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The name change process initially seems a little complex, but once you know the regulations, you can do it easily. American Airlines' name change policy allows name correction, regardless of the reason for the correction, which may be a small typo, a missing middle name, or a major correction that involves multi-airline itineraries.
Understanding the policy can keep you away from the last-minute issues at the airport. Airlines provide easy routes for both minor and major name corrections. Here is all you need to know before your trip about changing your name accurately, smoothly, and in time.
What are American Airlines' name change policy regulations?
American airlines has been a leading airline for a long period of time. They make each and every policy, keeping the passengers' comfort in mind. While knowing the American Airlines name change policy is important if you are in this condition, you can avoid any kind of unnecessary hassle. Here are the common regulations:
- Minor changes or major changes can both be made through the modes provided by the airlines.
- Name corrections are allowed only if the original date of birth and gender remain unchanged.
- Full person-to-person ticket transfers are never permitted.
- Corrections must match the name on the official government ID or travel documents.
- In both major and minor cases, airlines will issue a new ticket after changes with the new name.
How to Change the Name on a Reservation?
Most of the changes can be made on the official site of the airlines. Passengers have multiple methods to change names on airline tickets. Here are the methods given by American Airlines:
Method 1: Online Name Change
The official website is the channel for the direct correction of the name errors that are eligible. Steps:
- Go to the AA flight booking official site.
- Open the Manage my trip tab available at the top of the site.
- On the next page, you have to fill in the information from the ticket.
- Then, continue and select the name change option.
- If asked, upload the documents needed.
- Complete the process and submit.
- Get the ticket with the new name sent to your registered email.
This solution works well for very small name changes, for instance, a misspelled first name or a missing middle name.
Method 2: Name Change by Phone
If you get to know about the mistake very late, or you have a major name change. You have to follow this process:
- Call on 1(800) 433-7300.
- To contact the airlines customer service team
- Follow the automated response system and direct the call to a service provider.
- After it tells them, you need to change the name on the ticket.
- Give them your reservation information and add documents for checking identity.
- The agents will help you with all changes that are necessary and the reissuance of the ticket if that is the case.
Method 3: Name Correction via Live Chat
You can chat directly with a support agent online:
- Log in to your AA account
- Click the Live Chat icon
- Share your name change request and receive guidance instantly
Method 4: Name Change Through Social Media
American Airlines also helps travelers through social service channels. You can send a direct message with your booking details and get help to change the ticket name.
Method 5: Name Correction by Email
If you cannot call or chat, you can email AA customer service. This process may take time, but it is good for non-urgent cases. Process with:
- Passenger details
- Ticket number
- Required documentation
Method 6: By Airport Counter
For last-minute corrections close to departure:
- Visit the airport counter or help desk.
- Ask to correct or change the name and
- Submit the ticket details and other documents,
- They will access your reservation and
- will correct the name and reissue your ticket if needed
This provides direct, real-time support, especially helpful when time is limited.
What are the American Airlines Minor Name Change Guidelines?
As per the American Airlines name change policy, minor name corrections are applicable when the itinerary includes only American Prime and American Eagle flights. Here are the key rules:
- Minor corrections can be processed within the same PNR (no new booking required).
- Can be made up to 24 hours before departure.
- Corrections cannot involve changes to personal details such as gender or date of birth.
- Only re-enter SSR documents — all other original passenger details must remain unchanged.
- No fare difference applies, as long as there are no changes to flight/date.
- Applicable for:
- First name correction
- Last name correction
- Middle name modifications
- Adding/removing the second last name
- Fixing inverted first/last name
- Includes infant name correction when the infant is traveling with parents.
What are the American Airlines Major Name Change Guidelines?
As per the American Airlines guidelines, Major name changes apply when there is a significant change in the passenger’s name or the itinerary includes codeshare flights with partner airlines.
Important policies:
- For any other modification, there are different regulations.
- The same gender and date of birth must be retained on the reissued ticket.
- Original automated endorsement must be present on the new ticket
Major corrections include cases such as:
- Full last name change due to marriage, divorce, or legal adoption
- Full first name modification
What are the charges?
There are no fees applied if you change the name on the ticket. American Airlines doesn't add a penalty for minor or major name changes; passengers must correct the errors early, as last-minute adjustments near departure may be restricted.
Conclusion
The American Airlines name change procedure is not only an identity protector for the traveler but also a travel security measure that is still very convenient and flexible. Minor spelling updates can be processed instantly online, while legal name changes might take longer because they are to be done by trained personnel, requiring a ticket reissue as well. However, there are multiple support options available to make the changes. Please check the ticket before you leave.