Where does American Airlines fly?

American Airlines flies all across the world, to destinations in North America, South America, Oceania, Asia and Europe. Other airlines that fly similar destinations include Continental, Southwest and Virgin Atlantic.

Does American Airlines fly to Chicago?

Yes, American Airlines and its regional brand, American Eagle, fly to Chicago from many different destinations within the US, as well as from cities outside of the US too. To find out more, visit our flying to Chicago with American Airlines page.

Can I buy American Airlines flights with Afterpay?

Of course! You can buy American Airlines flights with Afterpay through Alternative Airlines. We offer Afterpay flights, allowing you to split the cost of your American Airlines flights into four equal payments with no interest or hidden fees. Simply choose your preferred American Airlines flight on our website and select 'Afterpay' at checkout to enjoy the convenience of paying in instalments.

Can I buy American Airlines flights with Sezzle?

Yes! With Alternative Airlines you can use Sezzle for flights. Sezzle allows you to split the cost of your flights across a period of time, making it easier to budget.

What are one-way American Airlines flights?

One-way flights with American Airlines are American Airlines flight tickets that only travel to one destination, without a return flight. There are several reasons as to why travellers book one-way flights e.g. permanent relocation or uncertain travel return dates. When you purchase a one-way flight ticket you have the freedom to return anytime you want to.

Can I finance American Airlines one-way flights?

Absolutely! When you book through Alternative Airlines you can buy American Airlines one-way flight tickets and spread the cost over time. We offer a number of payment plan providers that let you break up the cost of your American Airlines one-way fare over weekly, bi-weekly or monthly instalments. This includes Klarna, Afterpay, Clearpay, PayPal Credit and more. Please bear in mind that the payment plan option available at checkout will depend on the country you reside in.

Are American Airlines one-way flights expensive?

American Airlines one-way flight tickets can often be expensive when the route frequency with the airline is low. These flights tend to be more expensive as there are fewer seats compared to the number of travellers. However, this isn't always the case. Booking two separate one-way flights can often be cheaper than booking a roundtrip flight. Airlines have many different ways of depicting flight fares, it's hard to determine which one-way flights are expensive and which ones will be cheap.

Can I buy American Airlines flights with Bitcoin?

Yes! You can book American Airlines flights and pay with Bitcoin right here at Alternative Airlines. We offer over 100 cryptocurrencies for you to choose from, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether.

How do I cancel American Airlines flights?

If you booked your American Airlines flights at Alternative Airlines and need to cancel, you can do so in the 'Manage My Booking' portal. Self-service cancellation is available. Find out how to cancel American Airlines flights on our dedicated page.

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Where from?

Where to?

Dates

Passengers & Class

Buy American Airlines Flights with Alternative Airlines

American Airlines is the world’s largest airline, flying over 226 million passengers in 2024 across 357 destinations in 61 countries. With 10 major hubs, a modernising fleet, and membership in the oneworld alliance, it offers unmatched connectivity for both domestic and international travel.

Many choose American for its extensive route network and multiple cabin options. Whether you’re booking a short hop or a long-haul adventure, American combines global reach with a focus on customer choice and convenience.

About American Airlines ✈️

Founded in 1930, American Airlines has grown from a small mail carrier into a global aviation leader. Based at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, it operates 992 aircraft serving 350+ destinations in 61 countries.

American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, partnering with airlines like British Airways, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways to offer access to 900+ destinations worldwide.

Its hub network spans 10 cities, including Charlotte, Miami and Los Angeles, giving travellers extensive choice for both domestic and international journeys.

American Airlines is a 3-star airline on Skytrax, which is the average airline score. It promises a good level of service. ⭐⭐⭐

Popular Destinations and Routes

Domestic destinations and popular US routes 🌎

American Airlines serves 230+ destinations within the United States, connecting major cities, regional hubs and holiday hotspots. Its extensive domestic network makes it easy to find convenient flight times and connections. Popular routes include:

New York (JFK/LGA) - Los Angeles (LAX)
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - Miami (MIA)
Chicago (ORD) - Phoenix (PHX)
Charlotte (CLT) - Orlando (MCO)
Miami (MIA) - San Juan (SJU)

International destinations and key global routes 🌏

With 130 international destinations across 61 countries, American Airlines offers strong coverage to Latin America, Europe, Asia and beyond. Key hubs like Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth and Philadelphia act as gateways for global travel. Popular long-haul and regional international routes include:

Miami - London Heathrow (LHR)
Dallas/Fort Worth - Tokyo Haneda (HND)
Charlotte - Frankfurt (FRA)
Los Angeles - Sydney (SYD)
Miami - São Paulo (GRU)

As a member of the oneworld alliance, American travellers can connect to over 900 destinations worldwide through partner airlines, making it easy to book complex itineraries and enjoy benefits like lounge access and smooth transfers.

