Frequently Asked Questions
 |
|
|
Follow these five steps:
- CHOOSE your departure city and preferred dates of travel.
- LOOK at the variety of packages available for your dates.
- FIND the experience that interests you most.
- ENHANCE the experience to make it exactly what you want, from your accommodations to any optional extras you'd like to add, and GO!
If you are looking for a specific destination or activity, it's also easy to use the search box located in the upper right corner of the homepage. Simply type in your search criteria, click go, and you'll get a list of available packages that include your search term(s).
Availability changes constantly, so if you don't see what you're looking for right away, check back later and you may find it!
When will you originate from my city?
We launch service from new cities on a continuing basis. Check back with us soon!
Will you have the same great deal next month that you have today?
We work closely with our partner travel providers to offer customers the best trips at the last minute. Since we work with last-minute inventory, we do not know what packages will be available more than 14 days in advance. And as soon as we know, you know. Our dynamic technology constantly queries reservation systems to find what's available right now at the best prices.
Due to the dynamic nature of our offerings, we cannot predict or guarantee the future availability of any of our packages.
If a package is listed on the site now, then it's available, but we do not know if or when the same package will be offered again.
Can I buy a package more than 14 days in advance?
Since we offer last-minute inventory, we do not know what our offerings will be more than 14 days in advance. And as soon as we know, you know. Our dynamic technology constantly queries reservation systems to find what's available right now at the best prices.
For the truly last-minute customer, we sell packages for domestic (US) destinations up to three hours before the flight departs and for international destinations up to five hours before.
Can you hold a package for me?
Our great deals sell out fast, so we do not hold packages for customers. Because availability changes constantly, we recommend that you buy a package as soon as possible after selecting it.
Do you reserve any inventory that is not listed on the site?
No, everything we offer is shown on the site. We do not have any special reserved packages or inventory. Due to the last-minute nature of our inventory, our packages can sell out at any time and availability is limited. So if you see a package you like, we suggest you buy it right away. It may be gone when you next log on!
Do you offer a specific destination or a specific activity?
If you have a specific activity in mind (such as golf, tennis etc.), the best way to find your package is to use the keyword search. Simply type in your keyword, click go and you will be offered a list of available packages.
If you know where you want to go, use the Destination Search. Simply select your departure city, destination state or international region and city and we’ll show you all the available packages that fit your search criteria.
I know where I want to go. How do I find out if you have my destination?
Destination Search makes finding your perfect package easier than ever! If you already know where you want to go, simply find the Search by Destination box at the top of the homepage, choose your departure city, your destination state (or international) region and city and GO! We’ll show you all the available packages that fit your search criteria.
Remember, availability changes constantly, so if you don’t see your city, check back again later and you may find it!
Can I take a longer trip or do you just offer weekend travel?
We currently specialize in weekend packages and longer weekend trips. Thus, travel on American Airlines is currently structured in that the earliest we depart in the week is Thursday, and the latest we return in the week is Tuesday with a mandatory Saturday night stay.
Travel on American Airlines is currently structured in that the earliest we depart in the week is usually Thursday, and the latest we return in the week is normally Tuesday with a mandatory Saturday night stay. However, we do offer midweek departures and returns for travel to Las Vegas, as well as Wednesday departures from select cities to Hawaii.
What is the difference between an AA Vacations package and a Last-Minute Package?
A Last-Minute Package differs from a more traditional AA Vacations package in several respects. First of all, Last-Minute Packages can only be booked up to 14 days in advance of departure. Last-Minute Packages also require a Saturday night stay, and the longest stay possible is six nights. These restrictions enable us to obtain favorable pricing from our travel partners, allowing us to offer you great deals. If you desire a more traditional package, please contact AA Vacations directly.
How do I contact Customer Service?
Email is the best and fastest way to contact the Customer Service Team. Click here to send us an email, and we'll respond to you as quickly as possible. If you require immediate assistance or you need help purchasing a Last-Minute Package, you can call us at 1-800-541-2669.
|
|
|
What types of packages can I find on your site?
Flight & Hotel: This package includes your flight, your hotel accommodations for the duration of your stay and often some additional options to add-on if you would like. A rental car is optional.
