American Airlines Name Change: Rules, Fees, and Name Correction Policy

Errors occur during the reservation of flights, specifically when the names are typed in a hurry or automatically. In case of the wrong name on the American Airlines ticket, it is essential to do it at an early stage. The TSA and other international security measures also require airlines to be careful of passenger name accuracy in 2025. Check-in or boarding can be cancelled by a single mistake.

This informational manual describes the name change and name correction policy at American Airlines in easy-to-understand language. You will find out that you can change the name, it is considered a minor or major correction, you may need to pay some fees, need to provide some documents, and how the rules of American Airlines differ depending on the fare type and timing.

This guide is based on American Airlines official policy pages and TSA identity verification rules applicable in 2025.

Why Name Accuracy Is Critical on American Airlines Ticket

American Airlines stipulates that the name found on the ticket should be precisely identical to the identity of a passenger of a government-issued ID or passport. This is both in local and international flights.

A name mismatch may result in:

• Online check-in failure

• Boarding pass rejection

• Rejected at the airport.

• In certain instances loss of ticket value.

Since identity checks are automated in 2025, the errors are identified at an earlier stage than previously.

American Airlines Name Change Policy

American Airlines does not draw a line between name corrections and name changes:

• Name correction: Corrections of a small error or typo in the name of the passenger.

• Name change: The name of the original passenger is substituted with another person.

This is what defines what you can or cannot get.

Are Name Changes Allowed On American Arlines

Full Name (Not Allowed)

Changing a ticket to another passenger is not very possible in American Airlines. This means:

• It is impossible to sell a ticket to another person.

• It is impossible to change first and last names completely.

In case it is necessary, a cancellation and rebooking is the only chance possible with a fare rule.

Name Corrections (Permitted in some situations)

American Airlines does permit the correction of names when:

• The client is the same individual.

• The correction is not very significant or legally justified.

He has dealt with these as the name correction policy of American Airlines.

What Counts as a Minor Name Correction?

Minor corrections are normally allowed and might not involve rebooking.

Examples include:

• Spelling mistakes First or Last name: – misspelling (one to three letters)

• Missing or extra middle name

• Reversed first and last name

• Typographical errors

These adjustments are made to make sure that the ticket is an exact match to your ID.

What Counts as a Major Name Change?

Significant modifications are typically subject to further consideration or may be prohibited.

Examples:

• Change of first and last name without legal evidence.

• The whole passenger is replaced.

• Nickname to legal name uncodified.

American Airlines may need to address the issue of ticket cancellation and reissue in such cases.

How To Change Name On American Airlines Ticket (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Introduction: Scan Your Ticket and ID.

Compare your purchase ticket name with:

• Passport (transcontinental flights)

• Photo ID, issued by the government (domestic flights).

• Even minor differences are to be taken into consideration.

Step 2: The second step is the correction type.

Determine whether it’s:

• A spelling correction

• A missing middle name

• Marriage, divorce, and court-ordered name changes.

This has an impact on fees and documentation.

Step 3: Get in touch with American Airlines or Booking Source.

To change the name on the ticket of American Airlines, request it by:

• Reaching the American Airlines customer care.

• Their site has a section called Manage Trips.

• Call the travel agency with which the booking was done.

Make sure that you have a booking reference and ID.

Step 4: Provide the Necessary Documentation (Where Necessary)

In the case of a legal name change, American Airlines can request:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Name change document by the court.

• Updated passport or ID

Step 5: Pay any Fee that may apply for changing the name.

Fees depend on:

• Types of fares (Basic Economy or flexible fares)

• Domestic or international Route.

• Timing (the proximity to departure)

It can also come to make some minor corrections, which are free, provided one does them at an early stage.

Need quick help with a name correction or urgent travel? Call us Toll Free +1-855-510-5187 for guidance before your flight.

American Airlines Name Change Fee: What to Expect

American Airlines does not issue a fixed price for name changes. In general:

• Minor corrections to spelling: Free or inexpensive.

• Change of name: May be based on the reissue of the ticket.

• International itineraries: More likely to pay.

• Confirm the costs first before giving consent to a change.

American Airlines Name Correction vs Name Change

Type of Request	Allowed	Notes
Minor spelling correction	Yes	Most common
Middle name update	Yes	Often optional
Legal name change	Sometimes	Documents required
Passenger replacement	No	Rebooking required

Required Documents For Name Correction

You may be asked to provide:

• Valid government-issued ID

• International travel is known as passport (international travel).

• Agreements or marriage (where needed), or other documents, are made by the court.

Related Airline Policies (Comparison)

Airline	Name Correction	Name Change	Official Policy
American Airlines	Allowed (minor)	Not allowed	https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/passenger-name.jsp
Delta Air Lines	Allowed	Not allowed	https://www.delta.com/us/en/change-cancel
United Airlines	Allowed	Not allowed	https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/help/faq/name-changes.html
Southwest Airlines	Limited	Limited	https://www.southwest.com/help/day-of-travel/name-changes

How Fare Type and Timing Affect Name Corrections

The corrected name has to be a direct copy of the document.

The American Airlines regulations differ according to:

• Fare (Economy has tighter regulations)

• Time before departure

• Local vs long-distance flights.

Corrections are more likely to be granted at less cost within a short time after booking.

Cancellation Policy and Name Issue

In case of a non-correction option, cancellation can be an option.

Cancel Flight Within 24 Hours

American Airlines permits cancellation free within 24 hours of booking provided that:

• The ticket is not booked less than 2 days in advance.

This would assist in correcting significant name problems at the initial stage.

Flight Refunds Aired by airlines.

The eligibility to refund is based on:

• Fare rules

• Ticket type

• Reason for cancellation

Even name mistakes can not grant refunds within 24 hours.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Waiting until airport day
• Suppose that name issues can be resolved by the gate agents.
• No attention to the discrepancy of middle names.
• Addressing each other by their nicknames rather than their legal names.
• Failure to check the confirmation emails.

Tips To Prevent Name Errors in the Future

• Name of copy directly off passport.
• Avoid browser auto-fill
• Double-check before payment
• Consideration confirmation as soon as possible.
• Always remember book keeping details.

• Prevention is the saving of time, money and stress.

Final Thoughts

If you have experienced a change or correction of the name of an American Airlines, do so without delay. A request made early is simpler, less costly, and more probably to be granted.

In case it is the international travel, the change of legal names, or the urgency of departure, it is possible to simplify the process and guarantee adherence to the airline and TSA regulations with the help of assistance or professional help.

Ready travelers will eliminate problems with names beforehand and feel confident to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)