American Airlines is the latest airline to announce its ending change fees. First we saw United Airlines Permanently Eliminates Domestic Change Fees followed by Delta Eliminates Change Fees on Domestic Flights, so it’s no surprise American’s following.

American will eliminate all change fees for First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin tickets for all domestic and short-haul international flying. If you’re flying to/from any of the 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands you’re in luck.

Per American Airlines,

American will also allow customers to keep the full value of their original tickets if they change their travel plans prior to the scheduled travel. Although customers will have to pay the fare difference for a new flight, customers will not lose their ticket value if the new flight is less expensive. For example, if a customer paid $500 for their flight and change to a flight that costs $300, American will give the customer a $200 voucher to use for a future trip.

American is also making the following changes:

• Fly standby for free. All customers will have the ability to fly standby on earlier flights for the same destination on the same day at no charge starting Oct. 1, 2020.
• More to Basic Economy. Basic Economy fares now come with the ability to tailor your travel experience including upgrades, Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats, priority boarding and same-day flight changes.
• Same AAdvantage® benefits during your journey, no matter the fare. AAdvantage® elite members will be able to apply their current travel benefits on all tickets, including when purchasing a Basic Economy fare.

Bottom Line

It’s great to see American follow both Delta and United’s lead in waiving change fees on domestic flights. American is taking it even further by allowing free changes on flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean – a change I hope both Delta and United add as well.

In addition, American is also providing customers additional flexibility by extending its offer to waive change fees for customers booking tickets for any new travel purchased by Dec. 31, 2020. This offer applies to all tickets including international tickets and basic economy.

What are your thoughts about American Airlines eliminating change fees? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.