You just realized you misspelled your name on the next American Airlines reservation (or you officially changed your name). Calm down; it is not a difficult assignment to complete if done on time and according to protocol. I looked into the formal policy and professional guides, and here’s everything you need to know about an American Airlines name change. If you need immediate help, you can also reach support at +1 (855) 510-7629.

Does American Airlines Allow Name Changes?

Yes, American Airlines does allow name alterations on tickets (and in some cases, more radical changes); however, there are restrictions. You can request an American Airlines ticket name correction to rectify minor concerns such as spelling errors or letter omissions. However, American Airlines’ name change policy prohibits a complete change of name on American Airlines tickets or their transfer to other people.

So, the key points:

• Minor adjustments (e.g., spelling, missing middle name) can be done.
• However, it is frequently not possible to transfer or rename the ticket.
• Changes are only available when the ticket is unused (AA 001 stock).

Read more: Does American Airlines Have Student Discounts?

Minor vs. Major Name Corrections: What’s the Difference?

Instructions for distinguishing between minor and significant name corrections.

Minor Name Corrections:

• Use when all flights are operated by American Airlines (or its affiliate, the American Eagle).
• Changes can be made to the same reservation (PNR).
• Gender and Date of Birth (DOB) are not changeable.
• Generally, no cost is charged.
• Examples include fixing a typing error (Smithh – Smith), omitting the middle name, and reversing the initial and surname.

These are the simplest types of American Airlines ticket name correction requests.

Major Name Corrections:

• Use when you have codeshare tickets or are flying with a partner airline (which makes the ticket more complicated), or if your legal name changes (marriage/adoption).
• A new PNR may be needed.
• Depending on the conditions, a fee may be levied.
• Examples include a big change in a person’s name, such as changing John Doe to Johnathan Doe, or altering a last name due to marriage.

Minor repairs are free of charge; significant corrections may necessitate a new PNR, an existing ticket, or a waiver code.

What Documentation Do You Need?

You’ll typically need:

• You’ll need a government-issued photo ID with your current name, such as a passport or driver’s license.
• If you are changing your legal name (due to marriage, adoption, or a court order), you must present supporting documentation.
• The ticket number/booking number, as well as the name, appears on the ticket.
• Ensure that the ticket has not been used and that it is valid in compliance with the AA 001 ticket stock conditions.

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How to Actually Change the Name on Your Ticket (Step-by-Step)

According to the recommendations, you should accomplish the following:

• Check eligibility
• • Make sure you have an unused ticket issued by AA (001).
  • Determine whether the change falls under the minor or major category of the regulations.
    

• Gather required documents
  

1. • If there are partner airlines or a codeshare on your ticket, you may be flying into big territory.

• Contact American Airlines
  

1. • Minor corrections: You can call AA Reservations often or use the Manage Trips portal (depending on the kind of booking).
   • Major corrections may necessitate rebooking in a new PNR, for example, and contacting the special service/sales support staff.

This is the main step for passengers who need to change name on American Airlines ticket due to errors or legal updates. For assistance, many travelers choose to call customer support directly at +1 (855) 510-7629.

• Make the change
  

1. • Minor correction: reissue ticket for no price (if the prerequisites are met).
   • The most important correction point is a substantial correction: new PNR, same itinerary, unused ticket, and probable fee/fare difference.

• Double-check everything.
  

1. • After the update, make sure your ticket name matches the trip ID. Errors in this situation may result in boarding denial.
   • Please keep in mind that there is no way to switch to another passenger, and tickets cannot be transferred.

Timing & Important Restrictions

• The ticket should be unused and in the AA ticket stock (001).
• There is typically no time to change names (especially big ones) within 24 hours of departure. 
• It is also not permitted to transfer the ticket to another person’s name.

My Tips to Avoid Headaches

I recommend entering your name exactly as it appears on your travel ID when booking, as I have done for friends. That includes middle names, hyphens, and suffixes.

• After booking, double-check the e-ticket to ensure that the name is spelled correctly. The sooner you recognize a mistake, the easier it will be to rectify it as a minor change.
• If you have a legal name change (marriage, for example) before your trip, it is best to book only after the name has been legally changed (where feasible) to make things easier.
• If your itinerary includes partner carriers/codeshares, assume you’re in “major correction” territory and plan accordingly.
• If your trip includes partner carriers or codeshares, presume you are in the territory of substantial correction and plan accordingly.
• Always keep all records, especially legal documentation of name changes, on hand in case they are needed.
• You may be unlucky if you change your name during a 24-hour flight, so prepare accordingly.
• When phoning AA, make sure you have a booking reference, ticket number, old and new name details, and ID to expedite the procedure.

If you prefer faster help, customer service is available at +1 (855) 510-7629.

FAQ: Common Questions About Name Changes on American Airlines

Q: Can I simply change the name on my ticket to a friend or family member?
Ans: No, there is no opportunity with AA to transfer tickets to another individual. The name should be kept by the traveler who first used it. 

Q: Is there a fee to change my name on an AA ticket?
Ans: There is no price for minor changes (typos, fixes) to qualified tickets. Major corrections may incur a cost, depending on the itinerary, fare class, and so on.

Q: What constitutes a minor vs. major name correction?
Ans: Minor inaccuracies include minor spelling errors, the lack of a middle name, and the use of the same flier. Major changes include changes in legal name, significant changes in first/last name, and partner carrier bookings.

Q: My ticket is booked through a travel agency; can I still request a name correction?
Ans: Yes, you may need to go through the agency or call AA with the booking information. The concept remains that the ticket must meet the requirements of AA.

Q: My flight leaves in less than 24 hours – can I still change my name?
Ans: Probably not in the case of major corrections. According to AA guidelines, most adjustments cannot be made within 24 hours of departure.

Q: What if my booking includes flights by partner airlines/codeshare (i.e., not exclusively AA/AA Eagle)?
Ans: Then you will most likely have to follow the principles of significant correction: a new PNR, a possible charge, and the same itinerary are required.

Q: After I change my name, will my ticket number change?
Ans: When significant changes are required, a new PNR/ticket may be issued. Small corrections might be left on the same PNR. Always check the information on your ticket.

Final Thoughts

Correcting a name on an American Airlines ticket is not a reason for concern because it is easily accomplished as long as you move quickly and follow the restrictions. If it is a minor error, it can be readily corrected in your current reservation. However, for more important adjustments (legal name change, partner carrier itinerary), you will need to take additional measures and possibly pay an extra price.