American Airlines said that, as part of its efforts to streamline processes and the customer experience during flight departure, it is placing greater focus on its existing Confirmed Flight Change (CFC) service, while modifying its standby procedures for customers traveling within and between the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
To streamline the departure process at the gate, only American’s premium customers will continue to be eligible to standby at no charge on the day of travel for a flight on which they are not confirmed. This includes American’s elite status AAdvantage members — AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Gold, those customers who are confirmed in the First or Business Class cabin, customers on certain types of Coach cabin fares, other travelers booked in the same reservation as the eligible customer, and customers traveling on military fares (including spouse and immediate family).
All customers wishing to change to another flight on their day of travel may purchase American’s Confirmed Flight Change for $50, if inventory is available on the requested flights. The CFC service has been in place since 2005. Customers who desire CFC may call American’s Reservations offices, handle the transaction at an airport self-service machine, or purchase at the airport ticket counter. Subject to availability, day-of-travel changes may be confirmed within 12 hours of the new desired flight departure.
The changes go into effect for tickets purchased on or after Feb. 22, 2010. American noted that the changes are similar to the policies of several other airlines and also apply to American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights. For more information, visit www.aa.com/viewPromotionDetails.doωfN=standby-Policy.xml.
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