American Airlines Delays in Charlotte Amid Software Updates

(CHARLOTTE) American Airlines passengers moving through Charlotte Douglas International Airport on November 29, 2025 are being warned to expect possible delays and schedule changes as the carrier carries out ongoing software updates that are affecting its operation. The company has issued travel alerts for the hub, telling customers to check their flights carefully because the work may change departure times, arrival times, and even the routing of some trips through the busy North Carolina airport.

What the airline is saying and the travel-alert window

American Airlines says passengers whose plans are hit by these disruptions have some limited flexibility if they bought their tickets in advance of the current problems. Customers who purchased travel by November 27, 2025, and who are booked to fly on November 29, 2025, can make a one‑time change without paying a change fee, as long as they keep their original starting city and final destination the same.

The waiver applies only to trips rebooked for travel between November 28 and December 4, 2025, creating a fairly tight window for those trying to avoid the worst of the disruption. Changes also must be confirmed by November 29, 2025, according to the airline’s alert. That means passengers who hope to shift to a different flight, or change the date slightly, need to act quickly while seats are still available.

Important: If you meet the conditions, you are allowed one fee‑free change, but you must complete the rebooking by November 29, 2025.

Who qualifies for the waiver (quick reference)

How to change your booking

American Airlines is directing eligible customers first to its website and mobile app. The recommended steps are:

1. Log in to the airline website or mobile app.
2. Pull up your booking and find the upcoming trip.
3. Select the “change trip” option to search for alternatives that:
   • Fit inside the allowed travel window (Nov 28–Dec 4, 2025) and
   • Keep the same origin and destination.

If the online system will not process the change, the airline recommends contacting American Airlines Reservations for help.

Operational impacts and passenger effects

Charlotte is one of the largest hubs in the American Airlines network, so even a limited technical problem can ripple well beyond North Carolina. A delay or schedule change in Charlotte can throw off connections for travelers headed to other cities in the United States and abroad, including people on tight itineraries for work, family events, or time‑sensitive commitments at their destination.

The airline has not detailed exactly how the software updates are affecting operations in Charlotte, but it warns that flight schedules and arrival times may shift as the work continues. Changes of this kind can lead to:

• Flights departing later than planned
• Flights arriving at different times than originally listed
• Boarding from different gates

These shifts can create confusion for passengers moving through a crowded hub.

For travelers using Charlotte as a connection point, any last‑minute change can be especially stressful if they have important appointments or onward flights that are hard to reschedule. People who have arranged meetings, legal appointments, or tightly timed international connections often build in some buffer time, but unexpected delays still increase the risk of missed plans and long hours in crowded terminals while they wait for a new departure.

Practical tips and recommended actions

• Stay close to your phone and email so you can receive automatic updates.
• Check your flight status directly on the airline’s website or app multiple times before leaving for the airport.
• Keep confirmation numbers and boarding documentation handy.
• Build in extra time when planning connections through Charlotte.
• Prepare a backup plan for meals, medicine, and phone charging in case of long waits.
• If eligible, act quickly to use the fee‑free change before November 29, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers general information about airline passenger rights on its official Aviation Consumer Protection page, which many travelers review when facing schedule changes or cancellations.

Why technology work often triggers alerts

Travel alerts like the one now in effect for Charlotte are common whenever airlines work on complex computer systems that manage bookings, crew assignments, or aircraft routing. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, disruptions tied to technology work often raise extra worries for international travelers who may be trying to meet tight check‑in cut‑off times or clear border checks during crowded holiday periods, even when the airline offers waivers for some schedule changes.

The software updates taking place behind the scenes can also put extra pressure on airport staff who have to explain sudden changes to passengers at gates and check‑in counters. Even when core systems continue to function, minor glitches or slow performance can lengthen the time needed to:

• Issue boarding passes
• Retag luggage
• Reprint new itineraries

What to expect as the situation evolves

For now, American Airlines has framed the changes in Charlotte as a short‑term response to technical work rather than a long disruption. Still, passengers booked through the hub on the affected dates are being urged to treat the alert seriously—especially if they are traveling with young children or older relatives who may find long waits tiring.

As the software updates continue, the situation in Charlotte may shift throughout the day, with some flights operating close to schedule and others pushed back or adjusted. Travelers whose plans fall outside the specific dates covered by the waiver are still advised to watch their reservations carefully and be ready for changes.

Many will hope the work finishes quickly and quietly, but preparedness will reduce stress if changes arrive.