American Airlines Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Yurii Moskalenko
08.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

Passengers of American Airlines who have experienced a delayed or cancelled flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to get the compensation you have a right to from the airline.

American Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

Before claiming the American Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.

American Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay

According to UK and EU laws, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you arrive at your destination airport.

Here’s an overview of how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by several factors, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Be aware you may not be compensated for every flight delay. American Airlines is not obliged to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control happen. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.

American Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation

EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:

Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

When accepting a different flight, passengers retain their entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated based on two criteria: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, in line with the table provided below:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

American Airlines is not obliged to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline staff goes on strike.

Are American Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, American Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.

ItineraryCovered by EU 261
Flights departing from EU airports✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at EU airports❌ No

How to Claim Compensation from American Airlines

If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with American Airlines, it’s essential to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. This is why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
  • Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and increase your chances of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to file it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.

What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation

American Airlines goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.

Right to Care

When flight disruptions happen, American Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:

  • Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
  • Communication: American Airlines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
  • Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, American Airlines arranges hotel accommodation. This also includes transportation between the airport and the hotel.
  • Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.

To access these services, you can simply approach airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When American Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on another flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.

  • Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
  • Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, American Airlines shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, American Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.

It’s essential to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, American Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.

Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations

Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.

Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.

Date Airline (Flight number) Route Status Your compensation

19.06.202522:15

American Airlines

4557

(DCA)

Buffalo (BUF)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202520:14

American Airlines

5230

(DCA)

Baton Rouge (BTR)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202520:05

American Airlines

6711

London (LHR)

Zurich (BSL)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202519:59

American Airlines

4672

(DCA)

Louisville (SDF)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202519:30

American Airlines

7112

London (LHR)

Berlin (BER)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202518:45

American Airlines

8395

Tokyo (HND)

Fukuoka (FUK)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202518:20

American Airlines

8963

Helsinki (HEL)

Berlin (BER)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202518:20

American Airlines

8455

Tokyo (HND)

Hiroshima (HIJ)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202518:06

American Airlines

4496

Buffalo (BUF)

New York (LGA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202518:00

American Airlines

8766

Madrid (MAD)

(DSS)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202517:44

American Airlines

5138

Buffalo (BUF)

(DCA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:30

American Airlines

8447

Tokyo (ITM)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:30

American Airlines

8398

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:29

American Airlines

4527

Burlington (BTV)

Philadelphia (PHL)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:20

American Airlines

6888

London (LHR)

Berlin (BER)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:10

American Airlines

7964

Casablanca (CMN)

(DSS)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:10

American Airlines

7970

Casablanca (CMN)

(DSS)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:07

American Airlines

5923

Buffalo (BUF)

Philadelphia (PHL)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202516:00

American Airlines

8448

Fukuoka (FUK)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202515:45

American Airlines

8450

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202515:40

American Airlines

8461

Tokyo (ITM)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202514:55

American Airlines

7129

Berlin (BER)

London (LHR)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202514:10

American Airlines

8467

Hiroshima (HIJ)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202513:20

American Airlines

8463

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202513:05

American Airlines

8474

Tokyo (CTS)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202513:05

American Airlines

6660

Mumbai (BOM)

London (LHR)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202512:55

American Airlines

8471

Fukuoka (FUK)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202512:50

American Airlines

8389

Nagasaki (NGS)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202512:48

American Airlines

5367

(DCA)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202512:30

American Airlines

8973

Krakow (KRK)

Helsinki (HEL)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202512:30

American Airlines

8391

Kumamoto (KMJ)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202512:10

American Airlines

8477

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202511:50

American Airlines

8806

Madrid (MAD)

Santiago De Compostela (SCQ)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202511:50

American Airlines

7088

London (LHR)

Brussels (BRU)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202511:25

American Airlines

8468

Tokyo (HND)

Singapore (SIN)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202511:15

American Airlines

2442

Charlotte (CLT)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202511:05

American Airlines

8425

Okinawa (OKA)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:42

American Airlines

7624

Seattle (SEA)

Indianapolis (IND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:40

American Airlines

2134

Philadelphia (PHL)

Burlington (BTV)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:37

American Airlines

7439

Seattle (SEA)

Cleveland (CLE)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:30

American Airlines

8397

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:25

American Airlines

7388

Brisbane (BNE)

Townsville (TSV)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:24

American Airlines

7808

Calama (CJC)

Santiago (SCL)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:10

American Airlines

7526

Seattle (SEA)

Columbus (CMH)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202510:09

American Airlines

5383

Dallas (DFW)

Baton Rouge (BTR)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202509:51

American Airlines

5006

(ORD)

Traverse City (TVC)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202509:49

