You've just realized that the name on your American Airlines ticket or AAdvantage account doesn't quite match your government-issued ID. Perhaps it's a minor typo, a missing middle name, or a complete legal name change due to marriage or divorce. Don't panic! While American Airlines has specific policies regarding name changes, it's often possible to get it corrected. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process.
Changing Your Name on the American Airlines App: A Comprehensive Guide
Let's dive right in! The key here is understanding the difference between a minor "name correction" and a full "name change." American Airlines is generally quite flexible with corrections to match your ID, but transferring a ticket to another person is usually not allowed.
 |
| How Do You Change Your Name On American Airlines App |
Step 1: Identify the Type of Name Change You Need - Engage with this crucial first step!
Before you do anything else, take a moment to clearly identify the nature of the name discrepancy. This will significantly impact the process you need to follow.
Is it a minor typo or misspelling? (e.g., "Jon Smith" instead of "John Smith", "Mary Doe" instead of "Mariy Doe")
Is a middle name or initial missing or incorrect? (e.g., your ID has "John David Smith" but your ticket says "John Smith")
Have you legally changed your name (marriage, divorce, adoption)? (e.g., your maiden name is on the ticket, but your passport now shows your married name)
Are you trying to transfer the ticket to another person? (e.g., your friend can't go, and you want to put your sister's name on the ticket instead)
Understanding this distinction is vital. American Airlines generally does not allow a full transfer of a ticket from one person to another. If that's what you're trying to do, you'll likely need to cancel your original ticket (subject to fare rules and potential fees) and book a new one in the correct person's name. For all other scenarios, continue reading!
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Documentation
Regardless of the type of correction, having the right documents readily available will streamereamline the process immensely.
Your Government-Issued ID: This is paramount. Ensure you have the exact ID you will be using for travel (passport, driver's license, national ID card) with the correct name you want reflected.
Your American Airlines Booking Reference/Record Locator: This is typically a 6-character alphanumeric code. You can find it in your confirmation email or by logging into your American Airlines account under "My Trips."
Your Ticket Number: This is a 13-digit number starting with "001." It's usually on your e-ticket receipt.
Legal Documentation (for legal name changes):
Marriage Certificate: If you've changed your last name due to marriage.
Divorce Decree: If you've reverted to a maiden name or adopted a new name due to divorce.
Court Order: For other legal name changes.
Adoption Papers: For name changes due to adoption.
Step 3: Initiate Contact with American Airlines (The Recommended Approach)
While you might hope to make name changes directly through the app, American Airlines' self-service options for name corrections are limited, especially for anything beyond very minor typos. The most effective and recommended method is to contact their customer service directly.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Sub-heading: Calling American Airlines Customer Service
This is often the quickest way to resolve name discrepancies.
Find the Right Number:
For general inquiries in the US, call American Airlines at +1-800-433-7300.
If you're outside the US, check the American Airlines website for the specific contact number for your region.
Be Prepared to Provide Information: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you need a name correction on your existing booking or AAdvantage account. They will ask for:
Your booking reference/record locator.
Your full name as it currently appears on the ticket.
Your full name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID.
The reason for the change (e.g., typo, legal name change).
Your contact information.
Explain Your Situation Clearly:
For minor typos, be precise. "My first name is spelled 'John' but it's currently 'Jon' on the ticket."
For legal name changes, state that you've had a legal name change and are updating your ticket to match your new government-issued ID.
Be Ready to Send Documentation: The agent will likely instruct you on how to submit your legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) if required. This could be via email or through a secure online portal. Do not send sensitive documents via unsecured email unless specifically instructed by the airline.
Confirm the Change and Receive a New Itinerary: Once the correction is made and any necessary documents are verified, the agent will confirm the change. Crucially, ask them to send you an updated itinerary or confirmation email with the corrected name. Double-check this immediately to ensure everything is accurate.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Website (Limited for Corrections)
While the app and website are excellent for managing many aspects of your trip, direct name corrections are generally not a self-service feature.
"Manage Your Trip" Section: You can go to the "My Trips" or "Manage Your Trip" section on aa.com. Enter your last name and record locator. Here, you might be able to update Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) like your date of birth or gender, and in some cases, your middle name/initial if it was missing. However, major changes to first or last names will almost certainly require agent assistance.
