Can I Change the Name on My Reservation if I Am Traveling with a Pet?
If you are traveling with a pet and need to change the name on your reservation with American Airlines, it is important to understand how this might impact your booking and the process for making a name change. While the presence of a pet does not usually affect the rules for name changes, there are a few factors to keep in mind when making changes to your reservation.
Key Points to Consider When Changing Your Name with a Pet on Your American Airlines Reservation:
- General Name Change Rules Apply
- The rules for name changes on American Airlines reservations remain the same regardless of whether you’re traveling with a pet. Minor corrections to your name (such as fixing a misspelled name) are typically allowed, but major changes (like transferring the ticket to another person) are generally not permitted.
- Pets Are Booked Separately
- When traveling with a pet, American Airlines requires you to reserve a spot for your pet either in the cabin or as checked luggage (depending on the pet’s size and the flight). Pet bookings are separate from your own flight reservation and do not usually require name changes.
- If you change the name on your ticket, you may need to update the pet’s reservation as well, particularly if the pet is listed under your name or a specific booking reference.
- Update Pet Reservation If Necessary
- While changing your name on the flight reservation is usually straightforward, you may need to reconfirm your pet’s travel arrangements after a name change. This is especially important if the pet’s reservation is tied to your name in the system.
- Contact American Airlines’ pet travel department to update any necessary details related to your pet’s booking.
- Timing Is Important
- To ensure that your pet’s reservation is correctly updated along with any name changes, contact American Airlines well in advance. This will prevent any issues at check-in or boarding.
- Name change requests should be made early to avoid complications at the airport, particularly when traveling with a pet, as there may be additional documentation or arrangements needed for your pet.
- Check Pet Documentation
- Be sure to verify the details of your pet’s travel documentation, especially if you are changing your name due to a legal name change or other significant reason. The name on your pet’s travel documents should also match your updated name on the ticket.
- No Transfer of Tickets
- Just as with standard reservations, ticket transfers are not allowed on American Airlines. If you change the name on your reservation due to a major name change (e.g., due to marriage), you may need to book a new ticket if the name change is substantial. Your pet’s travel may need to be rebooked as well.
- Check for Fees
- There may be fees associated with changing your name on the reservation. Additionally, if you need to make any adjustments to your pet’s reservation or if your name change requires rebooking the pet, additional fees for pet travel may apply.
Steps to Change the Name on Your American Airlines Reservation When Traveling with a Pet:
- Review Your Reservation: Check your reservation on the American Airlines website or app to ensure that your name and your pet’s travel details are correct.
- Contact Customer Service: Reach out to American Airlines customer service to request a name correction. Be sure to mention that you are traveling with a pet and ensure that any necessary updates to your pet’s booking are also made.
- Provide Required Documents: If the name change is due to a legal reason (such as marriage or divorce), be ready to provide the required supporting documents.
- Confirm Your Pet’s Reservation: After the name change is processed, verify that your pet’s travel arrangements are still valid. If needed, re-confirm your pet’s reservation with the airline’s pet travel team.
- Check-in Early: Arrive at the airport early to ensure that all details are correct and that your pet is properly checked in.
Conclusion
Changing the name on your American Airlines reservation when traveling with a pet follows the same basic rules as for other tickets. However, it is important to also ensure that your pet’s reservation is updated accordingly. To avoid complications, make sure to confirm your pet’s travel details and be proactive in updating your booking as early as possible. Always reach out to American Airlines customer service for assistance with both the name change and any pet travel arrangements.