American has made quite some changes to their 24 hour refund policy since last year. Historically American would let you hold revenue tickets for up to 24 hours, but didn't have a 24 hour grace period to cancel after ticketing. As of April 1, 2016, American adjusted their policy, and began allowing revenue tickets to…
Continue reading: American Adds 24 Hour Free Refunds On Award Tickets
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Thanks for the post!
Do they allow you to upgrade an existing award ticket for free? Ok to call to upgrade on the day of traveling or do they require X days prior to departure date?
The last observation is key. I hope the new policy, good in itself, doesn't come at the expense of the more valuable hold policy, but I'm nervous about that. The hold policy is invaluable for grabbing an award seat when available, then making sure other details will fall into place before miles are committed.
If AA wants to sells miles, they are unlikely to drop the 5 day hold. Putting an award on hold then buying the required miles if you're low is AA's own advice which they say right on the reservation page.
The real question is when do the refunded miles expire? On the original expired date or 18 months after the refund?
On November 16, 2016 I booked and paid and canceled 2 flights (for my husband and myself) all on the same day I am still waiting for a refund. According to the website it is status pending it is now June I've now been waiting seven months for a refund. This is really outrageous AA took payment after I had cancelled and now even though I canceled within the stipulated 24 hours I've still not received a refund or an explanation even though I have messaged them on Facebook and posted on their page.
AA miles don't have an expiration date locked to each individual mile. It is for the account overall. There are numerous ways to reset the account activity metric if you are worried about your miles expiring.