American Airlines brings back free 24-hour reservation hold

After a two-week hiatus, American Airlines has brought back its 24-hour hold feature, allowing more flexibility for people booking their next flight.

The free option is available for select flights booked through aa.com at least seven days before the departure date, according to the American Airlines website. After choosing their flight, people will be presented with the option to “hold” on the “Review and Pay page.”

Once they initiate the hold, they have 24 hours to complete the transaction by going to the “My trips” or “Find reservations” pages. If someone doesn’t purchase their flight within that time frame, the reservation will be automatically canceled.

“We continue to evaluate our product offerings to customers on aa.com and understand customers may need flexibility when booking travel plans,” Andrea Koos, a spokesperson for the airline, told USA TODAY in an email.

If someone needs more than 24 hours to decide on their trip, they can pay a nonrefundable fee for an extended hold.