American Airlines
Name Change Policy & Fees: The Ultimate Guide

If you made a spelling mistake or had a legal name change after booking your American Airlines flight? Our comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the airline’s name change policy, from simple typo corrections to more complex situations, ensuring you can board your flight without any hassle. American Airlines permits minor name corrections but prohibits full ticket transfers to another person .

What Constitutes a Name Change on American Airlines?

A name change on an airline ticket is the process of correcting or altering the passenger name on a confirmed booking to match the government-issued ID they will use at the airport. American Airlines distinguishes between:

Minor Corrections

Fixing small errors like spelling mistakes (e.g., “Jhon” to “John”) or reversing first/last names. These are generally permitted with documentation.

Major Changes

Completely changing the passenger’s name to another person is strictly prohibited unless due to legal name changes (e.g., marriage, divorce) with proper documentation .

American Airlines' Name Change Rules and Requirements

Allowed Changes

Minor spelling corrections (typically up to 2-3 characters), adding middle names, or correcting transliteration errors. Legal name changes due to marriage/divorce are permitted with documentation.

Not Allowed Changes

Transferring tickets to another person is explicitly prohibited under American Airlines’ conditions of carriage .

Required Documents

Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) showing correct spelling. For legal changes: marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree.

Time Limits & Deadlines

Requests must be made at least 72 hours before departure to ensure processing time.

Fees

A service fee of $150; $200 applies per ticket, plus any fare difference if the new fare is higher .

Process
Changes are processed via phone customer service at +1 (866) 240-3931. Online changes are not available for security reasons.
Special Cases

Group bookings and codeshare flights require direct contact with American Airlines. Basic Economy tickets are generally ineligible for any name changes

American Airlines Name Change Fees Compared to Other Airlines

Airline Minor Correction Fee Major Change (If Allowed)
American Airlines $150 Not Permitted
Delta Airlines $100 $200 + Fare Difference
United Airlines $75 Not Permitted

Real World Examples:

  • Correcting “Micheal” to “Michael” on a domestic flight: $150 fee.
  • Changing “Jane Smith” to “Jane Jones” after marriage: $150 fee + fare difference (if applicable), supported by a marriage certificate.

Important Restrictions to Consider

Fare Class Limitations

Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-transferable.

Last-Minute Rules

Changes are rarely approved within 24 hours of departure.

Denied Cases

Requests to transfer tickets to another person are automatically denied. Tickets marked as “fraud” or purchased through unauthorized third-party sites may be ineligible .

How Our Service Simplifies Name Changes

Struggling with American Airlines’ Name Change Process? Our experts at CheapFlyFinder can:

  • Verify your eligibility for changes
  • Prepare required documentation
  • Handle airline communications on your behalf
  • Ensure timely processing before deadlines
Call Now: +1 (866) 240-3931 | Start Live Chat

Yes, American Airlines allows corrections of up to 2-3 characters for a fee, provided you present a valid ID matching the correction .

You must contact customer service with your booking confirmation, old ID, and marriage certificate. The change will be processed for a $150 fee plus any fare difference .

Possibly. If your original fare is no longer available, you must pay the difference to the current fare in addition to the change fee .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer : Name change policies are subject to change by American Airlines. The information provided is for guidance only. Always verify the latest policy directly with American Airlines or the Department of Transportation (DOT). CheapFlyFinder is not affiliated with American Airlines.

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