American Airlines

377

Boston (BOS)

Phoenix (PHX)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202509:45

American Airlines

8486

Bangkok (BKK)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202509:13

American Airlines

4738

New York (LGA)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202509:10

American Airlines

8709

Malaga (AGP)

Madrid (MAD)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202508:59

American Airlines

1094

Charlotte (CLT)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202508:50

American Airlines

9016

Berlin (BER)

Helsinki (HEL)

cancelled

Claim Refund

19.06.202508:40

American Airlines

9384

Covington (CVG)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202508:32

American Airlines

7468

Seattle (SEA)

St Louis (STL)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202508:28

American Airlines

7785

Antofagasta (ANF)

Santiago (SCL)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202508:05

American Airlines

8342

Manila (MNL)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202507:30

American Airlines

4750

Louisville (SDF)

Philadelphia (PHL)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202507:30

American Airlines

8490

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (ITM)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202507:15

American Airlines

7540

Austin (AUS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202507:00

American Airlines

7507

Nashville (BNA)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202507:00

American Airlines

1026

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

Miami (MIA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202506:50

American Airlines

8074

Dublin (DUB)

Brussels (BRU)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202506:45

American Airlines

7535

Chicago (MCI)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202506:30

American Airlines

8473

Tokyo (HND)

Okinawa (OKA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202506:30

American Airlines

7473

Milwaukee (MKE)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202506:29

American Airlines

5929

Salisbury-Ocean City (SBY)

Philadelphia (PHL)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202506:25

American Airlines

8470

Tokyo (HND)

Fukuoka (FUK)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202506:00

American Airlines

7615

Anchorage (ANC)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

19.06.202500:05

American Airlines

8487

Tokyo (HND)

Singapore (SIN)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202523:59

American Airlines

7472

Seattle (SEA)

Austin (AUS)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202523:45

American Airlines

7956

Casablanca (CMN)

Nouakchott (NKC)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202523:20

American Airlines

8494

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

Tokyo (HND)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202523:18

American Airlines

7623

Seattle (SEA)

Nashville (BNA)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202523:17

American Airlines

785

Dallas (DFW)

Tucson (TUS)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202522:45

American Airlines

703

Charlotte (CLT)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202522:39

American Airlines

671

Charlotte (CLT)

Louisville (SDF)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202522:33

American Airlines

7823

Antofagasta (ANF)

Santiago (SCL)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202522:30

American Airlines

1487

Dallas (DFW)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202522:15

American Airlines

4557

(DCA)

Buffalo (BUF)

cancelled

Claim Refund

18.06.202522:13

American Airlines

2453

Los Angeles (LAX)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:45

American Airlines

3426

Dallas (DFW)

Tulsa (TUL)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:44

American Airlines

6342

Dallas (DFW)

Baton Rouge (BTR)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:30

American Airlines

5911

Philadelphia (PHL)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:28

American Airlines

7441

San Francisco (SFO)

Boston (BOS)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:23

American Airlines

4961

Dallas (DFW)

Stillwater (SWO)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:20

American Airlines

5043

Philadelphia (PHL)

Burlington (BTV)

cancelled

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:20

American Airlines

647

Miami (MIA)

Louisville (SDF)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202521:10

American Airlines

7768

New York (MCO)

Brasilia (BSB)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202520:50

American Airlines

1466

Charlotte (CLT)

Louisville (SDF)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202520:46

American Airlines

2661

(ORD)

Tucson (TUS)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202520:39

American Airlines

564

(ORD)

Buffalo (BUF)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202520:29

American Airlines

4521

New York (LGA)

Buffalo (BUF)

cancelled

Claim Refund

18.06.202520:20

American Airlines

6907

Seattle (SEA)

London (LHR)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202520:14

American Airlines

5230

(DCA)

Baton Rouge (BTR)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202520:00

American Airlines

5268

Louisville (SDF)

(DCA)

cancelled

Claim Refund

18.06.202519:59

American Airlines

4672

(DCA)

Louisville (SDF)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202519:59

American Airlines

9395

Chicago (MCI)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202519:55

American Airlines

8483

Tokyo (HND)

Nagoya (NGO)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202519:45

American Airlines

8489

Tokyo (HND)

Okayama (OKJ)

delayed

Claim Refund

18.06.202519:32

American Airlines

9443

St Louis (STL)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Claim Refund
Yurii Moskalenko
2270 articles
Yurii educates people about human rights and advocacy. He creates helpful materials for travelers to assert their rights. With certifications in law and economics, Yurii turns legal terms into simple, actionable advice. His travel experience gives him valuable insight into the challenges travelers face, helping him better understand their needs.

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