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American Airlines: A year is actually nine months

November 5, 2008

What is it with airlines redefining a year? Seems that after I wrote about this bizarre reshuffling of the calendar, more air carriers have joined the fun.

Larry Thompson redeemed his hard-earned frequent flier miles for two American Airlines tickets from Dallas to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, earlier this year. But two weeks before traveling, he developed a blood clot and his doctor advised him to stay home. An American Airlines agent said he wouldn’t have to pay any additional fees if he used the tickets within a year.

Thompson asked for something in writing, but was again assured that there wouldn’t be a fee, and that he didn’t need anything in writing.

He should have insisted.

When Thompson phoned the airline to rebook, he was given the bad news: In addition to adding new fees and surcharges, the airline has apparently changed its calendar.

I was advised that the year was a year that started on the date my canceled tickets were issued, which was January 6, 2008, and I would need to travel before that date or pay the $150 to have my miles reinstated.

At no time during my conversation with American Airlines in March was there any discussion about a ticket issue date or that I had nine months to make a new plan.

Thompson tried to appeal this decision, but American refused. It basically insisted that a year is actually nine months.

Lesson learned? Always ask for details when you’re rebooking a flight. When an agent tells you that you have a year, ask, “A year from what date?” And don’t let them tell you that you don’t need anything in writing. If Thompson had communicated with American by e-mail, this might not have happened.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, American — a year is 12 months.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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5 comments

  • Jenna

    Perhaps you shouldn’t post what doesn’t exist. The year starts from the date the original ticket was purchased. An oft times misconception with bookings. One year from the date of b o o k i n g. Not travel, not cancellation.

  • Jenna

    And just to add, what is hard to understand about his statement? He was advised he had one year from the date of issue..JANUARY 6 2008 to use his tickets. From my calculation, one year is January 6, 2009..today is November 12..what’s the issue here? If he used them now, it’d be fine wouldn’t it?

  • Jennifer

    Jenna, initially, he was told he had one year from the date of the flight; later, AA changed it to date of issue, making it 9 months from the date of his previous trip. I guess if he could jump on a moments’ notice to travel, it wouldn’t be a problem. My better guess is that there is a problem.

    Curious given your first post, do you work for the airline? Do you believe airlines’ representatives always tell the truth?

    The only thing Mr. Thompson did wrong was not get the first rep’s statement in writing.

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