American Airlines: Compensation for delayed flight, cancellation, denied boarding
How to claim American Airlines compensation for European flights?
American Airlines is an American airline based in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite the fact that it isn’t a European airline, it still has to follow the rules set by the European Union on all of its flights departing from the EU. So, if you are flying with American Airlines, your flight is from Europe and it gets delayed or cancelled, in some situations you will be entitled to EU flight compensation.
How to claim American Airlines flight delay compensation? How to claim American Airlines flight cancellation compensation?
Check your compensation online!
Or continue reading to learn more about your rights.
Here are 6 main topics that we will focus on:
1. What to do if your flight is delayed?
2. What to do if your flight is cancelled?
3. How to claim American Airlines flight delay compensation?
4. How to claim American Airlines flight cancellation compensation?
5. How to claim American Airlines denied boarding compensation?
6. Connecting flights with American Airlines
1. What to do if your flight is DELAYED?
What are your rights in these situations?
What if you miss a connecting flight because of this delay? Could you be entitled to American Airlines compensation for delayed flights?
1.1 If you are still at home
Your flight with American Airlines is delayed.
You have learned of it while checking your flight status online.
First things first, try to contact American Airlines call center. Alternatively you can also contact the airport. You have to find out what is happening with check in — is it happening as planned or is it postponed? This way you will know whether to wait or proceed to the airport as planned.
If it’s happening as planned, go to the airport.
If it’s postponed, stay at home or hotel for a while.
Do you have a connecting flight?
If it’s a connecting flight with American Airlines, you are protected.
Because American Airlines is a full-service airline offering airline protected flights. That includes flights operated by its codeshare partners. If one of your flights is delayed and you miss a connecting flight, they will offer you a solution. In most situations you will be put on another flight for free.
If it's a self transfer flight — it's your responsibility.
That's the risk you take when booking several separate flights. Even if they are booked from the same airline, in most situations it’s still your responsibility to find a solution if there are any kind of problems. In these situations, if you have to book a new flight you also have to pay for it yourself.
1.2 If you are already at the airport
First of all, find out what is the situation with check in.
Has it already started? If not - it going to start as planned?
If check in for your flight is postponed, don’t go anywhere yet. Don’t proceed through airport security. It may as well be a very long delay or your flight may get cancelled, you never know. That’s why it’s better to wait at first.
If check in for your flight has started, proceed as you would normally do. Check in for your flight or proceed through airport security if you have already done it online.
- 3 hour flight delay
American Airlines is an airline registered in the USA.
But still it has to follow the rules set by the European Union on some of its flights. In particular on its flights that are departing from the EU. On these flights everyone is under the protection of the EU. If your flight is delayed and you have to wait 3+ hours, the airline should provide you with two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes and with a free meal and drink.
Mostly they provide it in the form of coupons.
You don’t even have to have travel insurance for that.
All thanks to Europe's Flight Compensation Regulation EC 261/2004.
If it isn’t offered, contact American Airlines staff.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
Some delays are 2 hours, while others — 22 hours.
What if you have to stay at the airport overnight?
In this case American Airlines should also provide free accommodation.
Simply because that’s the rules in the European Union. It doesn’t matter what is the reason of the delay or is it even fault of American Airlines. All passengers flying with American Airlines have the right to care, but since American Airlines is an American airline, it applies only to their flights departing from the EU and elsewhere where the Regulation EC 261/2004 is in effect.
1.3 If it's fault of American Airlines
And again it applies only to flights departing from the EU.
If your flight is departing from the EU, it’s delayed and it’s fault of American Airlines, then you might be entitled to EU flight delay compensation.
It doesn’t even matter what American Airlines flight delay policy say — when flying from the EU, you are protected by the EU. On these flights and in these situations the size of your American Airlines delay compensation is calculated according to Regulation EC 261/2004.
That is — if you make a compensation claim.
Have you experienced a flight delay?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
1.4 Why do flights get delayed?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get delayed.
2. What to do if your flight is CANCELLED?
What are your rights in these situations?
What if it’s a last-minute flight cancellation and you miss another flight? Could you be entitled to American Airlines cancelled flight compensation? What if you don’t want to take an alternative flight — can you opt for American Airlines refund for cancelled flight?
2.1 If you are still at home
There are two most likely scenarios.
Either you have received an e-mail from the airline or you haven’t.
If you have received an e-mail, read this e-mail carefully. If it’s a flight from the EU, you should be offered a choice between a new flight and refund. With flights departing from the European Union, you should always be given such a choice — that’s the rules in the EU. These rules are the same also if your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.
If you haven’t received an e-mail, contact American Airlines.
Be prepared to make a choice between a new flight and refund.
If it's their fault, you may also get compensation.
More on that further below.