Online Chat/Customer Service Forms: American Airlines offers online chat and customer service forms. While you can initiate a request this way, it might be slower than a phone call, and they will likely still direct you to call or send documents.
Step 4: Understand American Airlines' Policies and Potential Fees
Knowing the airline's stance can help manage expectations.
Sub-heading: Minor Name Corrections vs. Major Name Changes
Minor Name Corrections: These typically involve fixing typos (up to 3 characters), adding/removing a middle name or initial, or correcting inverted names (e.g., first and last names swapped). These are often processed without a fee, especially if done promptly.
Legal Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, etc.): American Airlines does allow these, but they require legal documentation. There might be an administrative fee associated with these changes, depending on your fare type and when the change is requested. Always inquire about potential fees when speaking with an agent.
Ticket Transfers: As reiterated, American Airlines' policy generally prohibits transferring a ticket to another person. If you can no longer travel, you will typically need to cancel your existing ticket and purchase a new one for the new traveler. Cancellation policies and potential refunds depend on the type of ticket you purchased.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Fees
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Fees for name corrections can vary. They depend on the fare class you booked, the type of change, and sometimes even how close you are to your departure date.
Always ask about any applicable fees upfront when speaking with a customer service representative.
Be prepared to pay the fee if one is required. This can often be done over the phone with a credit card.
Step 5: Verify and Confirm Your Updated Information
Once you've completed the process, don't forget this crucial step!
Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive an updated email confirmation from American Airlines showing your corrected name.
Check All Details: Carefully review all details on the new confirmation – your name, flight dates, times, and destination.
Re-check on the App/Website: Log back into the American Airlines app or website and view your trip details to confirm the name change is reflected there.
Print a New Boarding Pass (if applicable): If you've already checked in, you may need to re-check in or obtain a new boarding pass with your corrected name.
Step 6: Update Your AAdvantage Account (If Applicable)
If your name has legally changed and you're an AAdvantage member, you'll also want to update your name on your frequent flyer account to ensure all future bookings and mileage accruals are under your correct legal name.
Contact AAdvantage Customer Service: While the main customer service line can often assist, there might be a dedicated AAdvantage support line.
Provide Legal Documentation: Just like with tickets, you will need to provide legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) to update your AAdvantage profile.
Confirm Update: Ensure your profile name is updated and matches your government-issued ID.
Important Notes:
Act Quickly: The sooner you identify and address a name discrepancy, the easier and potentially less costly it will be to correct.
Be Patient and Polite: Customer service representatives are there to help, but these processes can sometimes take time. A polite and clear approach will go a long way.
Screenshot Everything: It's always a good idea to take screenshots of your original booking details and any communication with American Airlines regarding the name change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to: Change a minor typo on my American Airlines ticket?
You should contact American Airlines customer service directly by phone. Minor spelling errors (usually 1-3 characters) can often be corrected without a fee by an agent.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
How to: Add a missing middle name to my American Airlines booking?
Contact American Airlines customer service. They can typically add or correct a middle name or initial to match your government-issued ID.
How to: Change my last name on American Airlines after marriage?
Call American Airlines customer service. You will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate as legal proof of the name change. Fees may apply depending on your fare.
How to: Change my name on an American Airlines ticket due to divorce?
Contact American Airlines customer service. You will need to provide a divorce decree or other court order as legal documentation for the name change.
How to: Update my AAdvantage account name?
Call American Airlines AAdvantage customer service. You will need to provide legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) to update your profile name to match your current legal name.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
How to: Find my American Airlines booking reference?
Your booking reference (also known as a record locator) is a 6-character alphanumeric code typically found in your flight confirmation email or by logging into your AAdvantage account and viewing "My Trips."
How to: Know if there will be a fee for my name change?
Fees for name corrections or changes can vary based on your fare type and the nature of the change. Always ask the American Airlines representative about any applicable fees when you speak with them.
How to: Change the gender on my American Airlines ticket?
For changes to gender (or date of birth) in your Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD), you typically need to contact American Airlines customer service.
How to: Change my American Airlines ticket to another person's name?
Generally, American Airlines does not allow transferring a ticket to another person. You will likely need to cancel your original ticket (subject to fare rules and fees) and book a new ticket for the new traveler.
How to: Contact American Airlines customer service for name changes?
The primary contact number for American Airlines customer service in the US is +1-800-433-7300. If you are outside the US, visit the American Airlines website for local contact numbers.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
