Change Name on American Ticket
Changing the name on an American Airlines ticket can be a crucial process, especially if there’s a mistake in your reservation or if your personal information has changed. While American Airlines does not allow full name transfers to another person, they do provide options for minor name corrections and legal name changes. Here’s everything you need to know about changing the name on your American Airlines ticket.
Types of Name Changes Allowed by American Airlines
- Minor Spelling Errors:
- If there’s a typo in your first or last name, American Airlines will allow you to correct the spelling. This can include mistakes like swapped letters or missing characters.
- Capitalization Issues:
- If your name is written in all lowercase or with improper capitalization, American Airlines will likely allow you to correct it to match your official identification (e.g., changing “john doe” to “John Doe”).
- Legal Name Changes:
- If your name has changed legally (such as through marriage, divorce, or a legal court order), American Airlines will allow you to update your ticket with the new name. You’ll need to provide proof of your legal name change.
- Matching Ticket to Identification:
- If your ticket has a name mismatch with your government-issued identification (like a passport or driver’s license), you may be allowed to correct the name to avoid problems at check-in.
Steps to Change Your Name on an American Airlines Ticket
Step 1: Identify the Type of Name Change
- Minor corrections like spelling mistakes can usually be done easily, while legal name changes require more documentation. Make sure you know which type of change is needed.
Step 2: Contact American Airlines Customer Service
- To request a name change or correction, contact American Airlines via:
- Phone: Call the customer service line at 800-433-7300.
- Online: Use the Manage Reservations section on the American Airlines website or app.
- Airport: Visit the American Airlines counter at the airport (if the flight is within a few hours).
Provide the following information when requesting the change:
- Booking Reference Number
- Your original ticketed name
- The corrected name
- Relevant legal documentation (if required, for name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons)
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents (if applicable)
- For legal name changes (e.g., marriage or divorce), you will need to provide official documentation to support the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If it’s a typo or capitalization issue, these documents are not necessary.
Step 4: Confirm the Changes
- After the correction request is processed, make sure to double-check that the name on your ticket now matches your official identification exactly. This will prevent any problems during check-in or boarding.
Step 5: Pay Any Fees (if applicable)
- In some cases, there may be a fee associated with the name change, especially if it’s requested close to the departure date. Ask about any fees when you contact American Airlines customer service.
Important Notes
- No Full Name Transfers: You cannot transfer your ticket to another person. If the name change request is for a completely different traveler, you’ll need to cancel the original booking and purchase a new ticket.
- Timing Matters: It’s always a good idea to make the name change as soon as possible to avoid last-minute issues. Name changes close to the flight departure may come with additional fees.
- Minor vs. Major Corrections: American Airlines generally allows minor name corrections like fixing typos or adjusting capitalization. If you need to change your name for another reason (e.g., due to a significant legal change or replacing a traveler’s name), this may require a new booking.
Conclusion
Changing the name on your American Airlines ticket is straightforward for minor corrections, such as fixing typos or adjusting capitalization. However, for more significant changes (like legal name changes), you will need to provide documentation. To ensure that your ticket reflects the correct name, make sure to request the change well in advance of your flight and confirm that the update has been processed successfully.