This is a comprehensive guide to navigating the potentially tricky process of canceling one flight ticket out of two on an American Airlines booking. While it might seem straightforward, airline policies, especially regarding partial cancellations, can be complex. Let's break it down step-by-step.
How to Cancel One Flight Ticket Out of Two American Airlines Flights
So, you've got a flight booking with American Airlines that includes two passengers, but plans have changed, and only one of you can make the trip. Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common situation, and while American Airlines generally allows changes and cancellations, doing so for just one passenger on a shared booking requires a specific approach.
Before we dive in, let's understand some crucial aspects:
Fare Type is Key: The success and cost of your partial cancellation heavily depend on the type of ticket you purchased (e.g., Basic Economy, Main Cabin, refundable, non-refundable).
Timing Matters: The 24-hour rule is your best friend if you've recently booked. After that, policies become stricter.
Direct Booking vs. Third-Party: If you booked directly with American Airlines (aa.com, their app, or phone), the process is generally simpler. If you used a travel agent or another online travel agency (OTA), you'll likely need to go through them.
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| How To Cancel One Flight Ticket Out Of Two American Airlines |
Step 1: Assess Your Situation – Let's Figure Out What You're Working With!
This is the most important first step. Before you do anything else, you need to gather some critical information about your booking.
Sub-heading 1.1: Locate Your Booking Details
Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-character alphanumeric code. You'll find it in your confirmation email.
Ticket Numbers: Each passenger will have a unique 13-digit ticket number (usually starting with '001'). These are also in your confirmation email.
Passenger Names: The full names of both passengers as they appear on the booking.
Flight Dates and Times: Be precise about which flight segment and which passenger you intend to cancel.
Sub-heading 1.2: Understand Your Fare Type
Check Your Itinerary: Look for terms like "Basic Economy," "Main Cabin," "Refundable," or "Non-Refundable." This information is usually clearly stated on your e-ticket or in the "Manage Trips" section on aa.com.
Basic Economy: These are the most restrictive. Generally, Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed or refunded after the 24-hour grace period. If you cancel a Basic Economy ticket outside the 24-hour window, you may be able to receive a Trip Credit, minus a cancellation fee (often around $99), if you are an AAdvantage member and meet specific criteria.
Non-Refundable (Main Cabin, etc.): While not refundable to your original form of payment after 24 hours, these tickets often retain their value as a "Trip Credit" for future travel, sometimes with no cancellation fee applied (though a fare difference may apply for rebooking).
Refundable: These tickets offer the most flexibility and can typically be canceled for a full refund.
Sub-heading 1.3: Consider the 24-Hour Rule
The Golden Window: If you booked your tickets within the last 24 hours and your flight is at least two days away, you are generally eligible for a full refund for both tickets without any cancellation fees, regardless of fare type. In this scenario, you could cancel the entire booking and rebook a single ticket for the remaining passenger. This is often the easiest and most cost-effective option.
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Step 2: Initiate the Partial Cancellation – Your Action Plan
Since you're canceling only one of two tickets on the same booking, this often requires more than just clicking a button online.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Power of the Phone Call (Recommended for Partial Cancellations)
For partial cancellations, especially when you have multiple passengers on one booking, calling American Airlines Customer Service is highly recommended. Online systems are often designed for full itinerary changes or cancellations, not for splitting passengers.
American Airlines Reservations (U.S. & Canada): Call 1-800-433-7300.
International Contact Numbers: If you're outside the U.S., find the appropriate contact number on the American Airlines website under "Contact American."
Sub-heading 2.2: What to Say When You Call
When you connect with an agent, be clear and concise.
Identify Yourself and Your Booking: "Hi, I'd like to modify an existing reservation. My confirmation code is [Your Confirmation Code], and my name is [Your Name]."
State Your Intention Clearly: "I have a booking for two passengers, [Passenger 1 Name] and [Passenger 2 Name]. I need to cancel the flight for [Passenger Name to Cancel] only, but [Remaining Passenger Name] will still be traveling on the original itinerary."
Be Prepared for Questions: The agent will likely ask for the specific dates, flight numbers, and ticket numbers for the passenger you wish to cancel.
Inquire About Fees and Refunds/Credits: Ask directly:
"What are the cancellation fees associated with canceling this specific ticket?"
"Will [Passenger Name to Cancel]'s ticket value be issued as a Trip Credit, and what is its validity?"
"Will [Remaining Passenger Name]'s ticket be affected in any way?" (It shouldn't be, but it's good to confirm).
Sub-heading 2.3: Online Management (Limited for Partial Cancellations)
While American Airlines' "Manage Trips" section on aa.com allows for many changes, direct partial cancellation of one passenger from a multi-passenger booking is often not straightforward online.
You might see options to "Change Trip" or "Cancel Trip," but these typically apply to the entire booking.
If you attempt to cancel the entire booking online, it might cancel both tickets. Proceed with extreme caution if trying this method, and ensure you fully understand the implications before confirming.
