American Airlines Name Change Policy – Complete 2026 Guide to Passenger Name Corrections, Rules, Fees & Legal Updates

American Airlines name change policy is one of the most searched airline policies because even a minor spelling mistake on a flight ticket can lead to serious travel problems. Airlines are required to share passenger information with TSA and international immigration authorities, which means the name on your ticket must exactly match your government-issued identification. Whether you made a typing error during booking or recently changed your name legally due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, understanding American Airlines name change rules can save you time, money, and stress.

This comprehensive guide explains everything about American Airlines name change policy, including what types of name corrections are allowed, what changes are strictly prohibited, how much a name change costs, required documents, domestic versus international rules, and step-by-step instructions to fix name errors correctly.

WHY NAME ACCURACY IS IMPORTANT ON AMERICAN AIRLINES

Passenger name accuracy is not just an airline preference—it is a legal and security requirement. American Airlines submits passenger details to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and international border agencies. If your ticket name does not match your ID or passport, you may face:

• Denied boarding
• TSA screening delays
• Immigration rejection on international flights
• Ticket cancellation without refund

Even missing a middle name or having an incorrect letter can sometimes create issues, especially on international routes.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A NAME CHANGE ON AMERICAN AIRLINE

A name change refers to any modification made to the passenger name printed on the airline ticket. American Airlines divides name changes into two major categories:

1. Minor name corrections
2. Major or legal name changes

Understanding the difference between these two categories is essential because the rules, fees, and approval process vary.

MINOR NAME CORRECTIONS ALLOWED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES

American Airlines generally allows minor name corrections when the ticket still belongs to the same passenger. These changes are meant to fix genuine booking errors and do not involve changing passenger ownership.

Common minor name corrections include:

• Spelling mistakes (usually up to 3–4 characters)
• Incorrect first or last name spelling
• Reversed first and last names
• Missing or extra middle name or initial
• Correcting a nickname to the full legal name
• Typographical errors caused by autofill or manual entry

In many cases, American Airlines processes these corrections without canceling the ticket.

MAJOR NAME CHANGES AND LEGAL NAME UPDATES

Major name changes occur when a passenger’s legal name has changed. American Airlines allows legal name updates under specific circumstances, provided valid documentation is submitted.

Legal name change reasons include:

• Marriage (last name change)
• Divorce (reverting to maiden name)
• Court-ordered legal name change
• Gender transition name update

For these changes, passengers must provide official legal documents such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order
• Updated government-issued ID or passport

Without documentation, American Airlines will not approve major name changes.

NAME CHANGES THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED ON AMERICAN AIRLINES

American Airlines has strict rules against ticket misuse. The airline does not allow:

• Complete passenger substitution
• Changing the ticket to a different person
• Selling or gifting tickets by changing the name
• Altering both first and last name to represent another traveler

If the requested change makes the passenger appear to be a different individual, American Airlines may require the ticket to be canceled and rebooked at the current fare.

AMERICAN AIRLINES NAME CHANGE FEES

American Airlines name change fees vary based on several factors:

• Fare type (Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium)
• Domestic or international route
• Timing of the request
• Type of correction (minor vs legal)

Possible charges may include:

• No fee for simple spelling corrections
• Administrative service fee
• Fare difference if the ticket must be reissued
• Additional taxes for international flights

Basic Economy tickets usually have the most restrictions and may not allow changes at all.

DOES AMERICAN AIRLINES ALLOW FREE NAME CORRECTIONS?

In many cases, American Airlines allows free minor name corrections, especially when:

• The error is clearly a typo
• The correction does not change passenger identity
• The request is made well before departure

However, free corrections are not guaranteed and depend on fare rules.

HOW TO CHANGE NAME ON AMERICAN AIRLINES TICKET

Passengers cannot change the name directly online in most cases. Instead, name corrections must be handled through customer support.

Available methods include:

• Contacting American Airlines customer service
• Reaching out to the travel agency used for booking
• Visiting an airport ticket counter (limited cases)

STEP-BY-STEP AMERICAN AIRLINES NAME CHANGE PROCESS

1. Locate your booking reference (PNR)
2. Gather your government-issued ID
3. Contact American Airlines support
4. Explain the name correction needed
5. Submit legal documents if required
6. Pay applicable fees
7. Receive updated e-ticket confirmation

DOMESTIC VS INTERNATIONAL NAME CHANGE RULES
Domestic Flights:
Minor name discrepancies are usually easier to fix on domestic routes.

International Flights:
International travel has stricter requirements. The ticket name must exactly match the passport. Even a single-letter difference can result in denied boarding.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD YOU REQUEST A NAME CHANGE?

Passengers should request name corrections as soon as the error is noticed. Last-minute changes near departure are risky and may be denied.

COMMON MISTAKES PASSENGERS SHOULD AVOID

• Waiting until check-in day
• Assuming middle names do not matter
• Trying to change the passenger entirely
• Ignoring passport spelling

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Can I change my last name after marriage?
Yes, with valid marriage documentation.

Can I correct a typo on American Airlines for free?
Often yes, depending on fare rules.

Can I transfer my ticket to another person?
No, American Airlines does not allow ticket transfers.

CONCLUSION

American Airlines name change policy allows limited corrections to help passengers fix genuine errors, but the airline enforces strict identity rules. To avoid fees and travel issues, always double-check your ticket name immediately after booking and request corrections early.