Need to Change Your Name on an American Airlines Booking? Read This First

While name corrections can seem complicated, American Airlines does allow name changes under certain conditions. Before you start calling customer service or rebooking your ticket, here’s everything you need to know about the process, fees, rules, and what’s actually allowed under the American Airline Name Change Policy.

Why Getting Your Name Right Matters

It may seem like a small detail, but when it comes to air travel, your name must match exactly with the identification you’ll use at the airport—whether that’s a driver’s license or passport.

A mismatch, even something as small as a missing middle initial or a typo, can lead to:

• Trouble checking in
• Security delays
• Denied boarding in serious cases

To avoid those headaches, it's crucial to fix any mistakes as soon as possible—and American Airlines offers a way to do just that.

Can You Change Your Name on an American Airlines Ticket?

The short answer is yes, but only under specific circumstances. American Airlines does not allow you to transfer your ticket to another person, but they do offer name corrections and updates for the original traveler.

You can make a name change if:

• You made a typo during booking
• Your first and last names were reversed
• You recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order
• A middle name or initial needs to be added or corrected

These updates are covered under the American Airline Name Change Policy, which is designed to help travelers fix honest mistakes or reflect legal name changes.

What Types of Name Changes Are Allowed?

Here’s what you can do under the policy:

✅ Allowed Corrections:

• Fixing spelling mistakes (e.g., “Jonh” to “John”)
• Adding or changing a middle name or initial
• Correcting reversed first and last name
• Updating your last name after a legal name change (marriage/divorce)
• Making corrections due to legal documentation (e.g., court order)

❌ Not Allowed:

• Changing the passenger’s identity completely
• Giving your ticket to another person
• Nickname-to-full-name changes unless legally supported (e.g., “Mike” to “Michael”)

In all cases, the name change must still match the same person who originally booked the ticket.

What You’ll Need to Make the Change

Depending on the nature of the correction, you may need to provide documentation. Be ready with:

• A valid passport or government-issued ID (for typos)
• A marriage certificate (for name changes after marriage)
• A divorce decree (for reverting to a maiden name)
• A court order (for legal name changes)

Make sure the document clearly shows both your old and new name, as well as any relevant legal authorizations.

How to Request a Name Change with American Airlines

Follow these steps to make your name change process smooth:

1. Contact American Airlines Reservations

Unfortunately, name changes typically can’t be made online. You’ll need to speak directly with an agent.

• U.S. Phone Number: 800-433-7300
• Or visit an American Airlines ticket office or airport counter.

2. Explain the Correction

Have your booking reference number ready. Tell the agent exactly what needs to be changed and why.

3. Submit Required Documentation

If it’s a legal name change, you’ll be asked to email or upload a scanned copy of the supporting document.

4. Pay the Fee (If Applicable)

We’ll talk about fees in more detail next—but minor changes may be free. More significant ones might come with a cost.

5. Confirm the Updated Ticket

Once processed, you’ll receive a corrected itinerary. Double-check the name against your ID and make sure everything is accurate before your travel date.

How Much Does It Cost?

American Airlines doesn’t have a flat fee for every name correction—it varies based on the change, the type of ticket, and how close you are to your departure.

✅ No Fee (Usually) For:

• Spelling corrections (up to 3 characters)
• Middle name changes or additions
• Name order swaps (first ↔ last)
• Corrections made within 24 hours of booking

💲 Possible Fees ($150–$700) For:

• Legal name changes requiring ticket reissue
• Non-refundable tickets
• International flights that require a fare re-calculation
• Last-minute corrections (close to departure)

Note: Basic Economy fares are often non-changeable, which could mean buying a new ticket entirely.

Booked Through a Travel Agency or Third-Party Site?

If you didn’t book directly with American Airlines, your first step is to contact the platform or travel agency you used (e.g., Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline). They will often need to initiate the name change on your behalf.

Keep in mind:

• Third parties may charge their own service fees
• It may take longer to process your request
• You may still need to provide documentation directly to the airline

When a New Ticket Might Be Necessary

In some cases, American Airlines may not be able to correct the name at all, especially if:

• The name doesn’t resemble the original at all
• The ticket type doesn’t allow changes (like Basic Economy)
• You’re too close to departure

If this happens, you may need to cancel your current ticket (possibly paying a cancellation fee) and purchase a new one with the correct name.

Tips to Avoid Name Issues in the Future

To save time and money down the line, here are a few smart tips:

• Double-check your name during the booking process
• Always use your full legal name as shown on your ID
• Avoid using nicknames unless legally recognized
• If someone else is booking your ticket, confirm the name before they submit payment
• Take advantage of the 24-hour grace period to make free corrections

Final Thoughts

Correcting a name on a flight ticket isn’t something anyone wants to deal with—but if it happens, it’s not the end of the world. The American Airline Name Change Policy is in place to help travelers resolve these issues quickly and with minimal hassle.

Whether it's a simple spelling fix or a legal name update, knowing the rules, documentation requirements, and fees can make all the difference. As long as you act early and follow the right steps, you can have your ticket corrected and focus on your trip—not paperwork.

So if you need to change your name on an American Airlines booking, follow the process above—and fly with peace of mind.