Questions and Answers

My husband and I bought business flights to Germany for Sept. right before Covid. I was hoping that they will make a schedule change so we can request a refund. Since AA announced yesterday that they will no longer serve alcohol on flights, would that give me leverage to request a refund? We pay the premium price for business to enjoy our flight and now they are not providing the level of service we are accustomed to.

I don’t think the service cuts due to covid are reason enough to request a refund. The contract of carriage doesn’t specify any amenities, as far as I know.

Have you tried calling American and asking for a refund? I have found their agents have been more than accommodating, and are only loosely following guidelines on what should be refunded, and making many exceptions (which is great). I would just frame your request around the inability to safely travel due to covid, not service cuts like food/beverage.

The EU borders may still be closed to Americans in September so that’s another issue that could force the cancellation of your flight and thus a full refund if other efforts fail. In the meantime, I’d phone AA and ask about a refund now and if not, I’d play the long game.