Changes to flights on 1-888-588-2434!are so common that airlines overbook flights when possible, assuming that a certain percentage of booked passengers will not actually make a particular flight. If more passengers show up than the plane can accommodate, the airline asks for volunteers to accept a voucher for a subsequent flight. American Airlines issues approximately 250 such vouchers per day, as of February 2011. Airlines offer a number of options for re-booking your itinerary. The time remaining until the flight takes off affects your available choices.
STEP 1
Call American Airlines at 888-588-2434 to change your reservation with a representative over the phone. Modification fees apply. Your new flight must be scheduled to depart within one to 12 hours of your call.
2ND STEP
Use a self-service kiosk to change your flight if you are already at the airport. Swipe a credit card or ID, such as your passport, to activate the kiosk and locate your reservation. Follow the on-screen instructions to switch to another flight, if applicable. Modification fees apply, which you can pay by credit card directly at the kiosk. Print a new boarding pass from the machine.
STEP 3
Speak with any American Airlines representative at an airport counter if you are already at the airport. It can give you a list of options for flights to your destination departing within the next 12 hours. Modification fees apply, which you can pay directly to the representative. Request a new boarding pass if it does not offer one.
Flights departing at any time
STEP 1
Click on the "My Reservations" tab on the American Airlines home page.
2 STEP
Log in using your AA.com account credentials or locate the flight you want to change using its check-in location code. The Record Locator is six characters long and should appear on your route confirmation documents.
STEP 3
Check the box to the left of the reservation you want to change. Click on the "Edit flights" button. If this button is missing or grayed out, your flight is not eligible for online changes; you must contact the American Airlines reservations office by phone.
STEP 4
Search for your new flight when prompted. Select your replacement flight and click "Continue". Confirm the changes and submit payment for all applicable change fees and / or any price difference. Print your new boarding pass if your flight takes off in the next 24 hours.
