By implementing a lenient and cohesive policy, American Airlines ensures that its passengers are not troubled by anything while flying. The American Airlines name change policy is one of the pillars of the foundation supporting all kinds of name changes the airline allows. So, having a firm knowledge of the policies will enhance your travel experience and make it more memorable. This article will take you into the depths of the policies, fees, and ways to change your name on American Airlines.
American Airlines Name Change Policy
Humans and even computers have the tendency to make mistakes, and this might result in a wrong name being printed on the itinerary. But to tackle this problem, the airline has come up with an American Airlines name change policy to help passengers easily change their misprinted names on the itinerary.
Highlights of the Name Change Policy
American Airlines has a wide array of name change policies, which you will learn about in a while. The policies vary according to the type of name corrections you are seeking. So here is a list of the important American Airlines name change policies you must be aware of:
- Only American Prime and American Eagle flights allow minor name changes to the itinerary.
- If you wish to make major name corrections, it applies only to itineraries that include codeshare flight segments on the AA*/oneworld® codeshares or non-oneworld carriers.
- A new PNR is required to make major name corrections, as a name correction cannot be made within the same PNR due to GDS limitations.
- The information from the initial Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD), such as the original date of birth (DOB) and gender (M_F), must not be changed.
Types of Name Change Policy
The American Airlines name change policy is divided into two categories, each with a different set of rules. So make sure to go through them before you make any changes.
Minor Name Change
Minor corrections to the name cost you no additional charges and can be done easily via online or offline methods. Itineraries wholly on American Prime or American Eagle flights allow for minor corrections within the same PNR (Passenger Name Record). These types of minor name changes are allowed to be made by you:
Last Name (1 or More Characters)
1) Any modification to the last name will be allowed easily. For example:
- Ex: GOMAZ to GOMEZ
- Ex: RODRIGES to DERODRIGUEZ
2) Removal of Prefix or Suffix
- Ex: SMITH JR to SMITH
- Ex: THORNTON III to THORNTON
First Name
All kinds of modifications to the first name are allowed by American Airlines. Here are some examples:
1) Nickname to full name
- Ex: JUDI to JUDITH
- Ex: BUDDY to CHARLES
2) The first name may be completely different
- Ex: JULIE to VIVIAN
- Ex: PAUL to XIN
- Ex: MARIBEL to MARIA ISABEL
Middle Name/Middle Initial
Middle name or Initial has no impact on the ticket or boarding pass; it is only required for SFPD or APIS that is transferred to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
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You can remove or modify the middle name or initials as you wish.
Legal Name Correction
You can completely change your last name in order to match legal documents in the case of Marriage, Divorce, Child surname, Adoption, etc.
- Ex: SMITH to THOMAS
- Ex: LEE to NGUYEN
Inverted Names
If your last name or first name is inverted, you can change it easily. Here are the examples:
- Ex: ALLEN/THOMAS to THOMAS/ALLEN
Update with Second/Additional Last Name
You may add or remove names to match the legal documents-
- Ex: SCHNEIDER to SCHNEIDER DIETRICH
- Ex: VEGA to ESCOBAR VEGA
Major Name Change
Major corrections apply to itineraries with codeshare flight segments or Other Airline prime flights. For itineraries in the “R” inventory, a new PNR is required due to system limitations.
Here are the types of major name corrections you are allowed to make:
Last Name (1 or more characters)
1) Any modification to the last name, either 1 or more than 1 character, can be made. For example:
- Ex: THOMASON to THOMPSON
- Ex: DEGENARO to XIMENEZGENARO
2) Removal of Prefix or Suffix
- Ex: SMITH JR to SMITH
- Ex: THORNTON III to THORNTON
Legal Name Correction
You can alter/correct your complete last name to match the legal documents like Marriage, Divorce, Child surname, Adoption, etc.
