Correct your name on American Airlines tickets call support at +1‑833‑341‑3894 for assistance easily by following their Name Change Policy.
Mistakes happen—maybe it was a typo, you forgot your middle name, or you recently had a legal name change. Whatever the reason, having a name on your flight ticket that doesn’t exactly match your government-issued ID or passport can lead to denied boarding or extra hassles at the airport. That’s why understanding American Airlines’ Name Change Policy is crucial for any traveler. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how it works, what’s allowed, and what costs you might face.
TSA and international security regulations require that your boarding pass and identification match perfectly. Even small errors—like “Jon” instead of “John,” a missing hyphen, or a forgotten middle name—can cause delays or denial of boarding.
American Airlines allows certain minor name corrections without treating it as a full ticket reissue. These include:
Fixing obvious typos (e.g., Johm → John)
Correcting a spelling mistake (e.g., Smyth → Smith)
Adding or removing a middle name or initial, if it matches your ID
Addressing a spacing or hyphen error
However, changes that constitute a completely different name or involve transferring the ticket to another person are not permitted under this policy.
If the change goes beyond minor edits—like changing “David Johnson” to “Michael Smith,” or changing the first name entirely—American Airlines treats it as a new ticket purchase, and you must pay full fare again.
Visit aa.com and log in or retrieve your booking with the confirmation number.
Select “Manage trip”.
If the ticket is eligible for a minor name correction, you’ll see the option to edit your name.
Enter the corrected name as printed on your ID.
Review the summary and confirm updates.
A minor fee may apply (typically between $25 and $100 domestic; more for international flights).
If online corrections aren’t possible, call American Airlines Reservations. Let the agent know you need a minor correction, and they’ll guide you through the process and fees.
Mistakes noticed at the airport? Go to the ticket counter earlier in the day. They may be able to assist with a minor correction before you pass through security.
Here’s a general idea of the minor correction fees:
| Route Type | Minor Name Change Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | $25–$50 |
| International/Oneworld Partner | $50–$100+ |
Fees vary depending on the agent handling your request, how many names are being corrected, and if connections or codeshares are involved.
American Airlines may waive name correction fees in certain situations:
A legal name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order (proof required, like a marriage certificate or court documents).
Airline mistake, such as incorrect name entry at the time of booking. A screenshot or proof of the mistake might be necessary.
Elite frequent flyers or those traveling on award tickets may receive name changes without charges—or lower fees.
Always have documentation ready to support your request.
AAdvantage Award Tickets
Typically follow the same minor correction policy, though award tickets may have more flexibility.
Codeshare Flights
If your AA flight is operated by another airline (like British Airways or Qantas), the operating carrier’s name policy applies. Make sure to check their rules before making changes.
It’s best to correct name errors as soon as possible—well before your flight, ideally during booking or at least 48 hours in advance. While airline systems allow changes up to a few hours before departure, last-minute corrections may incur additional charges or may not be possible online.
Review your name carefully during booking—double-check spelling, middle name, initials, and hyphens.
Use the same name consistently across your passport, visa applications, TSA PreCheck, and airline booking.
Don’t use nicknames; for example, use “Robert” not “Bob” if that’s what’s on your passport.
Verify third-party bookings thoroughly; travel agents sometimes make mistakes that need fixing later.
You’ll need to purchase a full fare ticket again if:
You change to a different person
You change your first name entirely (e.g., Sara → Michelle)
Your name change is due to gender marker updates, legal renaming, or other reason beyond a simple typo
If online editing isn’t available, call AA Reservations immediately.
Be polite but firm—mishandled in systems can be corrected with persistence.
For legal name changes, keep certified documentation ready.
Consider using chat support or social media; airlines are responsive there too.
Getting the name right on your airline ticket isn’t just a formality—it’s essential. Thankfully, American Airlines offers flexible options for making minor corrections to keep your reservation aligned with your official ID. While there may be fees involved, a quick adjustment is usually still cheaper than buying a brand new ticket.
To avoid the hassle, review your name carefully when booking, use official documentation, and act early if corrections are needed. If you ever face a denied boarding risk due to name issues, don’t hesitate to contact American Airlines customer service or seek help immediately.
Safe travels! ✈️