Flight & Car: This package includes your flight on American Airlines and a rental car. Hotel accommodations are not included. This package type is intended for use when you already have a place to stay in your destination.
Hotel & Car: This package includes your hotel and a rental car. Flight is not included. This package type is intended for use when you already have transportation to your destination.
What characterizes a luxury package?
Our luxury properties are characterized by their commitment to excellence in design, decor, service, and overall customer experience. These range from world-class properties with exceptional service, hospitality, and attention to detail to one-of-a-kind boutique hotels featuring unparalleled design and style.
Do you sell last-minute cruises?
We currently do not sell cruise packages, but we are looking into cruises for future expansion.
Are your air and hotel packages “all-inclusive”?
We do have some all-inclusive hotel properties available. If you choose an All-Inclusive hotel property, meals and most drinks will normally be included in your total cost. Please read the hotel information very carefully to determine the details of what is included in an all-inclusive hotel property. All-Inclusive package prices are based upon double occupancy (two people per room). There is a supplemental per person charge for each additional guest that is not included in the price of this package. The supplement must be paid upon checkout from the hotel. Please contact the hotel directly for the amount of this charge.
|
|
|
How can I be sure I'm getting a good deal?
We negotiate with our partners to bring you the best prices available for last-minute travel. Finding a better price on a comparable trip at the last minute for the same dates is next to impossible! And when you consider that we've handled all the arrangements with American Airlines as well as our top hotels and other travel partners, you'll find that our packages are indeed a great deal.
Is there an additional charge for single travelers? Can I take a trip by myself?
Although we list our prices per person based on double occupancy, you may travel by yourself. After you have chosen a package, you will have the option to enter the number of people traveling. Simply choose one adult when prompted for the number of people and advance to the next page.
Traveling by yourself with some of our packages will increase the price per person, however, because you will need to pay for the entire hotel room (or rental car) instead of sharing the cost with another person. The initial prices quoted on the site are per person, based on double occupancy.
Do you have special prices for children or senior citizens?
No, our prices are the lowest for last-minute travel, so we do not offer any additional discounts for children or senior citizens.
How do you price for infants traveling without their own airline seats?
If you choose infants (under 2) traveling without airline seats, we assume the child will be sitting on an adult's lap during flight. Your final price per person will not reflect any charges for a child seated on an adult’s lap. However, please contact Customer Service after your purchase, so that we may enter your infant’s information into your reservation. If you would like a seat for the child, please choose "infants (under 2) with airline seat." Applicable charges will apply.
If you are traveling internationally with an infant, please contact the American Airlines upon booking your package. Depending upon the destination, American may assess additional charges, and documentation such as a birth certificate or passport may be required.
In addition to saving you money, we like to save you time. We understand that when you're booking a package at the last minute, it's not always easy to make additional plans to enjoy while on your getaway. Since we negotiate great deals through partnerships with various travel and entertainment providers, we make activities, meals and other events easy to reserve. We never sell experiences for more than the retail price and it is unlikely that you would get a better offer from these providers on your own.
Are your prices in US dollars?
All the Last-Minute Packages are priced in US Dollars, even those departing from cities outside the United States such as Montreal or Toronto.
Do you offer bereavement fares?
Our prices are the lowest for last-minute travel. We therefore, do not offer bereavement fares on our Last-Minute Packages.
Is the entire cost of my hotel room(s) included in the package price?
Your package purchase includes your room rate and applicable taxes for domestic (US) travel. If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico, you may be charged a local "Hotel Occupancy Tax" upon checkout. If your package includes a hotel stay in Europe, you will be assessed value added taxes (VAT) upon checkout. These are the same taxes that would be assessed if you reserved your accommodations through a travel agent or with the hotel directly. The package price does not include incidentals you may incur such as extra-person charges, extra-bed charges, resort fees, gratuities, energy surcharges, parking fees, telephone fees, room service, movies and mini-bar charges. Extra-person or extra-bed charges may apply if you reserve one hotel room for more than two people (including children). Please contact the hotel directly if you would like more information about possible extra-person charges.
Is the entire cost of car rental included in the package price?
