American Airlines has completely restructured its flight policy, eliminating all change fees for domestic and international flights (except for basic economy tickets).

Here's how to change American Airlines flights.

When you plan to visit here, book flights with American Airlines. If by any chance you wish to cancel your ticket, make sure to thoroughly read the American Airlines cancellation and refund policy. Also make sure to learn about the airline’s other guidelines to avoid unnecessary chaos.

American Airlines' policy on flight changes

American Airlines was like many airlines. It offered more flexibility to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions have begun to ease, it has modified its cancellation and change policies.

The American Airlines flight change policy at the moment is:

• There are no change fees on domestic, international and selected long-haul flights.
• Basic economy fares are non-refundable and non-changeable
• Fly standby for domestic flights if you need to fly an earlier flight to the exact same destination on the same date.

>> Read more: How do I cancel/change existing bookings because of coronavirus

What is the cost of changing a flight with American Airlines?

It doesn't cost anything for American Airlines to change your flight in most cases. You will need to pay an increase in the price for your new ticket.

The value of your ticket can be used towards the new fare. You can also change the origin or destination. You can use the difference in price towards a future flight if the new fare is less than the purchased fare.

American's cancellation fee exemption doesn't apply for international flights that are not from North or South America. This is except for basic economy flights that originate from Asia. These are not changeable.

>> Read more: Use American Airlines miles to book your dream vacation -- Here's how

American Airlines: How do I change my flight?

Book flights with cash

It is easy to change your eligible American Airlines flight if you have paid with cash. Access your purchased flight can be accessed by logging in to American Advantage or by entering your name and six-digit record locator.

After you have selected the flight you wish to change, go to Change Trip and follow all the prompts to choose a new flight. You can also cancel an American Airlines flight.

Fly with points to book flights

American Airlines has a slightly different procedure for changing an award flight. You can't usually change an American Airlines award flight online. Instead, you will need to call the reservations department.

You don't have to make a change to an American Airlines award flight. However, you will need to pay the additional miles due for your new flight. Your account will be credited with the difference in American Advantage points if your new flight is less expensive. You can also upgrade flights by using miles. Contact the reservations department for more information.

American currently offers three types of award tickets: Anytime (MileSAAver), Web Specific. Web Special award flights are usually the cheapest, but they cannot be changed.

This is not an issue in practice. You can cancel your award flight (including Web Special Awards), and reinstate your miles. Then, you can use your miles to book your preferred flight.

American announced recently that Anytime and MileSAAver fares will be discontinued. American also provided updates on its elite status program, which will continue to operate until 2023.

Moreover, Delta Air Lines has created a cancellation and refund policy to cater all the travel requirements of the passengers.

Last thoughts about changing American Airlines flights

American Airlines' recent changes to their flight change policies are a great thing for travelers. Many airlines had to significantly reduce their cancellation and change policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. American Airlines is one of these airlines that allowed travelers' flexibility.

American Airlines does not charge any fees to change most American Airlines flights. Most flights that aren't basic economy or Web Special award flight can be changed. The difference in fare will be charged to you. You'll receive the difference in fare back as a travel credit that you can use for a future flight if it is lower than the original flight.