American Airlines makes its flight refund policy more restrictive

Core Impact Points

• American Airlines' new refund policy applies only to customers who book a ticket for a flight at least one week away.
• The airline's 24-hour refund policy now requires passengers to book flights at least seven days before departure to be eligible for a full refund.
• The Department of Transportation requires airlines to offer customers refunds for trips canceled within 24 hours of booking for flights departing at least a week later.
• American's refund policy matches those in place at JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, but is less restrictive than Delta Air Lines' policy.
• The new policy took effect on Wednesday, and American Airlines allows customers to hold a booking for 24 hours free of charge for uncertain travel plans.