Our car rental packages include the rental rate and taxes. Except as specifically noted as included in the rate, items such as surcharges (such as frequent flyer tax recovery, airport concession fees, special assessments, age, registration and license reimbursement fees, etc.), optional coverages (such as LDW, PAI, LIS, ALI, PEC, and PEP), fuel service, additional driver, drop-off, and other charges are NOT included and must be paid for directly to the rental car company. Gasoline, upgrades from your reserved car type, or additional equipment (such as child seats or ski racks) are NOT included.
Will I be charged additional hotel taxes?
The package price does not include incidentals you may incur such as extra-person charges, extra-bed charges, resort fees, gratuities, energy surcharges, parking fees, telephone fees, room service, movies and mini-bar. Extra-person or extra-bed charges may apply if you reserve one hotel room for more than two people (including children). Please contact the hotel directly if you would like more information about possible extra-person charges.
Is the entire cost of airfare included in the package price?
You may be assessed excess-baggage fees for each piece of checked luggage beyond the second item. In addition, you may be charged extra fees for bags over specific size and weight restrictions. These fees are NOT included in the price of your travel package and must be paid upon check-in. Please visit www.aa.com for excess baggage charges on American Airlines, or you may call our toll-free reservations number directly for further details concerning additional baggage fees.
|
|
|
The price you see up front is the price you pay! Our package prices now include all applicable taxes and fees.
The only price changes you may experience will be from options that you decide to change- such as your travel dates, number of travelers, departure city, and choice of flight(s), hotels or other items. Rest assured that the total price of your travel package will be updated and displayed to you prior to purchase, so you’ll know exactly what price you’re paying before we ask for any billing information.
Also, remember that you may incur other charges while traveling, such as hotel extra-person or extra-bed charges, resort fees, gratuities, hotel energy surcharges, parking fees, telephone fees, room service, movies, mini-bar, or rental car insurance, gasoline, and other incidentals, that are not included in the package price.
How do I get started to buy a package?
Now you can browse Last-Minute Packages either by date or by destination. If you're searching by date, use the Search by Date box to choose your departure city and the dates you wish to travel. If you're looking for a specific destination, use the Search by Destination box to choose your departure city, your destination state or international region and destination city.
The site will return a list of available packages that fit your search criteria. Find your package, choose your components, and go!
The best way to purchase our Last-Minute Packages is online. You also have the option of purchasing Last-Minute Packages by calling our 24-hour toll-free customer service line. Simply call 1-800-541-2669 and choose the prompt for Last-Minute Packages to be assisted by a Customer Service Specialists. Please remember that all sales are final whether purchased online or with one of our Specialists.
Do I need to register in order to buy a package?
No, but in order to purchase, you will need to enter your credit card and billing information so we can process your order. All purchases need to be made on-line, but if you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-541-2669.
I'm experiencing technical difficulties. What do I do?
If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact Customer Service right away and a representative will assist you with your purchase.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club.If you would like to use a debit card, please be aware that most debit cards have daily limits of $500.
If your package exceeds $500, please call your bank and request that they release the funds before attempting the transaction.
I haven't received my confirmation email yet.
If you have not received your confirmation email, please be patient as we are still processing your order and confirming your bookings with our partners. We will send it to you shortly as soon as the package is confirmed.
Why are the taxes so high, and what are they for?
Federal, state and local governments assess a variety of taxes and fees in association with traveling and transportation. For example, U.S. airports charge all airlines a Passenger Facilities Charge or PFC to cover airport costs for every passenger on arriving and departing flights. Because state and local governments have the ability to set their own tax rates, we are unable to give you all the potential rates.
Can I use vouchers or points to purchase a package?
At this time, the only forms of payment we accept for our packages are credit cards and debit cards. We do not accept vouchers, points, unused airline tickets or frequent flier miles as payment. However, all of our reservations are eligible for frequent flier credit. We recommend that you submit your account number to American Airlines during check-in so that your miles will be credited. Our reservations are currently not eligible for points credit from hotels.
All of our Last-Minute Packages containing flights include roundtrip airfare: we do not sell one-way tickets.
Can I apply an unused air ticket towards the purchase of a Last-Minute Package?
