FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines has moved up implementation of its Comfort Level Policy originally announced on March 7, giving customers the ability to immediately change their domestic and international travel plans without the standard change fees.

The policy was to go into effect in the event of a military action or a Homeland Security-issued Level Red Alert. While the United States is not at war and has not gone to a Level Red Alert, American felt it was appropriate to implement this policy now
American’s Comfort Level Policy offers flexibility to all customers, including those with U.S. domestic and international tickets, by allowing them to make a one-time change to their travel plans without paying the standard change fee. This policy applies to tickets purchased any time through April 19 for travel through May 18. To take advantage of this policy, customers must make the change by April 19 or no later than their originally scheduled date of travel. Travel may be rescheduled for any date through Dec. 31, 2003. The policy applies to travel on American Eagle and AmericanConnection as well. It also applies to passengers who started travel prior to March 19 and wish to change their return.

American will make appropriate changes as necessary to its policies. Such changes could be immediate if there is no military conflict.
American also announced on March 7 a policy that tickets purchased between March 7 and March 31 for international travel (except between Canada and the United States) through Dec. 31, could be changed. That policy, which was not contingent upon a military action or Level Red Alert, still applies. American will allow customers who purchase tickets between those dates for travel through Dec. 31, 2003, to change their itinerary one time without paying the standard change fee. Tickets must be changed by May 31, 2003, or by the originally scheduled travel date, whichever is earlier. Travel may be rescheduled for any date through Dec. 31, 2003, and all reticketed travel must be completed by that date.

Under both policies, customers changing tickets will be subject to any fare difference resulting from travel during a higher cost travel period or day of week, upgraded booking class or cabin, and/or increased passenger facility charges and/or tax increases. Original ticket price will be credited against the rescheduled ticket price. Non-refundable travel vouchers will be given when the change results in a lower ticket price. Rescheduled travel must adhere to any applicable advance purchase and minimum/maximum stay requirements. Applicable change fees will be waived if all conditions of the fare rules are met. All changes are subject to availability. Any passenger who no-shows for a flight will not be eligible to re-book or have the original ticket reissued under these policies.
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