Can I Change My Return Flight Date American Airlines?

Need to adjust your travel plans with American Airlines? Whether you’re dealing with unexpected changes or just want more flexibility, many travelers ask: Can I change my return flight date with American Airlines? The good news is—yes, you can! But it depends on the type of ticket you purchased and how you go about making the change.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything you need to know, including the change policy, how to modify your flight, potential fees, and tips to save money.

Yes, You Can Change Your Return Flight – Here’s How

American Airlines allows travelers to change the return leg of their flight—but the rules vary based on your fare type:

✅ Basic Economy Tickets

• Not changeable in most cases.

• Some exceptions exist if you cancel the flight and receive a credit (minus a fee).

• You’ll need to rebook a new flight separately using any available credit.

✅ Main Cabin & Above (Non-Refundable)

• You can change your return flight date without a change fee.

• You only pay the fare difference (if the new flight costs more).

• If the new flight is cheaper, you may receive a credit for future travel.

✅ Refundable Fares

• Fully flexible.

• No change fees and refunds are allowed if your new flight is cheaper.

• Ideal if you want maximum control over your travel.

How to Change Your Return Flight on American Airlines

Whether you're changing your trip a week ahead or on the day of departure, here’s how to make it happen:

1. Online (Easiest Option)

• Go to aa.com or use the American Airlines mobile app.

• Click on “My Trips” and log in with your confirmation code.

• Choose the flight you want to change.

• Select a new return flight date and follow the prompts.

• Review any fare differences before confirming.

✅ Tip: If you're within 24 hours of booking, you may qualify for a free change or cancellation.

2. By Phone

• Call American Airlines reservations at +1-855-570-0146.

• Ideal for complex changes or if your booking includes multiple passengers.

3. If Booked Through a Third Party

• Contact the travel site or agent you booked with (Expedia, Priceline, etc.).

• They’ll coordinate with American Airlines on your behalf.

• You may be subject to additional change fees imposed by the third party.

What Will It Cost to Change My Return Flight?

Great question! Here’s what you need to know about costs:

• No change fee for most Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, or First-Class tickets.

• You will pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more.

• For Basic Economy, you’ll likely need to cancel and rebook separately.

• Same-day flight changes may be available starting at $75 (waived for elite members).

✈️ Pro Tip: Sign up for AAdvantage® loyalty program. Members may receive waived same-day change fees and priority rebooking.

Can I Change My Return Flight After Checking In?

Yes—but with a few conditions:

• If you’ve checked in, some changes may require you to call American Airlines directly.

• Online changes might be blocked for already-checked-in flights.

• Uncheck yourself (if possible) or call the support team to reset your booking.

Changing International Return Flights

Changing international return dates is possible, but:

• There may be higher fare differences due to limited seat availability.

• Always double-check visa or travel restrictions when changing return dates.

• Some countries may require proof of a return flight—changing it last minute could complicate re-entry.

Want to Avoid Fees? Here’s How:

1. Make Changes Within 24 Hours of Booking – Free cancellation and rebooking apply.

2. Travel Midweek – Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have cheaper fares.

3. Book a Flexible Fare Upfront – It can save money if plans change later.

4. Set Fare Alerts – Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to monitor fare drops before changing.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re asking, “Can I change my return flight date American Airlines?”—the answer is a confident yes. Whether your schedule has changed or you simply want more time at your destination, American Airlines provides a range of flexible options. For more information visit Topairlinerules now!