You can change the name on an American Airlines ticket, but the process depends on how far in advance you book and what type of name change you need
American Airlines allows name changes on tickets, but the rules are strict. You cannot change the name to a completely different person — the ticket remains tied to the original passenger. What you can do is correct misspellings, update a legal name after marriage or divorce, or adjust how your name appears to match your ID. The airline charges a fee for most name changes, and you must contact them directly rather than making the change yourself online.
The fastest way to request a name change is to call American Airlines at 800-433-7300. Have your confirmation number, ticket number, and the correct name ready. You can also visit an airport ticket counter or use the American Airlines website to request the change through their customer service form, though phone is usually faster. The change typically takes 24 hours to process, though it can happen the same day if you call well before your flight.
Key Takeaways
- Name changes on American Airlines tickets are limited to corrections and legal name updates for the same passenger — you cannot transfer the ticket to a different person.
- Call American Airlines at 800-433-7300 with your confirmation number and ticket number to request the change; most changes incur a fee.
- The name on your ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID exactly, or you will not be allowed to board.
- Name changes typically process within 24 hours, but calling at least a few days before your flight gives you time to fix any problems.
- If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, you may need to contact them instead of calling American Airlines directly.
What counts as a name change versus a ticket transfer
American Airlines distinguishes between correcting a name and changing who flies. A name change fixes spelling errors, updates a legal name, or adjusts how your name appears — all for the same passenger. A ticket transfer would mean giving your ticket to someone else, which American Airlines does not allow. Once a ticket is issued in your name, only you can use it.
If you misspelled your name when booking, that is a straightforward correction. If you got married and your legal name changed, that is also a name change. If you want someone else to fly instead of you, you cannot straightforward change the name on the ticket — you would need to cancel and rebook, which may result in a loss of fare if the ticket is non-refundable.
How to request a name change by phone
Calling American Airlines is the most direct route. Dial 800-433-7300 and tell the agent you need to change the name on your ticket. Have ready: your confirmation number (the six-letter code from your booking confirmation), your ticket number (a 13-digit number), and the correct name as it appears on your government ID.
The agent will verify your identity and the reason for the change. They will explain any fees — American Airlines typically charges a fee for name changes unless the error was their mistake. Once approved, the agent will issue a new ticket with the corrected name. Ask for a new confirmation number and ticket number, and request that they email you the updated itinerary. If your flight is within 24 hours, mention that to the agent so they can prioritize the change.
Requesting a name change online or at the airport
If you prefer not to call, visit aa.com and look for the "Manage Reservations" or "Contact Us" section. You can submit a request through their customer service form, though responses typically take 24 to 48 hours. This method works if your flight is not for several days, but it is slower than calling.
You can also visit an American Airlines ticket counter at the airport, but this should be your last resort. Arriving early to handle a name change at the counter risks missing your flight if the change takes longer than expected. If you must do this, arrive at least three hours before a domestic flight and explain the situation to the agent when ready.
What information you need before you call
Gather these details before dialing 800-433-7300. Your confirmation number is a six-letter code sent in your booking confirmation email — it looks like ABC123. Your ticket number is a 13-digit number also in that email and on your receipt. Have the correct name written exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID: passport, driver's license, or state ID.
If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, have your legal documentation ready — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The agent may ask you to provide this as proof, either by email or at the airport. If you are straightforward correcting a spelling error, you just need to tell the agent what the error is and what the correct spelling should be.
Fees and what happens if you booked through a third party
American Airlines charges a fee for most name changes — the amount varies but is typically $75 to $100 for domestic flights and more for international flights. If the error was American Airlines' fault (for example, they misspelled your name during booking), the fee may be waived. Ask the agent whether the fee applies before you authorize the change.
If you booked your ticket through a travel agent, Expedia, Kayak, or another third-party website, contact them first rather than calling American Airlines directly. These sites sometimes handle name changes themselves, and calling the airline may cause confusion about who owns the ticket. Check your booking confirmation to see who issued the ticket — it will say "American Airlines" or the name of the travel agent or website.
Making sure your name matches your ID before you fly
The name on your ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID exactly — same spelling, same order, same capitalization. At check-in and at the gate, the agent will compare your ticket to your ID. If they do not match, you will not be allowed to board, even if the difference is small.
Once your name change is processed, read your new itinerary from aa.com or check your email for the updated confirmation. Print it or save it on your phone. Compare the name on the new itinerary to the name on your ID one more time before you go to the airport. If there is still a discrepancy, call American Airlines again as soon as possible — do not wait until you arrive at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on an American Airlines ticket if my flight is tomorrow?
Yes, but call when ready at 800-433-7300. Tell the agent your flight is the next day so they can prioritize the change. Name changes can process the same day if you call early enough, but waiting until the evening before your flight risks the change not being completed in time. Arrive at the airport extra early in case there are any last-minute issues.
What if I booked my ticket through Expedia or another website?
Contact the website or travel agent where you booked first. They may handle the name change themselves, or they may direct you to call American Airlines. Check your confirmation email to see who issued the ticket. If you call American Airlines directly when the ticket was sold by a third party, it can cause delays because the airline has to coordinate with the seller.
Do I have to pay a fee to fix a misspelling of my own name?
Usually yes, unless American Airlines made the error during booking. If you typed your name wrong when you reserved the ticket, you typically pay the fee. If the airline's system changed your name or misspelled it, ask the agent to waive the fee. Be honest about who made the mistake — agents can usually tell from the booking record.
Can I change the name on my ticket to someone else's name?
No. American Airlines does not allow ticket transfers. The ticket is tied to the original passenger and can only be changed to correct or update that same person's name. If someone else needs to fly, you must cancel the ticket and rebook under their name, which may result in a loss of fare depending on the ticket type.
What if my new name hasn't been officially updated yet but I have the court order?
You can change your ticket name to your legal name even if you have not yet updated your ID. Bring the court order (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order) to the airport along with your old ID. The agent will see that your legal name has changed and will allow you to board. However, it is easier if you update your ID first — contact your state's DMV or vital records office to do this before your flight.