American Airlines (AA): Classes, Hubs, Booking, Policies & Travel Guide

American Airlines was founded as American Airways on April 15, 1926, and commenced operating on June 25, 1936, with its parent company being American Airlines Group. It is one of the most prominent airlines in the United States and globally the largest airline in terms of passengers carried and daily flights. The airline manages a fleet of nearly 1000 aircraft, comprising a mix of Airbus and Boeing narrow-body and wide-body planes. The airline and its regional subsidiaries and contractors operate over 200 million passengers annually with approximately 6,800 daily flights. The airline operates under the brand name American Eagle.

Types of classes/cabins in American Airlines

American Airlines understands that every customer has their personal preferences, expectations, travel plans, and budget. This is why, to enhance their flight experience and cater to them accurately, the airline provides multiple cabin class choices, ensuring passengers can choose the one that best suits them. The following are the different cabin classes American Airlines offers, each with its own services and facilities:

Basic Economy is the most basic cabin class American Airlines offers, with the least booking flexibility. The following are its services and facilities:

• Standard seat selection with decent facilities
• Basic meal options, but only for long-haul flights
• Standard baggage allowance, with carry-on bag, checked luggage, and personal items

Main Cabin falls under the category of basic fares but offers higher flexibility compared to Economy Class. Below are the benefits you can experience:

• Choose the desired seat for free
• Complimentary snacks and soft drinks
• Stream free movies and TV shows
• Purchase Wi-Fi on selected aircraft

Main Cabin Extra is a relatively better cabin class compared to both Economy and Main Cabin. The following are the amenities Main Cabin Extra offers:

• Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks
• Access free movies and TV shows on your devices
• Wider seats with extra legroom
• Buy the desired Wi-Fi package onboard

Premium Economy aims to provide high-quality services and facilities within an affordable budget. Here are the advantages you can experience in the Premium Economy Class:

• Adjustable leather seats with extendable foot and headrests
• Chef-inspired meal with complimentary beer, wine, and spirits
• Amenity Kit with premium skincare products
• Seats with power outlets and USB ports

Business Class is one of the premium cabin classes American Airlines offers, with high fares due to its exceptional services and facilities. Below are the benefits you can enjoy flying in Business Class: 

• Premium Lounge Access
• Ultimate assistance to your departure, connection, or arrival
• Diverse menu with award-winning wines
• Onboard Wi-Fi on selected aircraft

First Class is American Airlines' most premium cabin class, with the highest booking flexibility and world-class services. The following are its in-flight amenities: 

• Wider seats and more legroom
• Complimentary in-flight entertainment, with seatback and wireless streaming
• Premium dining, with menus featuring customer favorites

Flagship Business is the Business Class American Airlines provides for long-haul flights. Here are some benefits you can experience in this cabin class:

• Fully lie-flat seats with a cool-touch dual-sided pillow, Nest Bedding slippers, and more.
• Amenity kit with skincare products from diverse beauty brands
• Multi-course meal complemented with award-winning wines
• Free movies, TV shows, music, and games, with Bang & Olufsen headphones

Flagship First is the First Class for long-haul flights. The following are the services and facilities it offers:

• A Flagship suite with fully lie-flat seats and aisle access
• Personalized headphones and top-notch entertainment
• Seats featuring USB ports and power outlets
• Five-Star service with an exclusive fine-dining experience

American Airlines Hub

American Airlines manages most of its domestic and international flight routes through its ten operating bases. Below are the airline's hubs listed:

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Top American Airlines International Destinations

American Airlines provides flight connectivity to over 350 destinations, operating an extensive domestic and international network. The following are the most prominent international destinations the airline flies to:

• Auckland (AKL)
• Cairo (CAI)
• Dubai (DXB)
• London (LHR)
• Mumbai (BOM)
• Paris (CDG)
• Riyadh (RUH)
• Singapore (SIN)
• Sydney (SYD)
• Tokyo (HND)

American Airlines Codeshare Partners

American Airlines is in partnership with multiple airlines to ensure its customers can fly to those destinations that are beyond the airline's network. Moreover, the codeshare partnership ensures global connectivity and seamless transfers among airlines. Here's a list of all the codeshare airlines of American Airlines:

• Aer Lingus
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Alaska Airlines
• British Airways
• Cape Air
• Cathay Pacific
• China Southern Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Finnair
• Fiji Airways
• Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Iberia
• IndiGo
• Japan Airlines
• JetSMART
• Malaysia Airlines
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Jordanian Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines

