Wrong Name on American Airlines Ticket What to Do

Why the Name on Your Ticket Matters

At check-in and TSA/immigration checkpoints, airlines check the name on your ticket against your government ID (passport, driver's license, etc.). If it doesn't match, you might be denied boarding or forced into last-minute rebooking. So even a minor misspelling or omitted initial can raise a big hassle. That's why understanding American Airline Name Change Policy and American Airlines name correction policy can save you from stress and expense.

American Airlines Name Correction vs Name Change: What's the Difference?

Before you can figure out what you can do, you need to know these two terms:

Name Correction

Little changes — e.g., typos, spelling errors, letter transpositions, or omitted accents.

Name Change

A larger change, like shifting between two individuals (not permitted), or name changes due to legal reasons (marriage, divorce, etc.).

American Airlines calls fixes "minor" or "major," each subject to its own rules. Understanding the American Airline Name Change Policy helps you know which type of correction you are eligible for. You also cannot swap a ticket from one traveler to another — i.e., changing a ticket from one person to another is not possible.

What American's Official Policy Says

The following is an explanation of how American deals with name correction and name change requests:

Minor Name Corrections

• Permitted on completely unused tickets for American-operated flights only.

• The correction is to be done in the same reservation; the booking does not have to be reissued as a new one.

• The original date of birth and gender cannot be altered.

• No change fee for small corrections (provided rules are followed).

• The name correction must be done at least 24 hours prior to departure. After that, changes might not be permitted.

• Minor corrections usually allow up to three characters to be changed.

Major Name Corrections / Name Changes

• If your itinerary includes codeshare flights or segments on other airlines, or is not fully American-operated, the minor correction process does not apply — you must follow the major correction process. Understanding the American Airline Name Change Policy is critical before attempting a major correction.

• A major name correction involves reissuing the ticket to a new reservation/order rather than altering the current one.

• The original date of birth and gender still cannot be changed.

• Since this is effectively canceling and reissuing, fare differences or change fees may apply.

• Name changes due to legal reasons (marriage, divorce) may require documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What Name Changes Are Not Allowed

• You cannot transfer a ticket to another person by changing the name.

• Titles, suffixes, or middle names omitted in the original booking cannot be added via correction.

• You cannot change your date of birth or gender fields during the name correction/change process.

What to Do When You Notice the Name Is Incorrect

1. Act Fast

As soon as you book, double-check your name. Errors are easiest to correct early. If you notice the mistake within 24 hours, you may be able to cancel or rebook according to fare rules.

2. Check if Your Ticket Qualifies for a Minor Correction

Verify if your flight is fully American-operated, with no codeshares or restricted inventory. If so, you may be eligible for the minor correction path.

3. Contact American Airlines Immediately

Call reservations or ticketing support and request a name correction. Be ready with your booking reference, correct name, and any supporting documents.

4. Provide Proof if Needed

For anything beyond simple typos, you may need to provide official ID or legal documents. For legal name changes (marriage, divorce, etc.), a certificate or court order may be required.

5. Check Fees and Fare Differences

Major corrections may involve fare differences or change fees if the new booking is more expensive. Minor corrections are usually free if rules are followed.

6. Confirm and Obtain Updated Documents

After the airline processes the correction, double-check that your name is accurate on your e-ticket. Ensure all passenger information matches your ID.

7. Bring Proof to the Airport

Carry your government-issued ID and any supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order, in case verification is required.

What If They Deny Your Name Change Request?

• Cancel & Rebook: Usually a last resort; you may lose cancellation fees or pay a fare difference.

• Use Trip Credit / Credit Value: If fare rules allow, exchange your ticket for credit and rebook under the correct name.

• Escalate via Customer Relations: Negotiating through customer service may secure exceptions for clear typos.

• Provide Supporting Legal Documents: Airlines may accept official documentation for legal name changes.

Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes Before Booking

• Always enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport or government ID (first name, middle name/initial, last name).

• Avoid nicknames.

• Double-check details before finalizing the booking.

• Don’t rely on browser autofill.

• Confirm the spelling if booking through agents or third parties.

Don’t Let a Typo Ruin Your Trip

Errors happen — “Jonh” instead of “John,” reversed first and last names, or a missing middle initial. By understanding American Airline Name Change Policy and acting quickly, you can often fix the issue without losing your ticket or paying extra.

If your situation is complex (codeshares, past the 24-hour window, or legal name changes), contacting American Airlines with patience, documentation, and clarity is your best bet. The earlier you act, the better the chance of resolving the issue, keeping your ticket valid, and ensuring smooth boarding while following the American Airline Name Change Policy.

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