American Airlines Name Change Policy

American Airlines’ Business Class name change policy is strict, as tickets are generally non-transferable. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:

Key Points of American Airlines Business Class Name Change Policy

Name Changes Prohibited: American Airlines does not allow name changes to transfer a Business Class ticket to another person. The name on the ticket must match the traveler’s government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license). This rule aligns with security regulations and applies to all fare types, including Business Class.

Name Corrections Permitted:

• Minor Corrections: You can correct minor typographical errors (e.g., misspellings like “Jonh” to “John” or “Smithh” to “Smith”) or update a name due to legal changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, or court-ordered change). Corrections are typically limited to three characters across the first, middle, or last name, but this is not explicitly defined in American Airlines’ policy.
• Legal Name Changes: For changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, you must provide supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• No Fee for Minor Corrections: Minor corrections are usually processed free of charge, provided the change doesn’t involve transferring the ticket to another person. However, if the correction requires reissuing the ticket, fare differences may apply.

Process for Name Corrections:

• Online: Minor corrections can sometimes be made via the “Manage Trips” section on aa.com or the American Airlines app, especially if the ticket hasn’t been issued yet. Log in, retrieve your booking using your record locator and last name, and request the correction.
• Documentation: For legal name changes, submit documents via email, fax, or at the airport. Processing may take several days, so request changes as early as possible.
• Time Limit: Corrections must be completed at least two hours before the scheduled departure to avoid boarding issues.

Fees:

• Minor corrections typically incur no fee, but if the ticket needs reissuing (e.g., due to fare rules or significant changes), you may pay a fare difference or a reissue fee, which varies by fare type and route (e.g., $99–$200 for Business Class, based on anecdotal reports).
• A Reddit thread mentioned a $200 fee for a name correction on a Business Class ticket, but this is not officially confirmed and may depend on the specific circumstances or fare rules.

Special Cases:

• Marriage/Divorce: If your name changes due to marriage or divorce, provide a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The ticket will be reissued with the new name, potentially subject to fare differences.
• Involuntary Changes: If American Airlines cancels or significantly changes your flight, you can request rebooking under the same name without fees, even if the new itinerary differs.

24-Hour Risk-Free Period: For tickets booked directly with American Airlines, you can cancel or modify (including name corrections) within 24 hours of booking without fees, provided the booking was made at least two days before departure. This applies to Business Class tickets and aligns with U.S. Department of Transportation rules.

Boarding Restrictions: If the name on your Business Class ticket doesn’t exactly match your government-issued ID, you may be denied boarding. American Airlines enforces this to comply with security regulations. Ensure all names, including middle names if listed on your ID, match the ticket.

Codeshare or Partner Flights: For Business Class tickets on codeshare or partner airlines (e.g., British Airways, Iberia), the operating carrier’s name change policy may apply. If booked through American Airlines (ticket number starting with “001”), American’s policy typically governs, but coordination with the partner airline may be needed.

How to Request a Name Correction

Online:

• Visit aa.com or the American Airlines app.
• Go to “Manage Trips,” enter your booking details (record locator and last name), and check if the correction option is available.
• Follow prompts to submit the correction request.

At the Airport: Visit an American Airlines ticket counter or kiosk. Bring your ID and any legal documents. Note that airport staff may have limited ability to process complex changes, so act early.

Travel Agency: If booked through a travel agent, contact them directly. They may need to coordinate with American Airlines, which could delay processing.

Additional Notes

• AAdvantage Elite Benefits: AAdvantage elite members (e.g., Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro) may receive priority assistance for name corrections but are still subject to the same rules and potential fees.
• EU Regulations: For flights to/from the EU, passengers may be eligible for additional protections under EU Regulation 261/2004 if a name mismatch leads to denied boarding due to airline error, but this is rare.
• Customer Experiences: A FlyerTalk user reported successfully correcting a middle name on a Business Class ticket by calling customer service and providing a passport copy, with no fee. Another user on Reddit mentioned being charged $200 for a correction due to a fare reissue, highlighting variability based on fare rules.

Recommendations

• Double-Check at Booking: Ensure the name entered matches your government-issued ID exactly, including middle names if required. Errors are easier to avoid than correct.
• Act Promptly: Request corrections as soon as you notice an error to avoid last-minute issues or higher fees. Use the 24-hour risk-free period if applicable.
• Verify Fare Rules: Check your ticket’s fare conditions in “Manage Trips” or your booking confirmation email, as fees and flexibility vary by fare type (e.g., Business First, Business Flexible).
• Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance to cover costs if a name correction requires canceling and rebooking a ticket.