American Airlines Name Change Policy: Fees and How to Fix a Ticket
By John··
Travel plans can be stressful, and realizing there's a mistake in your name on your American Airlines ticket can add to the chaos. But don't worry! In this guide, we'll break down the American Airlines name change policy, explain how you can fix it, and answer common questions.
Let's dive in!
American Airlines Name Change Policy
American Airlines allows passengers to correct names on unused tickets it issued (ticket numbers starting with 001), but the rules depend on the type of itinerary. What it won't do is change a ticket to a different person.
1. Minor Name Corrections
- Applies to tickets with only American Airlines and American Eagle flights.
- Changes can be made within the same reservation that has the same Passenger Name Record (PNR).
- DOB (Date of Birth) and gender cannot be altered.
- No additional fees apply.
Examples of Minor Corrections:
- Correcting a typo (e.g., Thomason to Thompson).
- Fixing inverted names (Allen/Thomas to Thomas/Allen).
- Updating to a married, maiden or divorce name.
Middle names don't need a correction at all. American only wants your first and last name on the ticket, and your middle name goes in the Secure Flight info on your reservation.
2. Major Name Corrections
- Applies to tickets with codeshare flights (AA/OneWorld)* or other airline segments.
- A new reservation (PNR) is required.
- There's still no name correction fee. The ticket is reissued at the original fare, but the new reservation has to keep the exact same flights and dates.
Examples of Major Corrections:
- Any of the fixes above (a typo, inverted names, a new married name) when your trip includes a codeshare or partner-operated flight. It's the itinerary that makes a correction major, not how big the name change is.
American Airlines Name Change Due to Marriage
Just got married? The rule is simple: the first and last name on your ticket has to match the ID you'll actually fly with. If you booked under your maiden name and your passport or driver's license still shows it, leave the ticket alone. If you've already updated your ID, American treats your married name as a free name correction (not a name change), so you keep your original fare and flights. Just get it done more than 24 hours before departure, since AA won't correct names inside that window. Your AAdvantage account is a separate request: AA needs a copy of your marriage certificate plus identity verification, and it won't do that one over the phone.
How to Change Your Name on American Airlines?
Step 1: Identify the Type of Correction
Is it a Minor or Major correction? Refer to the rules mentioned above.
Step 2: Contact American Airlines Support
- For Minor Corrections: Reach out to customer service or your booking agent.
- For Major Corrections: You might need assistance from the Sales Support Team.
If you live in the US, you can contact customer service at 1-800-433-7300. For other contact numbers, look at American Airlines' official contact page.
You can also go to the American Airlines website and click the chat bubble in the lower right side to chat with a representative.
Use American Airlines online chat to take care of minor name changes.
Step 3: Provide Necessary Documentation
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Government-issued ID
- Booking details
- Proof of legal name change (if applicable)
Step 4: Reissue the Ticket
- Minor Corrections: The same PNR will be used.
- Major Corrections: A new PNR will be created.
Step 5: Verify Details
After the change, double-check your updated ticket details.
Can I Change a Name on an American Airlines Ticket?
Yes, but with limitations:
- Major changes (any correction on a trip with codeshare or partner-operated flights) require creating a new reservation.
- No name transfers: Tickets cannot be transferred to a different person.
How to Change My Name on My American Airlines Account?
If your name has changed legally or you noticed a mistake in your American Airlines account, you can fill out a simple online form and submit it to change your name.
- Log in to your AAdvantage account.
- Navigate to Account Settings.
- Click on Information / password under the Profile / settings tab.
- Click on update name / birthday / gender and update your name to match your legal documents.
- Submit your changes
If you're unable to make updates online, contact American Airlines Customer Support. Either way, you'll need to send supporting documents (like a marriage certificate, divorce certificate or court order), and AA won't process an account name change over the phone.
Online option to change key information like your name.
FAQs about American Airlines Name Change
1. Can I correct a typo on my ticket?
Yes, minor corrections for typos can be made without additional fees.
2. What if I legally changed my name?
You'll need documentation (e.g., marriage certificate). American treats a married, maiden or divorce name as a name correction, and whether it's minor or major depends on your itinerary.
3. Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
No, American Airlines does not allow ticket transfers.
4. Is there a fee for a name change?
- Minor corrections: No fee.
- Major corrections: Also no fee, as long as you keep the same flights and dates.
5. How close to departure can I make a name correction?
Name changes are not allowed within 24 hours of departure.
6. What happens if I make an error in DOB or gender?
You have to contact customer service.
7. American Airlines Name Change Phone Number
In the U.S. and Canada, call American Airlines Reservations at 800-433-7300. The English line is open 24 hours, and there's 800-633-3711 for Spanish (also 24 hours), or dial 711 for the relay service if you're hearing or speech impaired. For award tickets, AAdvantage customer service is 800-882-8880 or your status desk number. Have your 6-character confirmation code, ticket number, date of birth and the name exactly as it appears on your ID ready. If a travel agency or another booking site issued your ticket, call them instead. All numbers are on AA's reservations contact page.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a name error on your American Airlines ticket isn't as stressful as it seems if you follow the right steps. Whether it's a small typo or a legal name change, knowing the difference between Minor and Major corrections can save you time and money.
When in doubt, reach out to American Airlines customer support. They're there to help!
