Name Correction Policy for American Airlines
If you notice a mistake in your name on an American Airlines ticket you likely wonder what can be done As long as the ticket has not been used American Airlines provides options to fix minor errors The rules can vary by fare class booking method and timing This guide explains how to correct your name the policies that apply and what to expect during the process
Why Name Accuracy Matters
Travelers must present identification that matches the name on the ticket exactly This requirement is enforced by airport security agencies to validate identity and prevent fraud If the name is wrong even by one letter you may be denied boarding Fixing the name early avoids last minute stress
Minor Name Corrections Permitted
American Airlines allows minor name corrections without a full ticket reissue These include:
- Common typos or misspellings
- First and last names swapped
- Missing middle name or initial
- Removing or adding hyphens or apostrophes as needed
- Correcting reversed first and middle name order
As long as the core identity remains unchanged these adjustments are allowed with proper documentation
Major Name Changes Are Not Permitted
Major name changes such as replacing the passenger entirely to someone else are not allowed under standard fare policies If you need to issue a new name you must cancel the existing ticket and purchase a new one Transfers to another person are not permitted unless under special corporate or group contract rules
Legal Name Changes
If you have legally changed your name due to marriage divorce or court order American Airlines accepts documentation such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court issued name change order
- Updated passport or ID
With valid proof you may request your ticket be reissued under your current legal name
Booking Through Third Parties
If you booked your ticket through a travel agent or online travel agency (OTA) corrections must go through that same channel The airline may not directly correct the name if they did not issue your ticket Third-party booking platforms often have their own rules or fees for corrections
Timing of Name Corrections
- Within 24 hours of booking: corrections are usually free and easiest to process
- Several days before departure: minor corrections typically allowed at no cost
- Within 72 hours of flight: airline may charge a change fee and require reissue depending on fare
- After departure or at airport: same day corrections may incur high fees and require urgent service
Processing name corrections early is key to avoiding delays or extra charges
Fees and Fare Types
American Airlines categorizes corrections differently based on fare class:
- Basic economy: rigid fare class may not allow any name changes except in limited cases
- Standard economy and premium economy: minor corrections allowed typically with little or no fee before cut off
- Business or first class: most flexible fares allow free corrections up until departure
Fee requirements may vary depending on fare rules and timing If a ticket reissue is needed you may also incur fare upgrade charges
Contacting American Airlines
Here is how to proceed with a name correction:
- Visit the American Airlines website and open the “Manage Trip” section
- Enter booking code and passenger name
- If automatic correction is allowed follow the prompts
- If not available online call American Airlines reservations with your booking number and explanation
- Provide required documentation for legal changes
- Request confirmation of update and monitor your updated itinerary
Documentation Guidelines
For legal name changes American Airlines may request supportive documents including:
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Court order name change document
- Valid passport or government ID bearing new name
Provide clean readable copies and respond quickly to avoid delays
International Travel Considerations
If you are flying internationally or on a codeshare flight with partner airlines your name corrections may require extra coordination The partner airline may enforce its own identity requirements especially at immigration security or customs. Start the correction well in advance to ensure all segments are aligned
No-Show or Name Mismatch Situations
If you arrive at the airport and the name on your boarding pass does not match your ID American Airlines may deny boarding even if you booked correctly In such cases it is too late to fix online The only recourse is to escalate with gate agents but refund is unlikely If refused boarding early action matters most
Policy Summary Table
| Scenario | Name Change Allowed? | Fee | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor typographical error | Yes | Often no | ID matching corrected name |
| Swap first and middle name | Yes | Usually no | Proof of intended use |
| Legal name change (marriage etc.) | Yes | May have fee | Marriage certificate or court order |
| Transfer ticket to another person | No | n/a | n/a |
Best Practices and Tips
- Always check your name carefully before finalizing a booking
- Use your full legal name exactly as on your passport or ID
- Notify American Airlines of corrections immediately after noticing error
- Act early to avoid penalties especially for international routes
- Book flexible fares if you expect any last name or identification change
- Keep copies of ID documentation and confirmation emails
Final Thoughts
American Airlines does allow name corrections for minor errors and legal changes as long as the passenger identity remains the same However, full ticket transfers to other people are not allowed You can avoid most problems by checking your name before booking, acting quickly when changes are needed, and complying with identity rules for security standards Canceling and rebooking under another name is often more costly than correcting minor typos Proper timing and documentation can make the process smooth and cost effective
Need help reviewing a specific name issue or wording example for correction request? Let me know—I’d be happy to assist further.