[Updated July 17, 2020]

American Airlines promptly acted to enhance its cleaning procedures and implement face mask policies for both employees and passengers as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in early 2020.

It has relaxed rebooking rules, allowing one change per ticket without change fees for travel through September 30, 2020. The change can include changes to the ticket’s origin and destination cities. AAdvantage award tickets are also included in this offer. Changed reservations must complete travel by December 31, 2021.

While AA formerly pledged “expanded” cleaning procedures and electrostatic fogging, its June 26 announcement provides more concrete details:

American performs electrostatic spraying on its aircraft every seven days which kills 99.9999% of viruses and bacteria within 10 minutes. It uses a product on EPA’s List N which protects against viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, for seven days. AA says it’s the only network airline to use this cleaning product.

While American was blocking 50% of middle seats, it resumed operating full flights on July 1. AA notifies passengers on flights over a certain capacity, allowing them to reschedule on an alternative date.

Passengers on some AA flights are given hand sanitizer wipes or gel.

AA requires masks be worn by all passengers and crew on board, and like United, will enforce this policy by limiting flight privileges for anyone who refuses to wear a mask without a medical reason.

HEPA filters on all AA mainline aircraft refresh the cabin air every two to four minutes.

American has temporarily paused alcohol sales on most domestic flights in economy to minimize movement about the cabin and time with face masks off. AA continues to serve alcohol in first class and on international flights.

AA has announced touchless check-in kiosks for printing baggage tags. Solo travelers flying within the US in economy class are eligible to use the service, which is being rolled out at 230+ airports. Passengers check-in online, indicate they’re checking bags, and bring a mobile or printed boarding pass to the airport. Scanning it at a kiosk automatically prints bag tags without touching the kiosk.