How to Book American Airlines Flights

Booking your American Airlines flight is simple with Alternative Airlines:

Search - Enter your departure, destination, travel dates and passengers.
Compare - Browse available American Airlines flights alongside 600+ other airlines.
Select - Choose your preferred time, cabin class and fare type.
Add extras - Pick seats, add bags or choose flexible ticket options.
Pay your way - Use 40+ payment methods, including Buy Now Pay Later and crypto.

Booking options ✈️

One-way - Perfect for open-ended travel or single journeys.
Round-trip - Save by booking both outbound and return flights together.
Multi-city - Visit several destinations in one booking for more flexibility.

Last-minute American flights 🕜

Last-minute flights are tickets booked close to your departure date, often within a week of travel. They can be ideal for unexpected trips or snagging deals when airlines look to fill remaining seats.

Use our search filters to quickly find the latest American Airlines availability and compare prices, even for same-day departures.

Fares and Cabin Classes

American Airlines offers five main cabin choices to match your budget and comfort needs:

Basic Economy - Lowest fare with a personal item only, no seat choice until check-in, and boarding in the last group.
Main Cabin - Includes a free carry-on, standard seat selection (for a fee on some fares), complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Main Cabin Extra - More legroom, earlier boarding and an extra under-seat bag.
Premium Economy - Available on select long-haul aircraft, with wider seats, extra recline, upgraded meals, larger entertainment screens and priority check-in.
Business Class (Flagship Business) - Lie-flat seats, premium dining, lounge access and enhanced service on international and premium transcontinental flights.
First Class (Flagship First) - The most spacious seats, personalised dining and highest service level, available on select international and domestic routes.

Each cabin comes with American’s in-flight entertainment options and the ability to earn AAdvantage miles.

You can select your fare based on price, comfort and included extras when booking through Alternative Airlines.

Baggage Policy

Carry-on and personal items 🎒

All American Airlines passengers can bring:

1 personal item - Must fit under the seat (e.g. handbag or laptop bag).
1 carry-on bag - Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches. No weight limit, but must fit in the overhead bin.
Regional aircraft may require gate-checking larger carry-ons.

Checked baggage rules 🧳

Basic Economy and Main Cabin - From $40 for the first checked bag on domestic flights ($35 if paid online).
Premium Economy, Business and First Class - At least one free checked bag included, with higher allowances for top-tier AAdvantage members.
Checked bags must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or 50 lbs (23kg) in weight.

Special items 🎻

American accepts most sports equipment, musical instruments and special items, often counting them as part of your checked allowance. Oversized or overweight fees may apply. Examples include:

Guitars and violins (can be carried on if overhead space allows)
Golf clubs, skis and surfboards (special handling fees may apply)

Check-In Procedures

Online and airport check-in 📱

American Airlines lets you check in online or via the mobile app starting 24 hours before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international departures. You can:

Download your boarding pass to your phone or print it at home.
Add bags, change seats and update contact details before heading to the airport.

Airport check-in is available at self-service kiosks, ticket counters and select curbside locations.

Recommended arrival times 🕝

To keep your trip stress-free, plan to arrive at least:

2 hours before domestic departures.
3 hours before international departures.

Baggage check-in closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights. Boarding typically begins 30-50 minutes before departure, depending on your boarding group and aircraft type.

💡Top tip: Arriving early gives you time to clear security, grab refreshments and reach your gate without rushing. If you’ve booked through Alternative Airlines, you’ll have all your booking details in one place, making check-in smoother and faster.

Best Time to Book American Airlines Flights

How much do American Airlines flights cost? 🤔

American Airlines fares can vary widely depending on route, season and booking window.

Domestic one-way tickets often start from under $100 during sales, while long-haul international flights can range from $400-$1,200+ depending on destination and cabin class.

Best times to book or travel 📅

For US domestic flights, aim to book 1-3 months ahead.
For international trips, booking 3-6 months in advance can secure better prices.
Travelling in shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often means lower fares and fewer crowds.

When searching with Alternative Airlines, you can quickly compare American Airlines fares across dates and routes, helping you spot the best deals without endless browsing.