American Airlines Booking Process

American Airlines ensures that customers do not face any trouble finding and booking the flight of their choice that meets their preferences, expectations, and budget. This is why they offer a highly user-friendly and effortless online flight booking process that can be accessed through the airline's official website as well as its app. Here's what you need to do to book an American Airlines flight online:

• To commence the process, browse the official website of American Airlines - www.aa.com.
• By default, a booking section will appear on the home page under the "Find flights" section.
• Fill out the flight booking section with the requested details and press the "Search" button.
• Select the desired flight from the provided options and customize your itinerary to continue.
• Pay the applicable charges at the payment gateway to complete the flight booking procedure.
• The airline will notify you with a ticket confirmation email to your registered email address soon.

American Airlines Flight Change & Cancellation Policy

There may be instances when you need to change or cancel your flight due to sudden changes in your plans. The airline provides a flexible flight change and cancellation policy to ensure seamless processing of such modifications. You no longer need to go through the lengthy airline policies. The following pointers discuss the vital components of American Airlines' flight change and cancellation policy:

• American Airlines follows a 24-hour risk-free flight change policy for bookings made at least two days before departure.
• You can make the desired changes to your bookings within 24 hours of your booking to avoid any service charge.
• Selected fare types, especially the premium ones (Business Class), allow customers to request a flight change for free.
• American provides a 24-hour risk-free flight cancellation policy for bookings made at least two days before departure.
• As per the policy, you must cancel your flight within 24 hours of purchasing the ticket to be eligible for a free cancellation.
• Passengers canceling their flight after 24 hours of booking are required to pay a service charge based on their fare type.
• Elite Loyalty Program members may receive complimentary flight changes/cancellations based on their membership tier.

American Airlines Flight Change & Cancellation Process

In addition to effortless flight bookings, the airline also aims to make it simpler for passengers to modify their existing flight bookings. This is why they offer an extremely manageable and responsive online medium through which travelers can make the desired modifications to their tickets, including flight changes and cancellations. Follow the steps below to learn how to request an online flight change or cancellation:

• Go to the official website of American Airlines (www.aa.com) to get started.
• Select the "Manage trips/Check-in" tab from the menu on the home page.
• Enter your "Last name" and "Booking reference" in the respective fields.
• Press the "Find reservation" button to view your existing flight bookings.
• Visit the "Change/Cancel Trip" section and follow the prompts on the screen.
• Tap the "Cancel/Change Trip" button once you make the desired alterations.
• The airline will soon confirm and reflect the changes to your flight booking.

American Airlines Loyalty Program

The AAdvantage Program is American Airlines' free-to-join, tier-based frequent flyer program that rewards its members through various allowances, services, and facilities. Please note that each membership status offers a different level of advantages and allowances. You can progress to a higher membership tier using "Loyalty Points." The following are the distinct membership tiers the AAdvantage Program offers:

• AAdvantage Gold Status (40,000 Loyalty Points)
• AAdvantage Platinum Status (75,000 Loyalty Points)
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro Status (125,000 Loyalty Points)
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum Status (200,000 Loyalty Points)

How Do I Join the American Airlines Loyalty Program?

Learning the enrollment procedure is crucial to ensure you can enjoy all the benefits linked to AAdvantage membership. The airline offers an extremely easy online membership process that makes it simple for everyone to join. Here's how to enroll in American Airlines' loyalty program:

• To initiate the process, browse the official website of American Airlines - www.aa.com.
• Select the "AAdvantage" tab at the top of the home page to view the drop-down menu.
• Click on the "AAdvantage program" link and press the "Join" button to proceed further.
• Fill out the loyalty program enrollment form with the requested details and tap "Continue."
• The airline will soon send you a membership acknowledgement to your email address.

