American Airlines Strikes: Your Rights & Tips to Prepare for Flight Disruptions

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  12 November 2025

While American Airlines employees have had several disputes and threatened strikes over the last few years, the last time a full-blown strike actually took place was way back in 1993! So, the good news is that even though employees might vote to strike, they have been able to come to an agreement with American Airlines before actually doing so. 

Still, if a strike is looming, airlines can decide to cancel flights preemptively. At the same time, you as a passenger might want to make changes to your booking to prevent any surprises. In this guide, we’ll explain what you can do to avoid problems if a strike has been announced and how you can prepare so you will have as easy an experience as possible.

How to Plan Around an American Airlines Strike

You might not be able to keep the strike from happening, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate the problems associated with flight delays, cancellations, and other disruptions.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Check with AA to see if they will allow flexibility with your ticket. If you’re worried about your flight being disrupted, contact customer service to see about changing your booking to a later date. In most cases, airlines will not charge additional rebooking fees if a strike seems imminent.
2. Download the American Airlines app or sign up for SMS and email alerts. These will keep you informed about any changes to your flight. 
3. Monitor the airline’s website. American’s Travel Alerts page will list events, including strike action that may affect your booking.
4. See about rebooking your flight. You can also ask if it’s possible to rebook your flight with one of American’s partner airlines including Hawaiian, Vueling, and Aer Lingus.
5. Check to see if your travel insurance or credit card offers any coverage for strike-related flight interruptions.

Your Rights if a Strike Affects Your Booking

In the United States, passengers do not have any specific airline-strike protections, but the U.S. Department of Transportation does require AA to help you get to your destination. Basically, you won’t be left stranded at the airport.

If Your Flight Gets Canceled

If an American Airlines employee strike causes your flight to be cancelled, the airline has to give you the choice of a new booking or a refund. If you opt for the rebooking, it should be on the next available flight, unless you choose otherwise. Refunds must be provided within 7 days for credit cards and 20 days for other payment methods.

Passengers who purchased their flight through a travel agency will have to go through that agency for their refund.

Can You Cancel or Change Your Flight?

If you’re worried about the strike ruining your trip, you can cancel if you have a refundable ticket. Also, you can make changes to your flight, but you might incur fees, depending on the terms and conditions of your ticket.

If you have a non-refundable ticket, and a strike is pending, ask American if they will allow you to alter or cancel your flight without the usual fees or penalties. Sometimes airlines will allow more flexibility in certain situations, so it’s worth asking them about the various possibilities.

If they will not allow you to change or cancel, then wait for them to do this as you’ll get an immediate rebooking or refund.

When Your AA Flight is Delayed or Changed

Your rights as a passenger in the U.S. also protect you if a strike causes extensive delays or big changes to your flight. More specifically, if your flight is changed or delayed by 3 or more hours on domestic flights or 4+ hours on international flights, American Airlines will give you the option to rebook (without fees) or get a refund (including taxes and fees). Bear in mind that if you do accept a rebooking from AA, you will not be eligible for a refund.

You’ll also be given this choice if:

• Your departure or arrival airport changes 
• Your cabin or seating class is downgraded
• The number of connections increases

American Airlines also offers passengers vouchers in place of a refund. If you decide to accept one, make sure you read the fine print so you understand exactly what you’re getting. AA vouchers have a 5-year validity period from the date of the flight disruption. 

Remember that you do have a right to a cash refund, so if a voucher doesn’t suit you, tell AA that you prefer to be refunded and it will be sent to you within 7 days for credit cards and 20 days for other forms of payment.

Getting Reimbursed for Strike-related Expenses

An AA delay or cancellation might mean that you have to wait for hours in the airport. You might even need to get a hotel room for overnight delays. If this happens to you, make sure you keep all your receipts for any purchases you have to make as a result. 

If you plan to request a refund for these delays or cancelled flights, you can also submit a claim for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. American Airlines might be picky about what they choose to reimburse, but strike-related flight disruptions that cause you to spend more on essentials will usually be covered. The key here is making sure you only spend on what you need. 

Choosing to stay in the most expensive hotel or buying bags of new clothes won’t typically be reimbursed by the airline. Whatever you do, just keep your receipts.

Bottom Line

American Airlines isn’t likely to have a strike in the near future, but if a strike is threatened and your flight is disrupted, remember to document everything. Also, save receipts and remember that you do have rights as a passenger. If your flight is canceled or severely delayed, ask for a rebooking or refund, and if you have any problems, AirAdvisor is always here to help!

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Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development with a focus on consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work centers on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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