting flights if available.

If you encounter issues online or if the changes are complex, such as altering a multi-leg itinerary, it’s best to contact American Airlines customer service directly. An agent will assist you in modifying your connecting flight.

4. Availability of New Connecting Flights

When changing a connecting flight, availability plays a key role. If your original connecting flight is no longer available, American Airlines will offer you the next best alternative. This could mean adjusting the time of your layover or, in rare cases, even changing your route.

It’s important to act quickly when changing flights, especially for busy routes. The sooner you make changes, the more likely you are to get a better alternative.

5. Impact on Connecting Flight Schedules

Sometimes, adjusting one leg of your journey might affect your connecting flight. If your change is made shortly before your departure, make sure the new connecting flight gives you enough time to navigate the airport and make your next departure. American Airlines recommends a minimum layover of 45 minutes for domestic connections, though you may want to aim for more time in case of any delays or security checks.

6. Exceptions and Special Circumstances

There are instances where you might be allowed to change a connecting flight without incurring extra fees. These include situations like:

• Schedule Changes or Cancellations: If American Airlines changes your flight times or cancels a connection, you’re typically allowed to change to another flight with no fee.

• Medical Emergencies or Other Exceptional Situations: In some rare cases, American Airlines may allow changes to your connecting flight without additional charges if you’re facing a medical emergency or another extenuating circumstance.

7. How to Avoid High Change Fees

While you can change your connecting flight, you might want to avoid steep change fees. Here are a few tips:

• Book Early: The earlier you book your flight, the more flexibility you might have in changing your itinerary.

• Consider Flexible Fares: Look for tickets that offer flexibility in making changes without hefty fees.

• Use Points or Miles: If you have AAdvantage miles, you may be able to use them to waive change fees, depending on your membership level and availability.

Conclusion

Changing a connecting flight under the American Airlines flight change policy is possible, but it comes with specific rules and potential fees. At Tours N Travel Pro, we always encourage our clients to review the specific terms of their ticket before making any changes. Whether you’re changing a connecting flight due to personal reasons, schedule conflicts, or something else, knowing the process and having a plan in place can make a significant difference in your travel experience.

If you need assistance with your American Airlines booking or have any other travel-related questions, feel free to reach out to us at Tours N Travel Pro. We’re here to help make your travel experience smooth and stress-free!