Airline
American Airlines: delay and cancellation compensation
American Airlines (AA) is an airline from outside the EU and UK in our data. What matters is which airline actually flew you, and that is not always the one on your ticket.
Which American Airlines flights are covered
Only flights that depart from the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or the UK are covered. Its flights into Europe from elsewhere are not covered by EU261 or UK261.
How much
If you arrive 3 hours or more late, the flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, or you are denied boarding against your will:
- Up to 1,500 km: €250 (EU261) or £220 (UK261)
- 1,500 to 3,500 km, and flights within the EU over 1,500 km: €400 or £350
- Over 3,500 km: €600 or £520; €300 or £260 if you arrive 3 to 4 hours late
For delays and cancellations, American Airlines can refuse if it proves the problem came from extraordinary circumstances it could not avoid, such as bad weather. Most technical faults and strikes by its own staff do not count. For denied boarding, extraordinary circumstances are no defence.
How to claim
Send your claim to American Airlines first. We write the letter for free. If American Airlines says no, answer its excuse with the court ruling. If it still says no, or you hear nothing for 8 weeks (UK) or 2 months (EU), take it to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme, the UK CAA, or the national enforcement body.
Not legal advice. Sources: Regulation 261/2004, European Commission, UK CAA.
Rather not do it yourself?
No-win-no-fee companies send the claim and go to court if needed. They keep a share of the money when they win, so check their fee first.
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