2.2 If you are already at the airport
First of all, wait for more information.
And also don’t go through airport security yet.
You see, a flight is cancelled and the airline is looking for possible solutions. Even if there will be a new flight later today, you will still have to check in for that flight. If, however, you have already gone through airport security, there are two options — to wait (if there are no other options) or to go back to the landside if you are travelling with hand luggage only and it’s possible.
Do you have a connecting flight?
If it’s a connecting flight with AA, you are protected.
Because American Airlines sell airline protected connecting flights. What it means for you is that whenever there is a problem with your flights, the airline takes care of that. That includes situations when a flight is delayed or cancelled and you miss your connecting flight as a result. Mostly you will just be given a new flight for free.
If it's a self transfer flight — it's your responsibility.
- 3 hour flight delay
Even American airlines have to comply with European regulations.
That applies to their flights departing from the European Union. If you are flying from the EU, your flight is cancelled and now you have to wait 3+ hours extra at the airport, American Airlines should provide you with two free phone calls, e-mails or faxes and with a free meal and drink.
All passengers are entitled to this type of care.
All thanks to Europe's Flight Compensation Regulation EC 261/2004.
If it isn’t offered, contact American Airlines staff at the airport.
- Long delay (Overnight delay)
What if there will be a new flight, but only tomorrow?
Will you have to wait at the airport overnight?
According to the EU regulations, you are protected against it. With non-EU airlines it applies to their flights from the EU, and in situations like these your airline should offer you also free hotel accommodation. It doesn’t even matter what is the reason of the cancellation — you should still be offered free hotel accommodation.
All passengers have the right to this type of care.
You will get your American Airlines hotel voucher at the airport.
2.3 If it's fault of American Airlines
With EU flights that means you might be entitled to compensation.
If a flight is cancelled less than 2 weeks before the departure, and it’s considered fault of airline that it has happened, then you are entitled to EU flight cancellation compensation. With non-EU airlines like American Airlines it applies to their flights departing from the European Union. No matter what the American Airlines flight cancellation policy says.
For example, technical problems often are considered airline’s fault.
Have you ever experienced a flight cancellation?
If you have — file a compensation claim.
2.4 Why do flights get cancelled?
Here are some of the top reasons why flights get cancelled.
3. How to claim American Airlines flight delay compensation?
Let’s assume that your flight with American Airlines was delayed.
You were flying from Europe, your plane departed with a delay and you arrived to your destination 3 or more hours later than planned. Since the reason of the delay was something within your airline's control, now you are entitled to flight delay compensation up to €600.
How to claim American Airlines flight delay compensation?
There are two options:
1. You can do it all on your own. Contact American Airlines, claim compensation and wait for the money. Sometimes you will have to wait a couple of weeks, other times — several months. Be prepared that also big airlines like American Airlines may try to avoid paying your EU flight compensation when it’s due.
Contact us if you will need legal advice.
2. You can also take the easiest path — register your AA flight delay compensation claim online with us, and let us be your legal representatives. We will help you to get your American Airlines delayed flight compensation easier and faster.
When working with us, here is all you will have to do:
- Go to this page;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your flight;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
That’s all from you. We will do the rest.
There are no upfront fees, and you pay only in case of success.
Our fee is €25 + 25% of the amount of the compensation.
Learn more about EU flight delay compensation.
- How long does it take?
On average this process takes around 2-3 months.
It’s from the moment you file a claim until money (your American Airlines compensation for delayed flight ) arrives in your bank account. It takes longer if the airline refuses the claim, and it’s necessary to submit it to the competent National Enforcement Body or to the court.
- How far back can you claim flight delay compensation?
In differs from one country to another.
In most countries of the European Union it’s 2-3 years.
For the best chance of success, make your claim shortly after the trip.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, these rules apply to everyone flying with American Airlines.
That’s the purpose of the 261/2004 regulation — to protect all air passengers.
Thanks to this regulation everyone has the same rights when travelling from the EU. Thanks to it everyone can receive American Airlines EU flight delay compensation, if the flight is heavily delayed or cancelled. Thanks to the same regulation everyone has equal rights to care if they have to wait at the airport.
You don't have to be European, to receive EU flight delay compensation.
- What about codeshare flights?
What if it was a codeshare flight?
It’s a common practice nowadays. What if you book a flight from American Airlines, but it’s operated by Finnair or British Airways? What if your flight is delayed or cancelled? Which airline is going to be held responsible?
Which airline is going to pay the compensation?
The airline operating the flight is gonna be responsible.
If your flight was with Finnair, then Finnair will pay.
3.1 How much can you claim?
In the EU flight compensation amounts are fixed.
In most situations you can receive 250, 400 or 600 euro.
