Minor vs Major Name Change: American Airlines Policy Explained

protoursntravel
9 minutes ago
4 min read

This overarching guide covers the American Airlines Name Change Policy in detail. It explains why having the correct name on your ticket is critical for smooth travel, how minor spelling errors and major legal name changes are handled, and what steps to take to correct your ticket. The blog includes clear guidance on fees, required documentation, timelines, and common scenarios such as misspelled names, surname changes due to marriage or divorce, and complex itineraries including codeshare flights.

When booking a flight with American Airlines (AA), one of the details you cannot afford to get wrong is the passenger name. Whether due to a simple spelling error, a legal name change after marriage or divorce, or switching from one person to another—each scenario has very different implications. This guide gives a full breakdown of AA’s name-change/correction policy, how it works, why it matters, fees, steps, pitfalls, and how you (or via our assistance) can maximize your chances of a seamless process.

For immediate assistance call the official American Airlines number: +1‑800‑433‑7300, or for expert handling call +1‑866‑679‑5070 (Tours N Travel Pro) for help with your name change request.

Why Name Correctness Matters

Your ticket name must match your government ID — particularly for domestic TSA checks and international travel. If there is a mismatch, you risk denied boarding, extra fees, or the need to cancel and re‑buy a ticket.

AA clearly states that transferring a ticket to another person is not allowed. Therefore, even if you think “I’ll just update the ticket to my friend/family member”, that’s not allowed under AA’s rules.

Minor Corrections vs Major Changes

AA distinguishes between different types of name modifications:

Minor Name Corrections

These include typos (e.g., “Jonh” → “John”), missing or extra characters, swapped first/middle names, or adding/removing a middle name/initial.

Key points:

Original date of birth (DOB) and gender must not change.
The same booking reference can often be used when eligible.
In many cases, no fee or only a minimal fee will apply.

Major Name Corrections

These cover scenarios like:

Legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court order) where the name on ID and ticket must be aligned.
Changes for itineraries including other airlines, codeshare flights, or complex ticket types.

When a major correction is required:

A new booking often must be created matching the same flights, dates, and routing.
Additional documentation is needed (marriage certificate, court order).
Fees or fare differences may apply.

What AA’s Official Policy Says

Name changes from one person to another person are not allowed.
For minor corrections, the original DOB and gender must remain unchanged.
Corrections may not be made within 24 hours of departure for certain types of tickets.

In short: correcting your spelled name to match your ID is allowed, giving your ticket to someone else is not.

How to Change or Correct Your Name on AA

Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:

Review your booking immediatelyVerify that the name on the booking matches exactly your passport or driver’s license.
Identify the type of correction you need
- Spelling mistake → minor correction
- Legal surname change or codeshare/complex ticket → major correction
Call AA or Tours N Travel ProOfficial AA number: +1‑800‑433‑7300Tours N Travel Pro: +1‑866‑679‑5070
Provide documentation for major changesFor legal name changes, submit proof such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Request ticket reissue if neededFor major corrections, a new booking may be required. Ensure the new itinerary matches the original flights to avoid fare differences.
Confirm changes and review updated itineraryCheck that your e-ticket matches your ID and verify seat assignments, meal preferences, and frequent-flyer details.
Day-of-travel preparationArrive early at the airport if changes were recent and bring documentation to check-in.

Fees and Costs – What to Expect

Minor corrections: Often free if the ticket is wholly on American Airlines and detected early.
Major corrections: May involve fees, fare difference, or full ticket reissue. Costs vary depending on routing and class of service.

Tip: Acting quickly usually minimizes fees. Third-party bookings may require additional steps.

Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them

Scenario A: Misspelled Name

You booked as “Jannette Smith” but ID says “Janette Smith”.
Action: Contact AA immediately. Minor correction may be free.

Scenario B: Surname Change Due to Marriage

Your ticket has your old surname.
Action: Submit marriage certificate, may require ticket reissue.

Scenario C: Ticket Includes Partner Airline or Codeshare

One segment operated by partner airline.
Action: Likely a major correction. Call early, prepare for documentation and possible fees.

Scenario D: Ticket Transfer to Another Person

You want to change ticket to a different person.
Action: Not allowed. Must cancel and rebook under the correct name.

Insider Tips to Maximize Success

Always use your full legal name.
Book early and verify name immediately after booking.
Keep documentation handy for legal changes.
Call early to avoid last-minute stress.
For complex tickets, use Tours N Travel Pro +1‑866‑679‑5070.
For international flights, ensure ticket exactly matches passport.

Summary

Correcting your name on an American Airlines ticket can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

Tickets cannot be transferred to another person.
Minor corrections are easier and often free.
Major corrections require documentation, may incur fees, and could require ticket reissue.
Act early and verify tickets against your ID.
Use AA official support +1‑800‑433‑7300 or Tours N Travel Pro +1‑866‑679‑5070 for guidance.