Skip to content

American Airlines Threatens to Bar Passengers From Changing Nonrefundable Tickets

Sept. 19, 2018
1 min read
American Airlines AAviation Day Benji Stawski - 1
American Airlines Threatens to Bar Passengers From Changing Nonrefundable Tickets
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

American Airlines has threatened to retaliate against new regulations in the proposed FAA Reauthorization Bill by barring passengers from changing nonrefundable tickets.

Doug Parker, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer, told reporters on Tuesday that your "nonrefundable ticket is of value to us. We knew that seat was going to be filled. It allowed us to do other things. We sold the rest of the airplane knowing that seat was going to be filled."

The proposed bill would regulate seat size, bar passengers from making voice calls on airplanes and prevent airlines from bumping guests who had boarded planes that were already at capacity. What's upsetting American Airlines are the the new limitations on the additional fees that it can charge. Specifically, changes to nonrefundable fares, which can run up to $200 and often anger passengers.

Parker claims that the proposal would not be beneficial for consumers despite support from consumer groups, Bloomberg reports.

The FAA's reauthorization of the bill, which expires on Sept. 30, has yet to pass the committee. With both parties in agreement about a majority of the bill, specifics on fees were not included in the House version of the bill.

Featured Image by Benji Stawski

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Featured image by BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY