Name correction on American reservation
If you notice that there’s an error in the name on your American Airlines reservation, it’s crucial to correct it as soon as possible to avoid issues during check-in or boarding. American Airlines allows for name corrections in certain situations, especially for minor spelling mistakes. Here’s how you can correct your name on an American Airlines reservation.
What Qualifies as a Name Correction?
American Airlines generally allows minor name corrections if the error is not significant. Common situations for name corrections include:
- Minor Spelling Mistakes:
- A simple typo in the first or last name (like an extra or missing letter, or a swapped character).
- Capitalization Issues:
- If there’s an issue with capitalization (e.g., if your last name is written in lowercase letters), American Airlines can correct it to match the official identification.
- Legal Name Changes:
- If you’ve had a legal name change (such as through marriage, divorce, or court order), you can update your reservation with the new name. You’ll need to provide the necessary legal documentation.
- Name Mismatch with Identification:
- If your name on the ticket doesn’t match your official ID (like a passport or driver’s license), American Airlines may allow a correction to make it match exactly.
Steps to Correct the Name on Your American Airlines Reservation
Step 1: Review the Name on Your Reservation
- Check the name carefully on your reservation and ensure the correction is minor, such as a typo or capitalization issue. Major name changes (e.g., replacing a name with another person’s name) are typically not allowed.
Step 2: Contact American Airlines Customer Service
- Reach out to American Airlines by calling their customer service line or using the online chat option. You can also use the Manage Reservations feature on the American Airlines website to request a name correction.
- Provide the following information when contacting customer service:
- Your booking reference number
- The incorrect name on the reservation
- The correct name
- Legal documentation (if applicable, such as a marriage certificate or court order, for a legal name change)
Step 3: Provide Supporting Documentation (If Necessary)
- If your name correction is due to a legal name change, American Airlines will likely ask for proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Ensure you have these documents ready.
Step 4: Verify the Name Change
- After the correction is processed, double-check the updated name on your reservation to make sure it matches your government-issued ID exactly. This will prevent any issues at check-in or boarding.
Step 5: Fees for Name Corrections
- In some cases, American Airlines may charge a fee for name corrections. Be sure to ask about any potential fees when you make your request, especially if the correction is requested close to your departure date.
Important Things to Remember
- Timeframe for Corrections: It’s always best to request a name correction as early as possible. Name corrections made close to the departure date may be more complicated and could incur higher fees.
- Minor Corrections Only: American Airlines only allows minor corrections (such as spelling or capitalization changes). If you need to change the passenger to someone else’s name entirely, you will likely need to cancel the original booking and make a new reservation.
- Legal Name Changes: If your name has changed legally, be prepared to submit official documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree) to support your request.
- No Full Name Transfer: You cannot transfer your ticket to another person. If the change is for a different traveler, you will need to cancel and rebook a new ticket.
Conclusion
Correcting a name on your American Airlines reservation is a simple process if the error is minor, such as a typo or small spelling mistake. For legal name changes, you’ll need to provide documentation to support the change. To avoid any issues, make sure to correct the name well before your flight and confirm the update with American Airlines customer service.