American Airlines Name Change policy

American Airlines Name Change policy

Traveling with American Airlines comes with a variety of benefits, including flexibility when it comes to correcting mistakes made during the booking process. One common issue travelers have is a misspelled name on their ticket, which can cause unnecessary stress, especially when flying soon. Fortunately, American Airlines name change policy allows for name corrections in a clear and structured manner. 

In this blog, we will dive into the specifics of the policy, including both minor and major corrections, the associated guidelines, and how you can make sure your name is corrected with ease. 

What is the American Airlines Name Change policy?

The American Airlines name change policy refers to the rules and procedures in place to correct errors in a passenger's name on their ticket. American Airlines provides two types of name corrections: Minor Name Corrections and Major Name Corrections. These two categories apply depending on the type of flight inventory and other factors involved in the booking. Both policies aim to ensure that your name matches the official identification you plan to use while flying. Let's break down both policies so you can understand how to proceed if you find yourself in a situation where you need to correct a misspelled name or update the details on your flight ticket. 

Minor Name Correction Guidelines 

If you have a misspelled name on your ticket but the mistake is not drastic, it may be possible to make a Minor Name Correction. This typically applies to American Airlines and American Eagle flights that are wholly unused, meaning you haven't yet flown any segment of your itinerary.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Eligibility: Minor corrections can only be made for tickets involving American Airlines prime flights or American Eagle flights. If your ticket includes other airlines or codeshare flights, you will need to follow the Major Name Correction Guidelines.

   
   

2. What Can Be Corrected: Minor corrections usually involve adjusting slight errors, such as a miscapitalized letter or a small spelling mistake. However, the date of birth and gender must remain the same as originally entered in the Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD).

   
   

3. Process:

• The name on the ticket is corrected in the same PNR/Order to match the TSA-required documents.

• You will receive a new ticket with the corrected name at no additional charge. There's no Name Change fee involved.

• The flight dates and flights themselves must remain the same.

  
  

4. Waiver Code: When correcting the name, the Waiver Code NC03AGCY must be added to the endorsement box on the new ticket. This ensures that no additional fees are applied and that the name change is recognized.

   
   

5. Time Restrictions: Minor Name Corrections cannot be made within 24 hours of departure. This is because the flight may already be under Airport Control, and changes might not be possible.

Major Name Correction Guidelines

A Major Name Correction applies when the name change is more significant or involves bookings with codeshare flights, flights on other airlines, or certain types of inventory (like "R" inventory). Here's a closer look at how this works:

1. Eligibility: If your booking involves AA/codeshare flight segments*, flights with other airlines, or "R" inventory, you will need to follow the Major Name Correction process. This means you cannot make the change within the same PNR/Order, and a new PNR will be created.

   
   

2. What Can Be Corrected: Similar to minor corrections, the date of birth and gender must remain unchanged from the initial input in the SFPD. If these are altered, you may incur a debit memo.

   
   

3. Process:

• A new Passenger Name Record (PNR) will be created with the corrected name and the same flight itinerary (dates, flights, routing, etc.).

  
  

• Your original ticket will be reissued at no additional charge with the correct name. However, you cannot change the flight or dates.

  
  

4. Waiver Code: For Major Name Corrections, the Waiver Code MAJORNC must be included in the endorsement box. This helps ensure the correction is made without penalty fees.

   
   

5. Time Restrictions: Like minor corrections, Major Name Corrections cannot be done within 24 hours of departure.

Infant Name Corrections

Sometimes, name corrections are required for infants who are flying with an adult, either as a lap infant or an infant occupying a seat. Here's what you should know:

1. Lap Infant: If the infant is traveling with an adult and the name is misspelled, you can correct it in the same PNR/Order for both domestic and international itineraries.

   
   

2. Infant Occupying a Seat: If the infant occupies a seat, their name correction will follow the same guidelines as for adult travelers—either Minor or Major Name Correction, depending on the itinerary.

Why is It Important to Correct Your Name?

Ensuring that the correct name on the ticket matches your government-issued ID is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Even small mistakes can cause big problems at the airport or when you go through security. So, knowing the right procedures under the American Airlines Name Change Policy can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

What About the American Airlines Name Change Fee?

Many airlines charge a name change fee, but American Airlines has a much more flexible approach. For Minor and Major Name Corrections, there is no American airlines name change fee. You'll only pay for the original ticket and will not be penalized for changing your name as long as it's done within the rules of the policy.

However, keep in mind that while there are no fees for making corrections, there may still be some restrictions on changing flight dates or the origin/destination of your ticket.

How to Reach American Airlines Customer Service for Assistance

If you're unsure about which correction process applies to your ticket or need assistance, you can always reach out to an American Airlines customer service live person. They are available to guide you through the process, clarify any doubts you have, and ensure the name correction goes smoothly.

Correcting a misspelled name on your American Airlines ticket doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding the American Airlines Name Change Policy, including Minor and Major Name Corrections, you can ensure that your travel documents are accurate and that your journey proceeds without issues. Whether it's a small typo or a larger name discrepancy, American Airlines has clear guidelines to help you get it sorted without paying a hefty name change fee. So, next time you notice a misspelled name on your ticket, don't panic. Simply follow the steps laid out in this policy, and you'll be on your way to a stress-free trip.

Also Read: Allegiant Airlines Flight Change Policy