There was a discussion here recently about AA's generous 24-hour hold policy. It is changing at some point 'later in 2024' and will only be offered to AAdvantage members. Status is not required— just the free membership.
There are some other changes linked to AAdvantage membership, such as partial credit for the cancelation of Basic Economy tickets and different credit durations for members and non-members.
Submit to the data collection vacuum!
I thought the 24 hour hold was mandated by the US Dept of Transportation for all airlines?
I thought the 24 hour hold was mandated by the US Dept of Transportation for all airlines?
Airlines can opt to do 24 hour holds or refunds within 24 hours. AA stand out for offering both.
The 24 hour benefit in question is to hold the fare for that length of time without payment. It's not the full refund for 24 hours after purchase that is mandated by law.
Tom, as I said above, airlines have the choice of hold or refund to comply with the regulation.
What I haven’t found an answer to yet is if the refund/credit (less fee) for a cancelled basic economy ticket extends to international travel or just domestic. Something about the wording made me question international.
I am afraid I am about to find out.
TexasTavelmom- The link above is pretty clear that the Basic Economy credit is domestic only.
By US regulation, every airline ticket bought in the US offers a 24 hour free cancellation period.
The rule is "either/or". AA is not required to offer cancelation, because it offers the hold.
"requires carriers to hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours
without payment or allow a reservation to be cancelled within 24 hours without penalty (the “24-
hour reservation requirement”)."
https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/Notice_24hour_hold_final20130530_0.pdf
That’s what I was afraid of…. I was hoping someone would offer hope. 🤣
