Okay, so you booked a flight with American Airlines, and then you spotted it: a typo in your name. Or maybe your name legally changed. Whatever the reason, you need to fix it, and fast. The name on your ticket must match your government-issued ID exactly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to change name on American Airlines ticket, and learn all about American Airlines name change.

American Airlines Name Change Policy: What You Need to Know

American Airlines, like most airlines, has specific rules about name changes. Here’s the breakdown of the American Airlines name change:

• Minor Corrections:
  • Typos: Small typos (like “Jenifer” instead of “Jennifer”) can usually be fixed, but there might be a fee.
  • Reversed First/Last Names: If you accidentally swapped your first and last names, AA can usually correct this.
  • Middle Name Issues: Missing or incorrect middle names are sometimes okay, as long as your first and last names match your ID. But it’s always best to try to fix it.
• Legal Name Changes:
  • If your name has legally changed (marriage, divorce, etc.), you can usually get your ticket updated for free.
  • You’ll need to provide proof – like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy: This is your friend! If you booked your ticket directly with American Airlines (website, app, or phone), you have 24 hours from the time of booking to make changes (including name corrections) or even cancel for a full refund. Use it!
• Tickets Booked Through Third Parties:
  • If you booked through Expedia, Travelocity, or another travel site, you might need to contact them to make changes. AA might not be able to help you directly.
• Basic Economy Tickets
  • These are restrictive, name changes might imply extra fees.

How to Fix a Misspelled Name on an AA Ticket

Spotted a typo? Here’s your action plan for the AA name correction:

1. Try Online First: If you booked directly through AA (website or app), log in to your reservation and see if you can make the correction yourself. Some minor changes can be done online.
2. Contact AA Customer Service: If you can’t fix it online, you’ll need to contact AA directly (see the next section for how).
3. Explain the Typo: Be clear and concise. Tell them exactly what’s wrong with the name.
4. Documentation (Just in Case): Have a copy of your government-issued ID handy, in case they ask for it.
5. Confirm and Get a New Confirmation Number: Once the change is made, get a new confirmation number and double-check that everything is correct.

Good News: Minor typos are usually the easiest to fix, so don’t stress too much!

Contacting American Airlines Customer Service

Here’s how to get in touch with AA for help:

• Phone: This is often the best option for urgent changes or if you need to talk to a real human. Find the customer service number on AA’s website (it might vary depending on your location). Be prepared for potential hold times.
• Online Form/Request: AA might have a specific form on their website for name corrections. Search their site for “name correction” to see if there’s an online option. This can be good for less urgent requests.
• Social Media: You can try contacting AA through Twitter/X or Facebook. They might be able to help, but don’t expect an instant response.

Pro Tip: If your flight is coming up soon, definitely call.

American Airlines Ticket Name Change Fees

Okay, let’s talk about money. Fees for an AA name correction or a complete American Airlines name change can vary a lot.

• Minor Corrections: These are sometimes free, especially if you catch the error within 24 hours of booking. Other times, there might be a small fee.
• Legal Name Changes: These are often free if you provide the right documentation (marriage certificate, etc.), but there might be exceptions.
• Major Changes (if allowed): If AA does allow a major name change (which is unlikely), it will probably be treated like a brand-new ticket, and you’ll have to pay the difference in fare (which could be a lot).
• 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy: Remember, you can change or cancel for free within 24 hours of booking directly with AA!

Important: It’s impossible to give exact fee amounts here because they can change. You must check with American Airlines directly for the most up-to-date information.

Can You Transfer an American Airlines Ticket to Another Person?

Short answer: Generally, no.

Longer answer: Airline tickets are almost always non-transferable. You can’t just give your ticket to someone else. There might be very rare exceptions for super expensive, flexible tickets, or in specific situations like military deployment, but don’t count on it. Your best bet if you can’t use the ticket is to see if you can cancel it for a partial refund or credit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting Your Name on an AA Ticket

Here’s a recap of what to do if you need to change name on American Airlines ticket:

1. Review: Check your reservation and ID.
2. Documentation: Gather your papers if your name changed legally.
3. Contact: Reach out to American Airlines.
4. Confirmation and Pay: Confirm changes and pay fees, if required.
5. New Confirmation: Get confirmation of the changes.

Conclusion

Don’t let a small mistake jeopardize your whole trip.

FAQ

Can I change name on American Airlines ticket?

Minor corrections and legal name changes are usually possible. Transferring a ticket to another person is generally not allowed.

How much does it cost to change a name on an American Airlines ticket?

It depends on the type of change and your ticket. Check with AA for specific fees.

Can I change the passenger name on a flight?

Minor corrections and legal name changes are usually possible, but you typically can’t transfer a ticket to a completely different person.

How do I change my name on my American Airlines account?

You may update your name on your American Airlines AAdvantage account by providing supporting documentation.