Complete list of American Airlines destinations

Alternatives to American Airlines

If you’re looking for similar routes or different travel experiences, there are plenty of other airlines to consider when booking through Alternative Airlines:

More than 100,000 happy customers per year

This was my first booking and I used Alternative Airlines twice on this trip. I must say by far the best online booking experience ever.

Dee

Reviewed on Trustpilot

Buy now, pay later

Buy your flights now and pay later

No way, really?! Yes! We’ve partnered with some amazing BNPL payment providers to allow you to pay for your flights over time, with ease.

Onboard Experience

Entertainment and WiFi 🛜

Most American Airlines aircraft offer WiFi, with Viasat providing the fastest speeds on many narrowbody jets. Widebody aircraft feature seatback entertainment screens, while many narrowbody flights stream movies, TV and music to your own device via the 'AA-Inflight' network. Content includes Apple TV+ exclusives, live TV and games.

Food and beverage service 🍽️

Domestic - Complimentary snacks and soft drinks on most flights over 250 miles, with buy-on-board options for longer routes.
International long-haul - Free meals and drinks, including beer, wine and spirits.
Premium cabins - Multi-course meals designed by chefs, paired with premium wines and spirits.

Amenities ✨

Power outlets and USB ports available on most aircraft.
Premium Economy - Wider seats, extra recline and adjustable footrests.
Business & First Class - Lie-flat seats, comfort kits with toiletries, noise-reducing headphones and priority service.

Whether you’re flying across the country or across the world, American Airlines combines in-flight connectivity, dining and comfort to suit every cabin and budget.

AAdvantage Loyalty Program

AAdvantage is American Airlines’ frequent flyer program, rewarding members with miles for flights and partner purchases. It uses a Loyalty Points system with four elite tiers: Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum. Higher tiers unlock perks like bonus miles, free checked bags, upgrades and priority services.

Earning and redeeming miles 💸

You can earn miles by:

Flying with American or oneworld partner airlines
Using an AAdvantage credit card
Shopping, dining or booking hotels with program partners

Miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, car rentals, hotels and more.

Oneworld Alliance benefits 🌐

As a founding oneworld member, American Airlines connects you to over 900 destinations in 170+ countries through 13 partner airlines. Benefits include:

Global lounge access for eligible elite members
Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling
Reciprocal mileage earning and redemption across all member airlines

The program also offers lifetime elite status for the most loyal travellers, making it a strong choice for frequent flyers.

Deals and Discounts

Finding deals and using promo codes 🤑

At Alternative Airlines, you can search and compare American Airlines flights alongside 600+ other carriers to find the best fare. Take advantage of our seasonal flight promotions and apply valid promo codes at checkout for extra savings.

Flexible payment methods 💸

We offer 40+ ways to pay for your American Airlines booking, including:

Buy Now Pay Later options like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, Zip and Sezzle
PayPal Credit for spreading the cost
Crypto payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum and more
Traditional card payments and bank transfers

Tips for saving on American Airlines flights 💡

Book early - Fares often rise closer to departure.
Be flexible - Flying midweek or outside peak hours can be cheaper.
Mix and match - Compare one-way tickets across different airlines for the best value.
Best Fare Finder - Find the cheapest days to fly with American Airlines.

By booking through Alternative Airlines, you get choice, flexibility and control over how you pay, helping you travel with American Airlines in a way that works for your budget.

Special Services

Military discounts and benefits 🎖️

American Airlines offers special fares and benefits for active-duty US military personnel, including free checked bags and priority boarding on select fares.
We recommend carrying valid military ID when travelling.

Travelling with pets and service animals 🐕‍🦺

Flying with your furry friend? Here's what you need to know:

Cabin pets: Cats and small dogs (8+ weeks) can fly in-cabin for $150 each way. Combined pet and carrier weight must stay under 20 pounds. Carrier size: soft 18″×11″×11″, hard 19″×13″×9″.
Unfortunately, rabbits and other small pets are not listed as eligible in American Airlines' in-cabin pet guidelines.
Where: Domestic US, Canada, Mexico routes only. No transatlantic or Hawaii flights.
Restrictions: No sedated pets ever. Weather limits apply (no flying above 85°F or below 45°F).
Checked pets: Military personnel only.
Service animals: Trained dogs/horses fly free with documentation. Emotional support animals now pay pet fees.