These amounts are per person, and are the same for adults and kids. They are also the same for all airlines flying to or from the European Union. Your age, nationality, airline, travel class, price of the ticket or if you have travel insurance — none of that affects your chances for compensation or its amount. Even a kid can receive full flight compensation.
4. How to claim American Airlines flight cancellation compensation?
Let’s assume that your flight with American Airlines was cancelled.
It was a flight from Europe and it was cancelled less than 2 weeks before the trip. Since the reason of the cancellation was something within your airline's control, now you are entitled to flight cancellation compensation up to €600.
How to claim American Airlines flight cancellation compensation?
How to claim this compensation?
There are two options:
1. You can do it on your own. Find American Airlines compensation form and fill it in. Be prepared that the airline may refuse your request and try to avoid paying EU flight compensation that you are entitled to. Be polite, but don’t give up too easily.
Contact us, if you will need legal advice.
2. You can also take the easiest path — file a compensation claim online with us. We will be your legal representatives, and we will take care of all of this. We will lead the negotiations on your behalf.
When working with us, here is all you will have to do:
- Go to this page;
- Fill in the details about yourself and your flight;
- Upload your boarding pass and passport copy;
- Sign the claim online.
One online form, and that’s it from you. We will do the rest.
There are no upfront fees, and you pay only in case of success.
Our fee is €25 + 25% of the amount of the compensation.
What if you don’t want to take another flight offered by American Airlines? You can also opt for a refund if the flight was departing from the EU, and get both a refund and compensation. In this case both your AA flight cancellation compensation and refund must be paid in cash or by bank transfer, not in coupons or miles.
Learn more about EU flight cancellation compensation.
- How long does it take?
It depends from case to case.
On average this process takes between 2 to 3 months.
- How far back can you claim flight cancellation compensation?
In differs from one country to another.
In most countries of the European Union it’s 2-3 years.
For the best chance of success, do it as soon as possible.
- Does it apply only to citizens of the European Union?
No, it applies to everyone flying with American Airlines.
You can be from the US, Europe or Australia, it doesn’t matter. It applies to all AA flight delays (as long as the flight started in the EU), all passengers.
You also don’t need an insurance for this.
- What about codeshare flights?
What if it was a codeshare flight?
It’s a common practice nowadays to share flights, but what does it mean for passengers? What if you book a flight from American Airlines, but it’s operated by Finnair or British Airways? What if your flight is heavily delayed or even cancelled? Which airline is going to be held responsible for this?
Which airline is going to pay the compensation?
The airline operating the flight is gonna be responsible.
If your flight was with British Airways, then British Airways will pay.
4.1 How much can you claim?
You can claim up to 600 euro per passenger.
In most situations all you need to know to calculate the amount of your compensation is the distance of the flight. Generally speaking, the longer the trip, the bigger will be your compensation.
- €250 — if the distance of your flight is up to 1500 kilometres;
- €400 — if the distance is between 1500 to 3500 kilometres;
- €600 — if the distance is more than 3500 kilometres.
5. American Airlines denied boarding compensation
For most part rules are the same.
In the EU you are protected against flight delays, flight cancellations and overbooking. And there are also very specific rules regarding downgrading.
According to Regulation EC 261/2004, you should be receiving compensation from the airline not only if your flight is delayed for 3+ hours or cancelled less than 2 weeks before the departure, but also if you are denied boarding due to overbooking — if the airline has sold more tickets than there are seats and there is just no more free seats.
In this case you should be receiving EU denied boarding compensation.
With American Airlines it applies to all its flights departing from Europe.
Compensation amounts are the same — up to 600 euro.
And you can get both — a new flight or refund and compensation.
But don’t forget that this applies only to overbooking.
You won’t be entitled to American Airlines denied boarding compensation if there are any problems with your passport or other travel documents. It’s up to you to make sure you have the right visa before you travel, etc. If that's the reason you are denied boarding, then you won't get compensation. Same as if you voluntarily give up your seat and agree to fly later.
Learn more about EU denied boarding compensation.
6. Connecting flights with American Airlines
Founded in 1930, American Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines. The airline is based in Fort Worth, Texas. According to airline and airport review site Skytrax, American Airlines is a 3-star airline. Together with its partners it flies to more than 300 destinations. It’s a full service airline offering airline protected connecting flights.
What it means for you is convenience and protection.
Your checked luggage is being taken to your final destination. You don’t have to collect it on the way and re check it. You also have to check in for the flight only once, even if your journey consists of several legs. Last but not least, if there are any problems with your flights, the airline takes care of them.
If, for example, one of your flights is cancelled and because of that you miss the next flight, American Airlines will most likely offer you a new flight to your destination completely for free.
By Europe and EU we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Remember, whenever your American Airlines flight is delayed, cancelled or you have been denied boarding - you might be entitled to flight compensation. File a claim to get it sorted out right away!