American Airlines or AAdvantage allows most passengers to transfer their tickets from one original flight to new flight reservation prior to departure. Restrictions and fees depend on the fare class or types of tickets booked, the reason for the change, the availability of alternate flights and even the customer's specific needs. A change in class of ticket such as a basic economy ticket to business class will likely carry a higher flight change fee than a change between two equivalent American Airlines tickets.

It is important to note that American Airlines flights typically will not allow passengers to transfer a ticket to another person or offer a name change per their change policy, especially amid an era of tighter security. In most cases, you will have to pay a fee to change your ticket in any way, whether at check in or weeks in advance, one way or round trip, or if booked through a travel agent.

Transfer a Ticket to Another Person

American Airlines reservations usually will not allow you to transfer a ticket booked in your name to another person. However, if you cancel your ticket (which will incur a fee of about $150 depending on the fare class originally booked), you will receive a credit, which you can use to book a new ticket in the name of the new passenger. Call the airline at 918-254-3777 or go to refunds.aa.com and follow the instructions to cancel your ticket and book the new one. If you book the new ticket over the phone, you may have to pay an additional fee of $20 or more. Tickets booked in cheaper fare classes will typically incur a change or cancellation fee.

It is easiest to change full-fare tickets, which are often referred to as unrestricted or refundable. Call the airline at 918-254-3777 or go to refunds.aa.com before your flight departs to make changes to your ticket. You will not be charged a fee and are entitled to a full refund if the ticket you booked was refundable or unrestricted. These tickets are usually booked by business travelers, especially those traveling at the last minute.

Nonrefundable or restricted tickets are more difficult to transfer, change or cancel. These fares are often cheaper to purchase but can carry hefty change fees. You must call 918-254-3777 or go to refunds.aa.com to change your ticket. Expect to pay a fee of about $150 to change or cancel domestic tickets; international flight tickets may cost up to $250 to change depending on fare class.

If you must change, cancel or transfer your ticket due to a medical or family emergency or in other special circumstances, American Airlines may waive the change fee or award ticket transfers. It is best to call the airline and explain your situation if you must change your ticket for a covered reason. The airline usually will require proof of your reason for changing your ticket, such as a death certificate or a note from your doctor stating that you are too ill to travel. In the event of severe weather such as a hurricane, American Airlines will usually allow you to change or cancel your travel plans at no charge. Call the airline at 918-254-3777 or go to refunds.aa.com.

Remember to always read flight cancellation policy agreements before booking your airline ticket. For Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others, visit the airline’s website or a travel agency for information about flight booking, transfer tickets, rebooking, and refund policies.