Whenever there’s a flight delay I’ve been able to get agents – whether on the phone or in an Admirals Club – to get me rebooked. However being an Executive Platinum helps, having lounge access helps, and it can be difficult for many passengers to get through to an agent when flights go bad.
The airline has a tool to let customers rebook themselves onto new flights. It’s available on the website, using the airline’s mobile app, or at kiosks and launched two years ago. But when does the ability to rebook oneself onto a new flight become available?
When IROPS happen, remember there are self-service options that customers can use instead of waiting in line at the Customer Service Center. We’ve updated GateReader to include announcements (ALT+A, option 9) for educating customers of the following tools:
When Flights Delay American Rolls Out ‘Refuel and Refresh’ Carts Instead of Handing Out Meal Vouchers
American begins auto-reaccommodating passengers who are on connections when there’s a delay of 30 minutes or more and their connections become in jeopardy. The “dynamic rebooking tool” lets customers rebook themselves during flight delays or when flights are cancelled.
It is triggered:
- For connecting passengers when there’s a 30 minute delay and their connection falls to 40 minutes or less
- For non-stop passengers when a flight is delayed 90 minutes or more
- For all passengers when a flight they’re on cancels
The dynamic rebooking tool is never available, though, to unaccompanied minors, air marshals, passengers on diverted flights, passengers on reservations with 8 or more total passengers, or passengers traveler with a pet (in cabin or as cargo, but excluding emotional support animals and service animals).
Was on an award ticket CDG-DFW-SJC when the outbound was delayed. The agent volunteered to rebook me. I found another flight to SFO that would save me 2.5 hours. The agent did rebook me with considerable effort and it took her 45 minutes! Regardless of tool I doubt I could do that on their website
Now, if only AA would be truthful about actual delays, instead of playing games with 10 or 15 minute delays when we’re at the departure time, and the incoming flight hasn’t even arrived yet…
Now, if only AA would be truthful about actual delays – instead of playing games by showing 10 or 15 minute delays when we’re at the departure time, and the incoming flight hasn’t even arrived yet…
Unless you have a checked bag in your name then it is not going to happen (security policy) . You can only get rebooked once you have your bag in hand. Never check a bag on an overseas flight and beware they will not open up seats on partner airlines (BA) for furtherance.
I found out the hard way with a 29 hour delay in ORD which earned me $200 in (worthless) script (my English friend got $600 Euros). Both of use received hotel vouchers but neither of us had a room at check in and the $10 meal vouchers would not even be accepted by Mc Donalds.
A third world airline- only 195k miles left to dump.
AA’s dynamic booking tool is actually quite good. Keep in mind that it is “dynamic” and inventory changes quickly in the 24 hours before flight time. You can book what you find and then switch it to something else if it becomes available. If your flight is cancelled/massively delayed, using the online tool is a zillion times better than waiting on line or trying to reach a telephone agent