How Can I Change My Name on My American Ticket?

Travel plans can sometimes become stressful, especially when you notice that your name is incorrect on your flight ticket. Even a small mistake—like a missing letter, an extra space, or an incorrect spelling—can cause issues during check-in or TSA security screening. Airlines require that the name on your boarding pass match exactly with the name on your government-issued ID or passport. So, if you’re flying with American Airlines, it's natural to ask: How can I change my name on my American Airlines ticket?

Fortunately, American Airlines allows passengers to correct mistakes or update their names under certain conditions. Understanding the policies, the types of corrections allowed, and the steps involved will help you avoid last-minute travel problems and ensure a smooth journey.

This guide explains everything you need to know about changing or correcting your name on an American Airlines ticket, whether it’s a minor spelling error or a legal name change.

 

Before understanding the process, it’s important to know why name accuracy is so strict. Airlines must follow security regulations issued by TSA and other aviation authorities. These rules require that:

Because of these rules, airlines have dedicated name change policies to help passengers fix mistakes without needing to rebook an entire ticket.

 

American Airlines categorizes name corrections into two main types:

These are simple mistakes and can usually be corrected without major issues. Examples include:

Minor corrections generally do not require canceling and reissuing the ticket. They can often be handled directly through customer service or in some cases through the online account.

 

A major name change is when your legal name has changed due to:

These require additional documents and sometimes ticket reissuance. American Airlines may ask for:

Major changes take longer and usually require assistance from American Airlines support or the travel agency through which you booked your ticket.

 

Here’s the complete process to correct or change your name on an American Airlines ticket:

 

Before contacting the airline, determine if:

This will help you follow the correct process.

 

Depending on the change, you may need:

American Airlines requires these documents to verify the name change and protect the passenger from identity issues.

 

There are several ways to request a name update:

This is the easiest and fastest method. A representative can guide you based on the type of correction needed.

Some small mistakes can be corrected if:

Your “Manage Trips” section may allow basic edits.

If you booked through:

Then the agency—not American Airlines—is responsible for making corrections.

For last-minute corrections, you can approach an American Airlines desk. This works mainly for small spelling fixes.

 

For major name changes, you will be asked to upload or submit digital copies of:

The airline verifies them before updating your ticket.

 

American Airlines may charge name correction fees depending on:

Minor corrections may be free, but if the ticket must be reissued, you might pay:

The fee structure varies, but American Airlines typically tries to minimize the cost for minor fixes.

 

Below are typical name problems passengers face and how American Airlines handles them.

 

This is the most common issue. Missing or extra letters can usually be corrected easily.

Call customer service or visit the airport counter. No major documentation is needed.

 

Sometimes passengers accidentally switch first and last names.

AA usually treats this as a minor correction. Provide your ID for verification.

 

Middle names are not mandatory on tickets unless required by the destination country.

No need to change unless you want to match your passport exactly.

 

If your last name changed after marriage, your ticket must match your ID.

Provide marriage certificate + updated ID.

 

If you recently changed your name due to a court order, your ticket must reflect the new legal name.

Submit the court order and your new ID.

 

American Airlines does not allow ticket transfers to another passenger.

You cannot change the passenger's identity completely.

You must cancel and rebook a new ticket.

 

Here are key things to keep in mind when changing your name on an American Airlines ticket:

Understanding these rules can help you avoid stress at the airport.

 

To prevent name issues, follow these tips when booking your next American Airlines flight:

Fixing errors early reduces costs and complications.

 

Contact American Airlines right away if:

Acting early increases the chances of smooth correction.

 

If you are wondering “How can I change my name on my American ticket?”, the process is simple once you know the steps. American Airlines allows minor spelling corrections and legal name changes, as long as you provide proper verification. While small mistakes can be fixed quickly, major changes require documentation and may involve ticket reissuance.