Airline tickets purchased separately from a Last-Minute Package cannot be credited towards the purchase of a Last-Minute Package. However, holders of separately purchased airline tickets may want to consider Last-Minute Packages’ Hotel & Car offering instead.
How do I redeem my promotion code?
You can use your promotion code during checkout. On the billing page, simply enter your promotion code into the appropriate text field and the code will be applied to your purchase.
Can I use more than one credit card to purchase a package?
At this time, our technology requires that package payments are made with one credit or debit card.
Can I purchase travel for someone else?
You may purchase a travel package for someone other than yourself. When purchasing a last minute travel package, you will notice separate fields for the names(s) of the travelers and the credit card billing information. If you are purchasing for another person, please insure that the names of the travelers match their government-issued photo identification in order to avoid problems with check-in or airport security.
|
|
|
Will I accrue AAdvantage miles when I purchase a Last-Minute Package?
You are eligible to receive AAdvantage Miles for the air portion of your Last-Minute Getaways package with the exception of certain transatlantic flights on American Airlines. If you have a frequent flyer account with us, please be sure to enter your frequent flyer account number on the billing information page prior to completing your purchase to ensure that your account is credited.
Can I use travel vouchers for Last-Minute Packages?
Unfortunately, travel vouchers may not be used to purchase any portion of a Last-Minute Package.
Can I use my AAdvantage Miles to purchase a Last-Minute Package?
Unfortunately, AAdvantage miles may not be used toward the purchase of any portion of a Last-Minute Package.
If I purchase a Last-Minute Package, will I receive bonus miles?
At this time, bonus miles for booking air travel on AA.com do not apply to purchases of Last-Minute Packages.
|
|
|
How will the increased security measures at airports affect my package?
Your airline tickets will be issued as electronic, or “E-tickets”. Due to heightened FAA security requirements, only ticketed airline passengers will be allowed to proceed through security checkpoints. As an E-ticket holder, you may need to check in at a ticket counter or present the appropriate documentation in order to proceed through security Therefore, we strongly recommend that you bring your confirmation email with you to the airport, and plan to arrive at least an hour and a half prior to your scheduled departure flight.
Other increased security measures at the airports might include:
- No parking or waiting at curbs.
- Passengers must carry government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.
- Passengers will be allowed only one carry-on plus one personal item (such as purse or laptop).
- All carry-on baggage will be subject to extensive search.
- No knives of any kind or similar sharp instruments will be allowed on
airplanes.
For more information regarding airport security, visit www.tsa.gov
How will I receive my airline tickets and hotel reservations?
All packages are available for online booking, and all travel is "paperless." Since airline tickets are issued as E-tickets, you simply need to present your government-issued photo ID and airline confirmation number at the airport to obtain your boarding pass. Hotels and other partners are notified by us and given your reservation information as well.
To be sure you have all the necessary information to make your Last-Minute Package as enjoyable as possible, we suggest you print your confirmation and itinerary email and bring it with you when traveling.
What do I need to bring with me?
It is necessary to carry a valid, government-issued photo ID with you during your getaway. This ID should be a driver's license and major credit (NOT debit) card if you are renting a car as part of your last-minute travel experience, and a passport if you are traveling internationally. Please be aware that documentation requirements vary depending upon the country you plan to visit and your immigration status in the United States. For the most detailed up to date information on overseas travel, visit www.state.gov/travel for the latest travel advisories. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact the embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine your visa/ entry requirements. We strongly recommend that you bring your confirmation email with you, especially if your package includes air travel. Heightened FAA security may require you to show your confirmation email as proof that you are a ticket-holder.
Can I buy just an airline ticket or just a hotel room?
We sell packages, which allows us to offer excellent value to our customers. In fact, we often hear comments that many of our bundled packages are better value than airfare alone!
All of our offerings are composed of at least two components from the following list: flights, hotel accommodations, rental car and entertainment options such as walking tours, ski passes, pre-paid meals, balloon rides and more. In addition to our Flight & Hotel packages, we also offer a variety of other package combinations, such as Flight & Car and Hotel & Car.
How many people can I book per hotel room?
