American Airlines delay and cancellation policy

What American Airlines has committed to in writing when your flight is delayed or cancelled, summarized from its customer service plan, contract of carriage and tarmac delay plan. Most of these commitments apply only when the cause is within American's control.

The short version

Rebooking on the next American flight at no cost, even when the cause is weather.
A partner airline only if the cancellation or delay was American's fault and there is no American flight until the next day.
A food and drink credit at 3 hours and a hotel overnight, for delays American caused, on request.
No committed travel credits, miles or cash for delays.

American at a glance

For delays and cancellations within American's control.

Rebooking on American	Yes, at no cost
Rebooking on another airline	Yes, with conditions
Meals	Yes, after 3 hours
Hotel for an overnight delay	Yes, with conditions
Transport to the hotel	Yes
Credits, points or vouchers	None committed
Cash compensation	No

When the delay or cancellation is American's fault

These commitments apply when the cause is within the airline's control, such as maintenance, crew or its own systems. See controllable vs. uncontrollable delays.

Rebooking on American

Rebooked on the next American flight with available seats at no additional cost when your flight is canceled, significantly delayed, or a delay could cause a missed connection.

Also offered when the cause is outside American's control (e.g. weather). Customer service plan updated Aug 26, 2026.

Rebooking on another airline

If no American flights are available until the next day, rebooked on a partner airline at no additional cost.

Applies to delays and cancellations caused by American.

Meals

Food / beverage credit if your delay is 3 or more hours after scheduled departure.

Upon request. Delays and cancellations caused by American. On a diversion: if delayed in the diversion city for more than 3 hours. Not provided for events beyond American's control such as weather.

Hotel

Voucher for an approved hotel with available rooms if you are delayed overnight and away from your city of residence. If American cannot provide a voucher, it reimburses reasonable hotel costs.

Upon request. Delays and cancellations caused by American. On a diversion: provided if you are not boarded to your final destination before 11:59 p.m. For weather and other events beyond American's control you pay for your own accommodation.

Transport to and from the hotel

Transportation to the hotel and back to the airport by hotel shuttle or third-party transportation service, or a transportation voucher. If neither is available, American reimburses reasonable transportation costs.

Upon request, with the overnight hotel voucher.

Credits, points or vouchers Not committed

American's customer service plan does not commit to travel credits, vouchers or miles for delays or cancellations.

Cash compensation Not committed

No cash compensation. Under the conditions of carriage American's sole obligation for a cancellation or significant delay is a refund of the unused ticket value and optional fees.

Applies when American or a partner cancels, or departure or arrival is delayed 3 or more hours (domestic) / 4 or more hours (international). American excludes liability for special, consequential or indirect damages.

When the cause is weather or air traffic control

For disruptions outside American's control, expect rebooking on American's own flights and little else: the meal, hotel and compensation commitments above generally do not apply. Ask anyway about discounted hotel rates, and check whether your own trip delay cover pays. If you are not sure the cause really is weather, see how to check.

Refunds

Whatever the cause, if American cancels your flight, or delays or changes it significantly (three hours or more domestic, six or more international), and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a refund to your original form of payment under US rules. You do not have to accept a credit instead. See the DOT refund rule.

Tarmac delays

Passengers get the opportunity to deplane before a tarmac delay at a US airport exceeds 3 hours (domestic flights). Exceptions: the pilot-in-command determines deplaning would jeopardize safety or security; air traffic control advises that returning would significantly disrupt airport operations; or a departing flight begins returning to a disembarkation point within the time limit. Covers American, Envoy, PSA and Piedmont.
Passengers get the opportunity to deplane before a tarmac delay at a US airport exceeds 4 hours (international flights).
Adequate food and potable water no later than 2 hours after the start of the delay.
Operable lavatories remain available, adequate medical attention is available if needed, and a comfortable cabin temperature is maintained while the aircraft is on the tarmac. Status notification when the delay exceeds 30 minutes, and notice each time there is an opportunity to deplane. Plan coordinated with local airport authorities, TSA and CBP. Codeshare flights operated by other airlines follow the operating carrier's plan.
American's tarmac delay plan does not provide any passenger compensation for tarmac delays.

These match the federal rules. See tarmac delay rules.

How to use this at the airport

Ask the gate agent what is causing the delay, and note the answer.
Ask for what American commits to, by name. Many commitments are only provided on request. Here is what to say.
If you pay for something yourself that American commits to cover, keep the receipts and claim afterwards. If it refuses, see how to file a complaint with the DOT.

Sources

Summarized from American's published documents, last checked October 2, 2026. Airlines update these documents, so check the current version before you rely on a specific detail.

Compare with other airlines

See how American compares with other US airlines on the airline policies page.

This guide is general information for US travelers, not legal advice. Rules and airline commitments change; check with your airline or the US Department of Transportation for your specific situation.