Discovering a name error on your airline ticket can be stressful. Whether it's a typo, misspelling, or legal name change due to marriage or divorce, understanding American Airlines' name change policy is essential for smooth travel.
For immediate assistance without waiting in line, call 831-298-4213 to speak with a customer service representative.
American Airlines distinguishes between name corrections and name changes. Name corrections fix issues like misspellings, married or maiden names, inverted names, or secondary last names while maintaining the same date of birth and gender. However, transferring a ticket to another person is strictly prohibited.
This policy exists for security reasons and TSA Secure Flight program compliance. Your ticket name must match your government-issued ID exactly to avoid boarding issues.
Minor corrections apply to itineraries with only American Airlines and American Eagle flights within the same Passenger Name Record (PNR). These include:
Minor corrections typically have no additional fee when conditions are met, though standard fare rules apply.
Major corrections are required for itineraries with R inventory tickets, codeshare segments, or other airline flights, requiring a new PNR. These involve:
Need help determining your correction type? Call 831-298-4213 for immediate guidance.
Name corrections cannot be made within 24 hours of departure as flights may be under airport control. Contact American Airlines immediately if you discover errors close to departure.
Original date of birth and gender from Secure Flight Passenger Data cannot be altered during corrections for security compliance.
Major corrections requiring a new PNR must maintain the same dates, flights, inventory, origin, destination, and routing as originally ticketed.
If you have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, your airline reservation name must exactly match your application name to maintain these benefits.
If you've legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your ticket with supporting documents such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or legal name change orders along with government-issued ID.
Legal name changes follow the same minor or major correction guidelines. Update all identification documents before traveling and carry proof of your name change, especially for international travel.
Fees depend on ticket type and correction nature. Minor corrections typically cost little to nothing, while legal name changes may incur processing fees ranging from $25 to $200. Basic Economy tickets may have more restrictive rules.
International routes may have higher fees due to additional documentation and foreign carrier coordination. Factors affecting cost include:
To get an accurate quote for your situation, contact 831-298-4213 for personalized assistance.
Phone Support: Call 831-298-4213 for immediate assistance without long wait times.
Online: Visit aa.com and use "Manage My Booking" with your last name and confirmation number.
Mobile App: Use the American Airlines app to access your reservation.
Travel Agent: If booked through an agency, contact them directly.
Clearly explain the correction needed and provide all documentation. Review your updated ticket carefully to ensure accuracy, checking that your name matches your ID exactly. You'll receive a confirmation email—save it and verify all details before travel.
Understanding limitations is crucial:
If you need to change the passenger entirely, cancel the original booking (if fare rules permit) and purchase a new ticket in the correct person's name.
Name corrections can be complex, especially for major corrections involving codeshare flights or international itineraries. Call 831-298-4213 for direct customer service without waiting in long phone queues.
This dedicated line can help you:
American Airlines' name change policy provides flexibility for legitimate corrections while maintaining security compliance. Understanding the difference between minor and major corrections, acting promptly, and having proper documentation ensures a smooth process.
The key to hassle-free travel is ensuring your ticket name matches your government-issued ID exactly. Whether dealing with a typo or legal name change, American Airlines provides clear procedures to help you travel with confidence.
For immediate personalized assistance with your name correction, call 831-298-4213 and speak with a customer service representative who can guide you through the process efficiently.
