AA First Flexible change conditions

[Fatcat_jr]

Hello hive,

Looking at the below flight. Wanting to purchase the First Flexible option as I may need to change dates and/or even cancel the flight down the track.
When I expand the fare conditions, it's very unclear what is allowed and what is not, and I can't find anything clearer on the AA website

My questions are:
Am I allowed to change this flight? to a different flight or a different day etc
Am I allowed to cancel this flight and receive a full refund back into the mode I used to purchase - ie back into my credit card, and not simply a travel credit for AA
What does "allowed with restrictions" actually mean?

Thanks!

 

[serfty]

Currently, AA has no change fee for bookings "above" basic economy. I suspect there some mismatch.

However I do believe bookings made as fully flexible are also fully refundable.

 

[justinbrett]

Also AA First qualify for free Same Day Flight Change - which means you can move to an alternative flight on the same day between your origin and destination (doesn't have to be the same route), providing availability exists. No fee AND no fare difference.

Whether there is availability is another matter - although you can go on standby for an earlier flight whilst keeping your original flight (can't do standby for a later flight for obvious reasons).

Outside of this, you can currently change for free for just the fare difference and you can cancel for a credit - pretty much same terms as QF. Getting a cash refund is more restrictive so check the conditions carefully.

 

[MG1]

Hi,
I've been looking at purchasing some business (or "First" as they call it) flights on AA. When I look at the refund conditions, it says that they're non-refundable: is this correct (I am yet to finalise the payment until I receive confirmation)? I would've thought that tickets bought in the highest class would be refundable. I don't see an option to select refundable tickets - have I missed something?

Separately, when purchasing multiple flights, if one of the flights is at a lower class, it says that the most restrictive fare class rules apply: does this mean that if one ticket is non-refundable, even the business tickets become non-refundable?

 

[serfty]

AA sell discount first fares and in the booking process often endeavors to upsell to flexible. If you take the upsell then the booking can be refunded.

If you don't take the upsell and later you cancel, the amount paid for the booking become a "Flight Credit" which can be reused on most fares.

Separately, when purchasing multiple flights, if one of the flights is at a lower class, it says that the most restrictive fare class rules apply: does this mean that if one ticket is non-refundable, even the business tickets become non-refundable?

As to the second question, the answer is generally: Yes.

 

[MG1]

Thanks for your replay @serfty. That option must come late in the process (after you add your details). I'll keep a look out for it for any potential trips.

 

[serfty]

Thanks for your replay @serfty. That option must come late in the process (after you add your details). I'll keep a look out for it for any potential trips.

No, it is before- right after selecting a flight option and then cabin.

Make sure you book on the AA USA site, not any other.

 

[MG1]

No, it is before- right after selecting a flight option and then cabin.

Make sure you book on the AA USA site, not any other.

Thanks @serfty: I can see it clearly when I'm logged in to the USA version of the website (there are radio buttons) - I didn't see these with the default/Australian version.