Bereavement and emergency bookings 🤝

For urgent trips, American Airlines may offer flexible booking and change options, though proof is often required. When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can add our Cancellation Protection at checkout, giving you the option to claim a refund if you can’t travel due to emergency situations, including bereavement.
Availability and pricing vary, so contact the airline directly or speak to our Customer Service team for help arranging last-minute travel in these situations.

When booking through Alternative Airlines, you can compare fares, check pet travel rules and secure flights quickly, even in time-sensitive circumstances. Our Customer Service team are here to help make your travel planning as stress-free as possible.

Cancellations, Changes and Refunds

American Airlines' cancellation policy 🚫

24-hour cancellation policy: If you book at least two days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking your tickets for a full refund, with no fees. This applies to most fares, including bookings made through Alternative Airlines, as long as the timing conditions are met.
American Airlines offers both refundable and non-refundable tickets. Refundable fares allow you to cancel for a full refund, while non-refundable tickets may incur fees or be issued as travel credit, depending on fare rules.
Same-day flight changes are available for a fee or free for certain elite members.

Booking refundable tickets 🎫

When booking with Alternative Airlines, you can filter for refundable American Airlines flights to see only fares that allow cash refunds. This is ideal if your travel plans are uncertain or subject to change.

Extra protection with Alternative Airlines 🛡️

At checkout, you can add Cancellation Protection to your American Airlines booking.
This lets you apply for a refund if you can’t travel due to covered reasons, including illness, emergencies or bereavement, even on non-refundable tickets.

Managing your booking ✨

Once booked, you can manage your American Airlines trip within our Manage My Booking portal, directly through the airline or by contacting our Customer Service team.
We can help with seat changes, adding bags or updating passenger details to keep your trip running smoothly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pay later for American Airlines flights?

Yes. When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can choose from 'Buy Now Pay Later' providers like Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm, among many others. This lets you spread the cost over weekly or monthly instalments.

You can also use PayPal Credit or pay with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Simply select your preferred payment option at checkout.

What is American Airlines’ carry-on allowance?

American Airlines allows:

1 personal item (fits under the seat)
1 carry-on bag (max 22 x 14 x 9 inches)

There’s no weight limit for carry-ons, but it must fit in the overhead bin. On smaller regional aircraft, larger carry-ons may need to be gate-checked at no cost.

How do I check in for an American Airlines flight?

You can check in:

Online or via mobile app - 24 hours before domestic flights, 90 minutes before international.
At the airport - Self-service kiosks, ticket counters or select curbside check-in points.

Have your booking reference, ID and any travel documents ready. Boarding generally starts 30-50 minutes before departure.

Does American Airlines have free Wi-Fi?

Not yet, but starting January 2026, American will offer free WiFi to AAdvantage members on most aircraft.

Currently, WiFi is available on about 90% of the fleet, with prices from $10 per flight or through monthly/annual plans. Speeds vary by provider, with Viasat offering the fastest streaming capability on many narrowbody jets.

How much is a checked bag on American Airlines?

For most domestic routes:

First checked bag - Roughly $40 at the airport, $35 online
Second checked bag - Roughly $45

Premium cabin passengers and elite AAdvantage members often receive free checked baggage. Weight limits are 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag for economy and 70 lbs (32 kg) for premium cabins.

Does American Airlines offer last-minute flights?

Yes. You can book American Airlines flights right up until departure if seats are available. Last-minute fares can be higher, but sometimes airlines discount unsold seats close to take-off.

Use our search filters to find last-minute options and compare with 600+ other airlines in one place.

What is American Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy?

If you book at least two days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours for a full refund, with no fees. This applies to most fares, including bookings made through Alternative Airlines.

We also offer Cancellation Protection for extra coverage on non-refundable tickets if you can’t travel for covered reasons.

How do I join the AAdvantage program?

Joining AAdvantage is free. You can sign up on the American Airlines website by providing your name, email and contact details. Members earn miles on flights with American and oneworld partners, plus through hotels, car rentals and credit card spend. Higher tiers bring benefits like upgrades, free bags and priority services.

Can I travel with my pet on American Airlines?

Yes, small pets can travel in the cabin on many domestic and select international flights. They must fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.

Larger animals may travel as checked baggage or cargo. Service animals can travel in the cabin free of charge when documentation is provided.

What destinations does American Airlines fly to?

American serves 350+ destinations in 61 countries, including 231 within the US and 130 internationally.

Popular domestic routes include New York-Los Angeles and Dallas-Miami, while top international routes include Miami-London, Dallas-Tokyo and Los Angeles-Sydney.

Through oneworld partners, travellers can reach over 900 destinations worldwide.