American Airlines is currently waiving change fees for passengers whose flights are affected by Hurricane Lowell in Hawaii. Eligible travelers can rebook without paying a change fee if they meet the specific dates and conditions listed on the airline’s official travel alerts page.
I have used these waivers several times during weather events. The key is checking the exact airports, purchase date, and rebooking deadline before you try to change anything. Here is the current offer and the practical steps that work.
Current American Airlines Storm Waiver for Hurricane Lowell
As of September 8–9, 2026, American Airlines has an active travel alert for flights to, from, or through these Hawaii airports:
- Honolulu (HNL)
- Kahului / Maui (OGG)
- Kona (KOA)
- Lihue / Kauai (LIH)
Your change fee is waived if you meet all of the following:
- You are traveling on an American Airlines flight
- Your ticket is in any fare class, including Basic Economy
- You bought the ticket by September 4, 2026
- Your original travel dates fall between September 6 and September 9, 2026
- You can travel on new dates between September 6 and September 14, 2026
- You keep the same origin and destination cities
- You rebook in the same cabin (or pay any fare difference)
Changes must be completed by September 9, 2026. Travel must still be finished within one year of the original ticket date. Any fare difference may still apply.
The official details are published on the American Airlines Travel Alerts page: aa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/travel-alerts.html.
How to Change Your Flight Using the Waiver
The fastest way is online:
- Go to the American Airlines website or open the app.
- Find your trip using your confirmation number or last name and flight details.
- If your itinerary qualifies, you will see a “Change trip” option.
- Select a new flight that stays within the allowed travel window and keeps the same cities and cabin.
- Confirm the change. The system should show no change fee.
If the online tool does not show the waiver option, call American Airlines Reservations and reference the Hurricane Lowell travel alert. Have your confirmation number ready.
Also read – The Real Impact of American Airlines 6 U.S. Route Suspension
Important Rules Most Travelers Miss
- The waiver covers the change fee only. A higher fare on the new flight still costs extra.
- You cannot change the origin or destination city under this waiver.
- Basic Economy tickets are included, which is more flexible than normal Basic Economy rules.
- The rebooking deadline is firm—September 9, 2026. After that date the standard change fees return.
- One change is allowed under the waiver. Additional changes follow normal ticket rules.
Other Active American Airlines Travel Alerts
American also has shorter or longer-term waivers active for other situations, including London Heathrow and certain international routes such as Tel Aviv and Doha. Those have different purchase and travel windows. Always check the live Travel Alerts page for the most current list, because weather and operational alerts can be added or extended with little notice.
Practical Tips From Experience
Rebook as early as possible inside the window. The best seats and convenient times fill quickly once a waiver is published.
Take a screenshot of the waiver page and your original itinerary before you start the change. It helps if you later need to speak with an agent.
If your flight is already canceled by the airline, you usually have stronger rights (including a refund option). The waiver is mainly useful when your flight is still operating but you want to move it for safety or convenience.
Keep checking the official American Airlines Travel Alerts page and your reservation in the app. Conditions can change if the storm path shifts or recovery takes longer.
Bottom Line for Storm-Affected Passengers
If you hold an American Airlines ticket to or from the listed Hawaii airports between September 6–9, 2026, and you purchased by September 4, you can change your flight free of change fees until September 9, provided you stay within the same cities and cabin and travel by September 14. Use the airline’s website or app first, then call if needed. The authoritative source remains the live page at aa.com/web/i18n/travel-info/travel-alerts.html.