When booking a flight, making sure your name matches exactly as it appears on your ID is crucial. But what happens if there’s an error in your name or if you need to change it after booking? This guide covers everything you need to know about the American Airlines name change policy, how to correct a mistake, and what to do if your legal name has changed.

Understanding American Airlines' Name Change Policy

American Airlines has strict policies when it comes to name changes, but in certain situations, passengers are allowed to make corrections. Here’s a breakdown of when and how you can modify your name on an AA ticket.

Types of Name Changes Allowed

American Airlines allows name changes under the following circumstances:

• Minor spelling mistakes (e.g., Jonh instead of John)
• Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons
• Correcting a swapped first and last name
• Fixing a missing or extra character

Restrictions on Name Changes

• Full name transfers to another person are not allowed.
• Only one name correction per ticket is permitted.
• Changes must be consistent with government-issued identification.
• Tickets booked through third-party websites may have different rules.

How to Request a Name Change on American Airlines

If you notice a mistake in your name or need to change it legally, here’s how you can update it.

Step 1: Contact American Airlines

To begin the name correction process, you should call American Airlines customer service at 1-800-433-7300.

Alternatively, if you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, you might need to contact them first.

Step 2: Provide Required Documents

For legal name changes, American Airlines may request supporting documents such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order
• Government-issued ID showing the new name

For minor corrections, documentation is usually not required, but you may be asked to verify the name.

Step 3: Pay Any Fees

American Airlines may charge a name correction fee, depending on the type of change and the ticket class. Fees can range from $0 to $200, based on the fare rules.

Step 4: Receive an Updated Ticket

Once the request is approved and processed, you’ll receive a new ticket with the correct name via email.

How Long Does a Name Change Take?

The time required to update a name on an American Airlines ticket varies:

• Minor corrections – Typically processed within 24 to 48 hours.
• Legal name changes – May take up to 7 business days, depending on document verification.

Tips to Avoid Name Change Issues

• Always double-check your name before confirming your flight booking.
• Ensure your airline ticket matches your passport or government-issued ID.
• If traveling internationally, make corrections as soon as possible to avoid visa or security issues.

Conclusion

Making sure your name is correct on your American Airlines ticket is essential for smooth travel. While minor spelling mistakes can often be fixed quickly, legal name changes require additional documentation and may involve fees. To prevent problems, always review your ticket details carefully when booking. If you need assistance, reach out to American Airlines as soon as possible to correct any errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change the name on my American Airlines ticket to someone else? No, American Airlines does not allow full-name transfers. You must cancel and rebook the ticket in the new traveler’s name.

2. How much does American Airlines charge for a name correction? Fees vary depending on the type of correction, but they can range from $0 to $200.

3. What happens if my ticket name doesn’t match my ID? You may be denied boarding if the name on your ticket doesn’t match your government-issued identification.

4. Can I correct my name online with American Airlines? Currently, American Airlines requires you to contact customer service for most name corrections.

5. How long before my flight should I request a name change? It’s best to request a name correction as soon as you notice an error, preferably at least 48 hours before departure.