What is the American Airlines Name Change Policy

Flight nowadays has become a part of life, and with this comes the need for accuracy in personal information, which involves passenger names on flight reservations. Thus, being sure that the right name will appear on the passenger’s airline ticket is best attended to, especially in American Airlines. The slightest discrepancy with the passenger’s name makes for a lot of inconvenience at check-in, security checks, or even at boarding. American Airlines allows flight name changes within set policy specifications regarding the type of change, the manner of implementation of the request for change, and the quantum of any applicable change fees. This paper shall outline what one needs to know about the American Airlines name change policy -from the different scenarios down to the restrictions that call for such a name change, plus how such changes can be requested.

Overview of the American Airlines Name change Policy

• Minor name corrections: Allowed for typos or misspellings of up to three characters.
• Name changes due to legal reasons: Permitted for legal name changes, such as marriage or divorce, with documentation.
• No complete name changes: Tickets cannot be transferred to a different person.
• Fees may apply: For some changes, fees or fare differences may apply depending on the ticket type.
• Change request process: Name corrections can be requested online or by contacting American Airlines customer service.
• Advance notice: Name change or correction requests should be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
• Frequent flyer number match: The name on the ticket must match the frequent flyer account for mileage credit.

Types of Name Changes Allowed by American Airlines

American Airlines has detailed rules for the types of name changes that are allowed. There are three primary categories for which the American Airlines name change fee may vary or be waived altogether. These include:

• Minor Name Corrections
• Legal Name Changes
• Name format adjustments

Minor Name Corrections (Spelling Mistakes, Typo)

Minor name corrections are the most common type of name change requested by passengers. If you’ve noticed a small typo in your booking, such as an extra letter or a minor spelling errors, it is usually not a problem to correct. American Airlines allows passengers to make these changes quickly, provided the error is minor. For these American Airlines name change corrections, passengers typically don’t have to worry about a hefty fee.

Legal Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, Court Order)

If the name change is due to the legal changes such as marriage or divorce, American Airlines requires specific documentation to be submitted to prove the name change. Legal documents such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders are typically accepted. It’s important to follow the procedure outlined by American Airlines to ensure that your new name is reflected on your booking and any associated loyalty programs like AAdvantage.

Also Read: American Airlines Manage Booking

Name Format Adjustments (First, Middle, Last Name Reordering)

Another scenario that requires a name change request is when the format of the name needs to be altered. For instance, if your first and last name are swapped or your middle name is missing, this can be corrected through the American Airlines name change process. These name-reordering changes are not typically considered central and may fall under minor name corrections.

Restrictions on American Airlines Name Change

While American Airlines name change policy allows for certain corrections and adjustments, there are several restrictions passengers should be aware of.

Non-Transferable Tickets

American Airlines has very strict policies; they do not permit the transfer of your ticket to another passenger. You cannot simply change another person’s name on your ticket in case you cannot travel; this should be taken care of at the time of booking. A ticket must be used by the person whose name has been given out at the time of booking.

No Substitutions for Different Travelers

Name changes that substitute one traveler for another are not permitted under any circumstances. American Airlines does not allow the selling or transfer of tickets to another person under the guise of a name change.

Procedure for Requesting a Name Change on American Airlines

American Airlines has attempted to take some of the headaches from requesting a name change to make life easier for the passengers. Whether it is a small typo or you need to submit documentation for a legal name change, there are a few ways to initiate this process.

Online Name Correction Process

These range from minor name corrections-which for the most part you could actually do yourself right on the American Airlines website log in, find your reservation and make necessary corrections. At least it is a convenient way; it may save calling or going to the ticket counter. You can also use the American Airlines app for the name correction.

Contacting American Airlines Customer Service

Those that involve complex procedures as in the case of changing the legal name, passengers shall approach American Airlines’ customer service department who will provide guidelines or assistance with the procedures to be followed and those that require relevant documents to be submitted. You can reach American Airlines via phone call. In case you are not able to call please contact their desks at the airport.

Required Documentation for Legal Name Changes

Where the name change is due to a legal condition such as marriage or through a court order, appropriate documentation shall be required of passengers. They must document the legal name change through:

• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Certificate
• Court Order

Fees and Charges for American Airlines Name Change

This will be important in understanding how much changing a name on your American Airlines ticket will cost.

Free vs Paid Name Corrections

Free normal changes refer to light changes, such as changing a typo or changing the order of first and last names. Larger changes, especially those requiring manual intervention, may involve a fee.

Breakdown of Fees for Different Scenarios

The cost of the name change in American Airlines varies. It depends upon various factors and the time of the ticket issued. You will not have to pay or pay less if the ticket has been issued within 24 hours. To know the detailed about the fees for different scenarios please see the table below.

Deadlines and Timeframes for American Airlines Name Changes

Timeliness is crucial when requesting a name change with American Airlines. Different types of changes have different deadlines, and missing these can complicate matters.

Time Limit for Minor Corrections

Minor name corrections can be requested, and at the earliest time, American Airlines does advise that any requested changes be at least 48 hours before the time of departure.

Timeline for Legal Name Changes

A change of name, in a legal sense, will take some more time since it has to be verified with documents. The requests are best sent in at least 72 hours prior to flying and leave extra time to avoid inconvenience to passengers.

Importance of Correct Passenger Name

One cannot underline the importance of having a correct name on an airline ticket. Inaccuracies or misspellings might be big delays at the airport or, even worse, prohibition against flying. Ensure your ticket corresponds with your ID or passport in order for high-end security procedures to take place, especially in the case of international flights. American Airlines allows name changes in certain cases under the company’s name change policy, without giving too many flexibilities to the rule.

Impact of Name Changes on Other Bookings

Changed booking names might impact other parts of your reservation, including loyalty programs or partner airlines where mileage credits are shared, seat assignments, etc.

Changes to Loyalty Programs (Advantage)

If you’re an Advantage member with American Airlines, note that if you go through a booking name change, your frequent flyer account might also need an update. Keep in mind to correctly fill in the name according to your legal documents in your Advantage account.

Rebooking for Partner Airlines or Codeshare Flights

In case you will be flying with the same airline for whom your American Airlines reservation was on or the codeshare partner, you will need to contact them in order for a name change to take place on their reservations.

Seat Assignments and Boarding Pass Updates

You would want to confirm that your seat assignment and boarding pass show the new details. This helps you avoid confusion at the time of boarding.

The name change policy of American Airlines is quite elaborative in describing the ways through which discrepancies in passenger names can be handled at the time of flight bookings. However, larger changes, like those of legally recognized name changes, should be well-documented and more often than not come with some associated fees. This is because changes requested close to the time of departure or post-check-in might not be possible. Knowing these policies makes for smoother travel for passengers; thus, enabling passengers to evade potential delays or complications. It is therefore always prudent that information about your booking is correct and observe American Airlines procedures for correction in time before embarking on a flight.

FAQs on American Airlines Name Change Policy

Can I Change the Name on my American Airlines ticket after Check-In?

No, once you’ve checked in for your flight, it is typically not possible to make a name change. This is why it’s essential to ensure all details are correct before checking in.

What Happens if My Name Doesn’t Match the Ticket?

If your name doesn’t match the name on the ticket, you could face delays at check-in or even be denied boarding. It’s essential to request a name change on American Airlines if you notice any discrepancies.

Can I Change the Name on Award Travel?

Yes, but award travel is subject to the same rules as regular tickets. Name changes must still comply with the American Airlines name change policy, and fees may apply.

Can I change the passenger name on an airline ticket American airlines?

No, American Airlines does not allow tickets to be transferred to another person. The name on the ticket must match the ID of the traveler.