American Airlines Loyalty Program Benefits

From extra baggage to special services, the airline offers loyalty program members a myriad of advantages and allowances that make their bookings affordable and flight travel hassle-free. Please note that these benefits vary from membership status to membership status. The following are some benefits the AAdvantage program offers:

• Miles Opportunity: As a loyalty program member, you can earn miles on selected flights with American Airlines when buying tickets, using in-flight services, or making transactions with its partner airlines. These points can be used to purchase flight tickets and other services at discounted rates, as well as to progress to a higher membership tier.
• Priority Services: The airline facilitates AAdvantage members' flight travel by providing various priority services, expediting their airport commute and flight boarding. Examples of these services include priority check-in, preferred boarding, priority security clearance, and Group 1-4 boarding (based on your membership status).
• Complimentary Facilities: In addition to providing affordable flight fares, the airline offers multiple complimentary services and facilities that make the loyalty program members' flight bookings and travel more budget-friendly. These services include complimentary flight changes and cancellations, and free seat selection or upgrade.
• Additional Allowance: AAdvantage members receive various allowances that improve their flight journey, making it more manageable and systematic. Some of the extra allowances include additional baggage, lounge access, and extra benefits when flying with American Airlines' partner airlines.

American Airlines Refund Policy

Once you cancel your flight, you may wonder whether you can ask for the money back spent on purchasing the flight ticket. The answer is yes. American Airlines offers a flexible refund policy, which makes it easier for passengers to recover their money. The following are the guidelines that you need to abide by when requesting a refund from American Airlines:

• American Airlines follows a 24-hour risk-free refund policy for bookings made at least 48 hours before the flight departure.
• According to this policy, you are entitled to receive a refund if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking your flight.
• After 24 hours of flight booking, you are no longer eligible to request a refund and will be treated based on your fare type.
• The refund will be credited to the passenger’s registered bank account using the same payment mode used for flight bookings.
• The refund amount is credited within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 working days for cash purchases.

American Airlines Seat Upgrade Procedure

No need to worry in case you selected an inappropriate seat when booking with American Airlines. They enable customers to modify their bookings and choose the desired seats even after flight reservations. Please note that seat confirmation depends on the seat availability in your selected flight. Here's what you need to do to request an online seat upgrade from American Airlines:

• To begin, visit the official website of American Airlines - www.aa.com.
• Select the "Plan Travel" tab from the menu at the top of the home page.
• To proceed further, choose the "Your trips" link from the drop-down menu.
• Enter the passenger's "Last name" and "Confirmation code/Ticket number."
• Press the "Find your trip" button to access your existing flight bookings.
• Visit the "Seat Change" section and follow the instructions on the screen.
• Select the desired seat and pay the applicable fee to conclude the process.
• The airline will soon send you a seat confirmation email based on availability.

American Airlines Pet Policy

American Airlines is among those few airlines that guarantee the most comfortable and convenient flight journey, even when you are traveling with your pet. You must go through the airline's guidelines to ensure convenient pet travel. Below are the guidelines that you need to adhere to when traveling with a pet on an American Airlines flight:

• American Airlines only permits passengers to bring cats and dogs inside the flight cabin that meet the size, age, and destination requirements.
• Cats and dogs must be carried as carry-on pets, while other animals can be transported through the airline's cargo, depending on their breed and size.
• The pet kennel should not weigh over 45 kgs (100 lbs), and its maximum height ranges from 28 to 46 inches (71.12 to 117 cm) based on the aircraft type.
• The pet carrier must be leak-proof, escape-proof, well-ventilated, and spacious enough for the animal to stand, turn, sit, and lie down in a natural position.
• Active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders are allowed to travel with checked pets.
• Passengers are required to pay a fee to travel with their pet on American Airlines. However, fully trained service dogs may fly in the cabin for free.

American Airlines Group Booking

When traveling with ten or more people, booking a suitable flight and managing your journey becomes quite challenging. However, this is not the case when traveling with American Airlines because they offer a dedicated and channelized system for group bookings. Follow the steps below to learn how to request an online group booking with American Airlines:

• Browse the official website of American Airlines - www.aa.com.
• Scroll to the bottom of the home page to view the “Help” section.
• Select the “Contact American” option from the menu to proceed further.
• Scroll to the “Send us an email” section and click on the “Contact American” link.
• Choose “Group or meeting travel” as the topic and select “Request quote” subject.
• Press the “Next” button and fill out the group travel form with the requested details.
• Once you complete the group booking form, tap “Submit” to conclude the process.
• The airline will soon follow up on your travel request and assist you accordingly.

Types of Discounts & Offers on American Airlines

American Airlines introduces a wide variety of deals and offers year in and year out, helping travelers make their flight bookings budget-friendly. The following are some of its most prominent deals:

• Military Discount: American Airlines offers military fares to U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. Passengers can also save on vacation bookings, receive priority boarding, and enjoy an additional baggage allowance.
• Special Fares: The airline allows members to save immensely on their flight bookings through special fares, such as Bulk fares, Cruise fares, Consolidator fares, and Discounted or inclusive tour packages.