Sometimes, for flexible fares, you might be able to remove a passenger, but this is less common for standard or basic economy fares. The safest bet remains the phone call.
Step 3: Understanding the Financial Implications – What to Expect
This is where the fare type really comes into play.
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Sub-heading 3.1: Cancellation Fees
Basic Economy: As mentioned, expect a cancellation fee (e.g., $99) if you cancel outside the 24-hour window, and you'll likely receive a Trip Credit, not a refund to the original payment method.
Non-Refundable (Main Cabin, etc.): American Airlines has largely eliminated cancellation fees for Main Cabin and higher fares for domestic and short-haul international flights. However, the value of the ticket, minus any difference in fare if you were to rebook, is typically issued as a Trip Credit.
Refundable: No cancellation fees, and a full refund to your original form of payment.
Sub-heading 3.2: Refunds vs. Trip Credits
Refunds: Money returned to your original payment method. These are rare for non-refundable tickets outside the 24-hour window, unless there's an airline-initiated significant schedule change or cancellation.
Trip Credits (Future Travel Credit): This is the more common outcome for non-refundable tickets. The value of the canceled ticket is held by American Airlines for future use.
Expiration: Trip Credits typically expire one year from the original ticket issue date. Make sure you use it before it expires!
Transferability: Trip Credits are generally non-transferable and can only be used by the passenger whose name was on the original ticket.
Sub-heading 3.3: Impact on the Remaining Passenger
No Impact on Price: Canceling one passenger's ticket should not increase the price of the remaining passenger's ticket, assuming their fare basis remains the same. The prices are usually calculated per person.
Seat Assignments: If you had specific seat assignments together, the remaining passenger's seat might be affected if it was tied to the canceled passenger's booking. Confirm this with the agent.
Step 4: Confirmation and Documentation – Don't Forget the Paper Trail!
Once you've successfully initiated the partial cancellation, ensure you have proof.
Email Confirmation: American Airlines should send you an email confirming the cancellation for the specific passenger and detailing any refund or trip credit information. Save this email! It will contain the ticket number for the canceled passenger's credit (if applicable) and other vital details.
Updated Itinerary: The remaining passenger should receive an updated itinerary showing only their travel details. Double-check this for accuracy.
Record Confirmation Numbers: If a Trip Credit is issued, make sure you have the new confirmation code or ticket number associated with that credit.
Step 5: Follow Up (If Necessary) – Stay on Top of It
Refund Status: If you're expecting a refund, you can check its status on the American Airlines refund status page (
aa.com/refunds Trip Credit: If you received a Trip Credit, consider when you might use it. Set a reminder for its expiration date.
10 Related FAQ Questions
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How to check if my American Airlines ticket is refundable?
You can check your ticket's refundability in your confirmation email or by logging into "Manage Trips" on aa.com using your confirmation code and last name. It will clearly state the fare type (e.g., Refundable, Non-Refundable, Basic Economy).
How to cancel an American Airlines flight online?
Go to aa.com, navigate to "Manage Trips / Check-in," enter your confirmation code and last name, and look for the "Cancel Trip" option. Be aware that this often cancels the entire booking, so it's not ideal for partial cancellations.
How to get a refund for an American Airlines flight if I cancel?
For refundable tickets or cancellations within 24 hours (and booked at least 2 days prior to departure), a full refund to the original payment method is processed automatically. For non-refundable tickets, you generally receive a Trip Credit for future travel, not a direct refund, unless there's an airline-initiated significant schedule change.
How to use an American Airlines Trip Credit for future travel?
When booking a new flight on aa.com, you'll have an option during the payment process to apply a "Trip Credit" or "Voucher." You'll need the 13-digit ticket number associated with the credit and the last name of the passenger who owns it.
How to change an American Airlines flight if I don't want to cancel?
You can usually change your flight online via "Manage Trips" on aa.com. Depending on your fare type, there might be no change fee, but you will pay any difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive. Basic Economy tickets generally cannot be changed after 24 hours.
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How to cancel a Basic Economy American Airlines flight?
Within 24 hours of booking (and at least 2 days before departure), you can cancel for a full refund. After 24 hours, if you are an AAdvantage member and meet specific criteria, you may be able to cancel for a Trip Credit minus a cancellation fee (e.g., $99). Otherwise, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.
How to contact American Airlines customer service for cancellations?
For U.S. and Canada, call American Airlines Reservations at 1-800-433-7300. For international numbers, visit the "Contact American" section on their official website.
How to cancel one leg of a multi-city American Airlines flight?
This is typically handled best by calling American Airlines customer service directly. They can assess your specific multi-city itinerary and advise on the feasibility and cost of canceling a single leg without affecting the rest of your travel.
How to check the status of my American Airlines refund?
You can check the status of your refund request by visiting
How to avoid cancellation fees on American Airlines?
The best way is to cancel within the 24-hour grace period from the time of purchase (if booked at least two days before departure). Also, if American Airlines makes a significant schedule change or cancels your flight, you are generally entitled to a full refund, even on non-refundable tickets, and should not incur cancellation fees.
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