Accommodating more than two persons (including children) in one hotel room may result in extra-person charges upon checkout from your hotel. Please contact the hotel directly if you would like to inquire about extra-person charges. Our pricing is based on double occupancy.
Do I need travel insurance for short weekend package?
Travel insurance is always a good idea just in case you cannot go for some unforeseen reason.
Are there any specific rules or age requirements to renting a car?
Most rental car companies require that renters be at least 25 years of age and have a valid driver's license and major credit card. If you're booking a rental car with us, check the terms of service listed on the rental car page before booking, and if you have further questions, please call the rental car company directly for their policies.
Also, please note: Items such as insurance, gas, upgrades and charges other than the base price of the car plus tax are not included in the price of the package, and must be paid for at the counter.
What should I know before buying a package to an international destination?
All packages for international destinations have a Before You Go section, which includes such information as entry requirements, currency and local transportation. Be sure to read this information carefully before buying an international package, and please keep in mind that international travel generally requires that you have a valid U.S. passport. If you are traveling internationally with an infant, please contact American Airlines directly upon booking your package. Depending upon the destination, American may assess additional charges, and specific documentation such as a birth certificate or passport may be required.
Why are there no other flight times available?
Our dynamic technology allows us to show you the best deals available right now for the travel dates or destination that you have selected. Flight availability changes constantly, so it is possible that if you check back later, new flights will appear. It is also possible, however, that our availability will drop off, so flight times you previously viewed may no longer be listed. If you see a package you want, it is best to buy it immediately as last-minute availability is limited.
Is the entire cost of my hotel room(s) included in the package price?
Your package purchase includes your room rate and applicable taxes for domestic (US) travel. If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico, you may be charged a local "Hotel Occupancy Tax" upon checkout. If your package includes a hotel stay in Europe, you will be assessed value added taxes (VAT) upon checkout. These are the same taxes that would be assessed if you reserved your accommodations through a travel agent or with the hotel directly. The package price does not include incidentals you may incur such as extra-person charges, extra-bed charges, resort fees, gratuities, energy surcharges, parking fees, telephone fees, room service, movies and mini-bar charges. Extra-person or extra-bed charges may apply if you reserve one hotel room for more than two people (including children). Please contact the hotel directly if you would like more information about possible extra-person charges.
What is the quality of the hotels included in the packages?
We have partnered with leaders in the travel industry including Sheraton, Westin, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, and Holiday Inn hotels. In order to provide a range of package types and prices, many of our packages offer you a choice of which hotel you would like. We provide full details of each property and you will always know what hotel you will be booked with before you complete your purchase.
Will my hotel room be like the one shown in the pictures?
The pictures we display in the hotel details are a representation of the room possibilities at each hotel. You may not be booked in a room as pictured.
Will I be subject to additional security checks?
As an E-ticket holder, you will need to check in at a ticket counter and present the appropriate documentation in order to proceed through security. Please be aware that you and your bags will receive extra attention and scrutiny from security due to the last minute nature of your purchase.
Can I use points or redeem airline miles to purchase a package?
At this time, the only forms of payment we accept for our packages are major credit cards and debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo. We do not accept vouchers, points, unused airline tickets or frequent flier miles as payment. However, all of our packages are eligible for frequent flier mile credit. We recommend that you submit your account number to American Airlines during check-in so that your miles will be credited to your account. Our reservations are currently not eligible for points credit from hotels.
|
|
|
Currently, our technology does not allow the purchase of a package for travelers who have different origination cities, so the best way for two people to travel from two different cities to the same destination is to look for two different types of packages- one package for each traveler.
The first package is a Flight & Hotel package, which the first of the two travelers would purchase as a solo traveler. The full cost of the hotel room will appear in this package.
The second package, purchased by the second traveler, is a Flight & Car package. This second package does not include hotel, but would include the full price of the car.
In this example, both travelers together would pay no more than if they bought one package that included the flight for two, the hotel room and the car, though distribution of this cost may not be exactly even. We leave the fair division of your travel costs up to you.
Do you offer any packages geared to specific communities or demographics?
Our packages are often written with a theme, event or mood in mind and recommendations and suggestions are added accordingly. We offer a few packages each week that include suggestions of particular interest to gay travelers, and we may also suggest events or activities that have ethnic, regional or religious appeal.