American Airlines Coupon Code

Using travel vouchers or coupons is one of the most effective ways to make your bookings affordable. However, travelers face issues using these coupons because they do not know how to claim the applicable discount. Follow the steps below to learn how to apply the coupon code during online American Airlines flight booking:

• Visit the official website of American Airlines to begin the process.
• By default, a flight booking section will appear on the home page.
• Fill out the booking section with the requested details to continue.
• Press the "Search" button to view the flights available for your route.
• Select the desired flight and customize your itinerary to proceed.
• Apply the coupon code in the "Add Code" section at the payment gateway.
• Pay the discounted fare to complete the flight booking procedure.

Get Last Minute Deals on American Airlines

No need to worry about expensive fares when booking at the last moment with American Airlines. There are multiple ways through which you can make your bookings affordable, even when booking at the last minute. Please refer to the tips below to learn how to find last-minute deals:

• Newsletter Subscription: Subscribe to American Airlines' Newsletter to be among those who are notified first about the last-minute deals, latest offers, price drops, and other crucial information. Being updated about the airline's deals and offers earlier than other customers allows you to access them before they expire.
• Use Travel Vouchers: Apply the coupon or voucher code at the payment gateway during the online flight booking process. This allows you to avail yourself of the applicable discount to make your bookings affordable, as well as access various allowances and offers.
• Loyalty Program Membership: Joining the AAdvantage Program (American Airlines' Loyalty Program) to enjoy various benefits and allowances, including discounted flight fares. Moreover, the airline offers various complimentary services and special facilities that make your bookings more budget-friendly.
• Visit the Airline's Social Media: Stay active on the airline's social media channels to stay up-to-date about its latest deals, last-minute offers, and special fares. Make sure to follow their social media handles and turn on the "Notifications" feature so you never miss an update about their deals and offers.

American Airlines International Travel Rules

Most travelers find international flight journeys inconvenient because they lack knowledge about the rules and regulations that they need to abide by. No worries. Below are the most crucial international travel rules that you must keep in mind when traveling with American Airlines:

• Pack your bags smartly so they do not exceed the permissible weight and size limitations, and you can seamlessly process them through baggage check-in.
• Remember to carry the necessary documents, especially when traveling with disabled individuals, pregnant women, or medically vulnerable people.
• Reach the airport at least two to three hours before your international flight's departure. This ensures that you do not have to rush through the airport procedures.
• Instead of conventional methods, you should prefer to check in online for your international flight because it is a more manageable and time-efficient way.
• Avoid carrying restricted items in your luggage, such as fireworks, undeclared ammunition, lithium batteries, defense sprays, and other dangerous items.

Cheapest Time & Date of Booking American Airlines

Flight ticket costs vary daily based on passenger volume, travel season, the flight destination, and other factors. However, the following are generally the most suitable times to find affordable American Airlines flights:

• Cheapest Time: The off-season is the most suitable time to find and book cheap flights because the ticket cost is lower. Due to the limited tourist crowd, November is generally considered the off-season for most destinations.
• Cheapest Day: Tuesday is the best day for budget-conscious travelers to book an American Airlines flight. Passenger traffic is extremely meager during the middle of the week, which is why flight ticket prices also drop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Does American Airlines offer student or senior citizen discounts?

Ans. No, American Airlines does not offer a dedicated discount program for senior citizens or students. However, they aim to make flight bookings affordable for these individuals and facilitate their travel experience.

Q2. Can I change the name or date of birth on my American Airlines ticket?

Ans. American Airlines does not offer a dedicated channel to request a name or date of birth change on the flight ticket. However, you may seek the assistance of their agents to request the desired flight ticket changes.

Q3. What benefits do I get with American Airlines AAdvantage membership?

Ans. AAdvantage membership offers various benefits, such as priority services, complimentary upgrades, earning miles, and so on, making bookings affordable and enhancing the flight experience.

Q4. Are there group booking options with American Airlines?

Ans. Yes, you can request a group booking when traveling with ten or more people. You can contact the Group and Meeting Travel Support Team or "Request a Group Rate/Quote" for group flight bookings.

Q5. Can I upgrade my seat after booking on American Airlines?

Ans. Yes, American Airlines permits passengers to change their selected seat bookings and upgrade to the desired ones. Please note that seat confirmation depends on the seat availability in your selected flight.