- Ex: SMITH to THOMAS
- Ex: LEE to NGUYEN
First Name
Modifications to the first name can be done under the major name change section. For example:
1) Nickname to full name
- Ex: JUDI to JUDITH
- Ex: BUDDY to CHARLES
2) The first name may be completely different
- Ex: JULIE to VIVIAN
- Ex: PAUL to XIN
- Ex: MARIBEL to MARIA ISABEL
Middle Name/Middle Initial
The Middle name or Initial has no impact on the ticket or boarding pass. This information is only required for SFPD or APIS that is sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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You may remove or modify the Middle Name or Initial according to your convenience.
Inverted Names
If your Last name or first name is inverted, you can make changes to it. Here is an example:
- Ex: ALLEN/THOMAS to THOMAS/ALLEN
Update with Second/Additional Last Name
You can add or remove names to match the legal documents you are carrying. For example:
- Ex: SURTSEY to SURTSEY DAUTENHAN
- Ex: RODRIGUEZ to RODRIGUEZ DELAPENA
How do you change the Name on American Airlines Tickets?
You have various options to make changes to your name on the ticket, and here we have mentioned all the methods along with the detailed steps you can follow to make desired changes-
Name Change via Phone Call
If you can just call and your name will be corrected instantly, that would be the best way to make name changes. So follow these steps if you wish to make name changes via customer support:
- Dial the American Airlines customer support number mentioned below.
- Speak to an agent and explain that you need to change your name on the ticket.
- American Airlines may require supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate, court order, or legal name change document.
- Follow their instructions for submitting the necessary paperwork.
- If your name change is substantial, expect to pay a fee.
- The agent will also help you with the payment process.
- Once approved, American Airlines will update your ticket with the corrected name.
Name Change via Airport
Making changes to your name at the airport is an easy process if you follow these steps:
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight arrival.
- Go to the American Airlines ticket counter.
- Carry your valid photo ID and any necessary supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate).
- Explain the name change to the airline staff.
- Fill out an application form to initiate the American Airlines name change on a ticket.
- Specify the reason and provide the required details.
- Pay the fee, if required.
- The airline will issue a new ticket with the corrected name.
Name Change Online
If you are willing to make name changes online, there are specific steps you need to follow that are mentioned below:
- Visit the American Airlines website.
- Log in to your account using your confirmation code or AAdvantage® account.
- Find your booked trip and select it.
- Click the “Edit” button.
- Make changes to your name and click on the “Save” button.
- Once you’ve saved it, proceed to complete the change process.
Transfer the Ticket to Another Person
American Airlines strictly restricts passengers from transferring their ticket to another person or allowing anyone else to board the plane in their name. Unlike some other carriers, American Airlines strictly enforces its policy against direct ticket transfers. You can make changes to your name within certain limits, although you can’t directly transfer a ticket to someone else.
How do you change your Name on American Airlines AAdvantage Membership?
If you are an AAdvantage member and willing to make changes to your name, you will basically have 2 methods to do so.
Firstly, you can directly contact customer support via the toll-free number mentioned below.
Secondly, you can follow these steps to make the changes online:
- Visit the official website.
- Log in to your AAdvantage account.
- Click on your profile from the top corner.
- Then click on the edit button.
- Now, you will be able to make changes to your name.
Save your changes, and if required, you will have to provide relevant documents.
Summary
With the American Airlines name change policy in place, every passenger has the right to make desired changes to their name on the ticket. Whether you have minor changes to make or some major changes, the policy is designed in such a way that you will face no issues. However, even after this, if you are not able to make the changes, you can reach out to us via our toll-free number mentioned below and seek professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What are the fees for making a major name change on American Airlines?
If you wish to make a major name change on American Airlines, the American Airlines name change fee incurred will be €40 for each correction.
2) What is the waiver code for minor name correction?
If you are willing to make minor name corrections, the waiver code that applies is- NC03AGCY.
3) Can I change the name of an Infant?
Yes, even travel agents can make name changes for infants, even if the itinerary contains other airline/codeshare segments.