We intend our suggestions to add value to our offerings and allow you to enjoy the perks of planning at the last minute. We usually offer a variety of packages to the same destination with the intention that one will appeal to you. If you want to travel to a specific destination but the suggestions don't appeal to you, there is no need to take advantage of them.
Enjoyment of our last-minute travel experiences is not dependent on demographics such as race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
Can I upgrade my flight, hotel or car reservations, or make other special requests for my package?
All available upgrade options are disclosed during your selection process. When available, there will be opportunity to select your hotel room or upgrade your rental car. Due to the last-minute nature of our packages, it is not possible to choose your airline seat during online booking.
Once your package has been purchased, we cannot change any details of your itinerary.
Can I request a specific airline seat?
Due to the last-minute nature of our packages, we do not assign specific airline seats.
Can I request a meal on the flight?
Due to the last-minute nature of our packages, we do not handle special meal requests.
We are happy to resend you a copy of your confirmation email. However, we are unable to provide you with individual receipts for air, hotel or car inventory. We sell bundled packages and our relationships with our suppliers prevent us from disclosing individual prices.
|
|
|
What is your cancellation, refund or change policy?
All purchases are final. In order for us to bring you continued value on last-minute travel through our national and regional partners, we cannot provide refunds or exchanges. We cannot change dates or times of travel, hotel choice or names of travelers after a package is purchased.
Can I change the dates or times of my travel?
Since we sell only what's available, we can only guarantee reservations included in your package at the time of purchase and cannot change dates or times of travel once a package is purchased.
What happens if a flight or trip is canceled?
As with any trip, call ahead to verify your departure time and reservationIf your flight is canceled due to weather, mechanical difficulties, overbooking, etc., we are responsible for ensuring that you are booked on the next available flight to your destination.
Can I make special requests or changes after booking my package?
We cannot make any changes to your itinerary once your purchase is complete.
Can I change a name on my package?
No. It is very important that you type travelers' names carefully. We cannot change a reservation once it has been made with our suppliers.
What happens if I don't use a portion of my package?
We sell packages, which allows us to offer excellent value to our customers, and we cannot unbundle our offerings. While you will not be penalized for any unused portion of your package, please be aware that if your travel package includes airline reservations, your return flight will be subject to cancellation if you do not take your departure flight. We cannot refund you for any unused portion of the package.
What about trip cancellation coverage for my Last-Minute Package?
In order to provide such special values at the last minute, our packages are non-refundable and non-changeable. Therefore, buying a trip protection plan can be a wise choice. That’s why we have arranged with Access America, one of the leading providers of trip protection and trip cancellation insurance worldwide, to provide our customers with an economical trip protection plan designed specifically for Last-Minute Packages. For a few extra dollars, you can purchase some peace of mind even at the last minute!
|
|
|
Providing a secure environment for our customers is top priority for us. We use 128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption, which is the highest industry standard. In addition, we comply with Veri-Sign privacy information rules.
Will you sell my personal information to other companies?
No, nor do we plan to in the future. We require only the minimum amount of information necessary to process your order. Anything else is entirely optional, and if we ask, we'll let you know why we're asking.
How do you remember my departure city? Do you use cookies?
To make us more responsive to the needs and interests of our visitors, we use a standard feature of browser software, called a "cookie." A cookie assigns each visitor a unique, random number (an anonymous user ID) that resides on your computer. The cookie doesn't personally identify you and it cannot read data from your computer.
Cookies have become a standard practice on the Internet. We use cookies to help us tailor our site to your needs, and deliver a more personalized service. In addition, we use cookies to track the pages on our site visited by our users. It helps us build a more useful site if we know which pages our users are viewing and how often they go back to a certain page. Of course, you can set your browser not to accept cookies, but if you do, you may not be able to take advantage of many of our features, including the purchasing process.
|
|
|
Have we answered your question?
If not, please ask us directly. Email is the best and fastest way to contact the Customer Service Team. Click here to send us an email, and we'll respond to you as quickly as possible. If you require immediate assistance, you can call us at 1-800-541-2669.
