A Woman Was Offered Just $25 After Her Flight Was Canceled; Here’s What You Can Do to Avoid This

A woman's flight on American Airlines from New York to Miami faced numerous delays before finally getting canceled. The next flight that she was put on also faced a similar fate. She was then informed that there were no more seats available until 7 p.m. the next day, which meant that she would have to miss an entire day's work. She booked herself a different flight on another airline and decided to file a complaint. American Airlines offered her a trip credit that she simply wasn't expecting. It was a mere $25 trip credit, per View From The Wing. 

The Department of Transportation has a dashboard to show how much the airlines owe you in different situations. The airline makes it very clear that it owes its customers very little if the delay or cancellation is due to the weather or some air control staffing issue. Only when the airline is at fault for the flight's cancellation the customer can expect a full refund.

All You Need to Know About American Airlines Refund Policy

If you have to cancel a flight, then the wise plan would be to cancel within 24 hours of booking and at least, two days before departure. By canceling within 24 hours of booking, you will get a full refund in your source account. It's also important to note that basic economy fares will not be eligible for cancellation if the 24-hour window has already passed.

There's a category of airline tickets called "flexible tickets" which will help you book refundable tickets.

A non-refundable ticket can be eligible for a refund only if:

1. There's a flight schedule change for more than four hours.

2. The passenger or the traveling companion has passed away.

3. Some kind of military order has affected the flying schedule.

How Do I Get a Refund from American Airlines?

The process varies from situation to situation. Beyond the 24-hour window, you will have to go through an elaborate process to get the refund.

Note: You can never get a refund if you are the one who has canceled the flight after the 24-hour booking window.

Let's move on to what happens if the airline cancels the flight.

1. You need to initiate the refund process. All you need to do is visit prefunds.aa.com and tap on the blue Refunds button. 

2. After tapping on the Refund option, you will see a pop-up box in which you will need to enter the last name of the passenger along with the ticket number.

3. Move on to the "Request a Refund" option, enter the aforementioned credentials, and click Submit.

4. Verify and press Continue.

5. The next step is to check whether you are eligible for a refund. If you are, then you will need to click Continue to submit a formal refund request to the airlines.

6. Next, you have to enter the contact information, which includes your name, address, email address, and also your phone number.

7. Review all the information and click Submit.

8. Save the confirmation number that you will receive and wait for a call that will come within seven business days.

Types of Credits Issued by the Airlines

Airlines issue different types of credits—flight credits, travel vouchers, and trip credits.

Flight credits: These are provided for canceled tickets and are valid on paid flights. You must use these within one year from the date it was issued.

Travel vouchers: These vouchers can be both physical or digital and must be used within one year from the date of issue.

Trip credits: These are given as refunds and can be used on domestic and international flights.