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American Airlines Name Change: What’s Allowed and How to Fix It

American Airlines does not allow passengers to change a ticket to another person’s name. Name corrections are allowed if the same traveler is flying. Small corrections, like fixing spelling mistakes, may be free for eligible tickets. Some major corrections may need extra review. Call +1 (888) 843-5849 and we'll help you with this.

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THE CORE DISTINCTION

American Airlines Name Correction vs Name Transfer

A name correction means fixing a mistake in the passenger's name while keeping the same traveler. It can include spelling errors, typing errors or eligible legal name updates. A name transfer means changing the ticket to another person's name, which American Airlines does not allow.

Name Correction

The ticket stays with the same traveler — only the spelling or legal name is updated.

What qualifies:

  • Fixing a typo (e.g. "Jhon" → "John")
  • Adding or correcting a middle name
  • Legal name change after marriage or divorce
  • Court-ordered name update
  • Reversing first and last name if entered in wrong order
Allowed — no fee since April 2023

Name Transfer

Moving the ticket to a completely different traveler — not permitted on any American Airlines fare.

What is not permitted:

  • Giving your ticket to a friend or family member
  • Changing the passenger to an entirely different person
  • Selling your ticket to someone else
  • Transferring a reward or miles ticket to another traveler
  • Any change that makes a different individual the passenger
Not permitted on any fare type, including Basic Economy

Name Correction Guidelines

A major name correction is needed for some American Airlines bookings where the name cannot be updated on the existing ticket.

When is a major name correction required?

A new booking may be required if your ticket includes:

  • "R" class inventory
  • An American Airlines codeshare flight
  • A flight operated by another airline but ticketed by American Airlines

The passenger must remain the same. Tickets cannot be transferred to another person.

Important: Your date of birth and gender must stay the same during the name correction process.

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How to Complete a Major Name Correction

1

Correct the Name

Create a new booking with the passenger’s correct name.

Make sure the name matches the government-issued ID exactly.

Name corrections cannot be made within 24 hours of departure

2

Keep the Same Trip

The new booking must have the same flights, travel dates, route, and booking class as the original ticket.

If you cannot recreate the same itinerary, contact American Airlines for assistance.

3

Add Passenger Information

Enter the passenger's required travel details in the new booking.

The date of birth and gender must remain the same as the original booking.

4

Apply the Required Waiver Code

Add the waiver code MAJORNC when reissuing the ticket.

If the ticket includes an Instant Upgrade, use MAJORNC/IU instead.

5

Reissue the Ticket

Reissue the ticket using the original fare.

Flights and travel dates cannot be changed during the process.

Eligible major name corrections do not have an additional name correction fee.

American Airlines Name Change Policy Details

Small name changesAllowed for eligible American Airlines and American Eagle tickets.
Major name changesLegal name change fees are around $150+ that varies by route and fare class.
Name correction feeNo fee applies for eligible small name corrections.

How to Correct Your Name on an American Airlines Ticket

  • Check your ticket and compare the name with your government-issued ID or passport.
  • Contact American Airlines or Airlines Manage with your booking reference and correction request.
  • Provide any required documents if you're requesting a legal name change.
  • Review any applicable fees or fare rules before confirming the correction.
  • Verify that the updated ticket matches your ID exactly before you travel.

Not Sure Which Category Your Situation Falls Under?

The distinction between a correction and a transfer isn't always obvious. If there's any doubt — a nickname vs. legal name, a hyphenated surname, a middle name that appears on one document but not another — call us first.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I change my American Airlines ticket name to another person?

No. American Airlines does not allow passengers to transfer a ticket from one person to another.

2

How do I fix a spelling mistake on my American Airlines ticket?

You can request a name correction if you are the same passenger and the correction meets American Airlines requirements.

3

How much does it cost to change a name on an American Airlines ticket?

Small name corrections do not have a name correction fee according to American Airlines guidelines. Other cases may require review depending on ticket details.