How to Change Name on American Airlines Ticket?

American Airlines offers minor name corrections for unused tickets, while major corrections require a new PNR for certain itineraries.

You finally lock in your flight, and for a second, everything feels in place—until your eyes catch a name that's not quite right. Maybe it's a typo, maybe it's wrong name ticket, or maybe someone else booked it and didn't double-check. Either way, that small error suddenly feels big. If you're trying to sort out an American Airlines name change, here's what actually helps—without the stress.

Does American Airlines allow name changes?

Yes, AA does allow name corrections, but not full name changes to a different person. If your name is misspelled, their American Airlines Name Change policy lets you fix it, depending on your ticket type.

Fond Tip: If your ticket is in "R" inventory, always create a new booking—changing the name may cancel your reservation.

What is the American Airlines name change policy?

American Airlines allows name corrections, but not full name changes on wholly unused (001) validated tickets to match TSA-required ID. There are two types: Minor and Major corrections, depending on the flight and fare type.

Here's how change name on American airline ticket works:

🚨 Important: American doesn't allow name transfers

You cannot transfer a ticket to another person. Only name corrections (for typos, legal name changes, etc.) are allowed.

Read more: Guide to American Airlines Flight Change Policy

What are the rules for name correction on American ticket?

American Airlines allows name correction on unused tickets (starting with 001) for both simple typos and larger corrections, following Minor and Major guidelines based on the type of itinerary and inventory.

👉 Rules for name correction on American flight tickets are:

1. Minor Name Correction Rules: You can fix small name issues in the same booking (PNR) if all flights are operated by American or American Eagle and the ticket hasn't been used.

❖ Use the same PNR for minor name correction on American tickets.

❖ No American Airlines name correction fee or fare difference.

❖ No changes to flights or dates.

❖ Waiver code: Use NC03AGCY in the Endorsement Box.

❖ Instant Upsell waiver (if applicable): NC03AGCY/IU.

❖ DOB and gender must stay the same.

❖ If R inventory, follow major correction rules.

❖ Airline flight change tickets must be reissued as an even exchange.

❖ No change flight ticket allowed within 24 hours of departure.

2. Major Name Correction Rules: When the itinerary includes codeshares (AA/other airline flights) * or "R" inventory, you must create a new PNR for the corrected name.

❖ Name change on American Airlines cannot be corrected in the original PNR.

❖ All flight details must match exactly (flight numbers, dates, times, inventory).

❖ No fee or fare difference for reissue.

❖ Waiver code: Use MAJORNC in the Endorsement Box.

❖ Instant Upsell waiver (if applicable): MAJORNC/IU.

❖ Original DOB and gender must remain unchanged.

❖ Do not cancel the original PNR until the new one is confirmed.

❖ Reissue ticket as even exchange.

❖ No changes allowed within 24 hours of departure.

▶ Name Corrections for Infants: Whether your infant is on your lap or in their own seat, American allows name corrections:

❖ Lap infants: Fix in same flight booking, no waiver code needed

❖ Infants with seats: Minor or major correction rules apply based on itinerary

❖ Gender in records must include an "I" (e.g., FI or MI)

Experiencing a name change on ticket? Reach out to us at +1 (571) 389 6426 for help.

Read more: How Much Can a Carry-On Baggage Weight on American Airlines?

How to change the name on an American Airlines ticket?

To change the name on American Airlines ticket, you can correct minor errors directly in the same booking or create a new PNR for major corrections, depending on your ticket type.

▶ Here's how to go about making the correction:

1. Check your itinerary

• If it's American Airlines only → Minor correction
• If it includes codeshare/other airline flights or "R" inventory → Major correction

2. Decide if it can be fixed in the same PNR

• Minor: Can be corrected within the same flight booking
• Major: Needs a new PNR, but don't cancel ticket until the new one is confirmed and ticketed

3. Correct the name

• Update the name to match the travel document (passport/ID)
• Re-enter Secure Flight data (DOB and gender must stay unchanged)

4. Apply the correct waiver code

• Insert the appropriate waiver code in the Endorsement Box of the ticket (NC03AGCY or MAJORNC)

5. Reissue the ticket

• Reissue as an even exchange — same fare, no extra cost, no name change on American ticket to flights or dates.

6. If the itinerary includes an infant

• You can correct the infant's name in the same PNR, even if it includes codeshare flight reservations.
• No waiver code is needed for lap infants.

Fond Tip: Always double-check your name before booking! But if there's a slip-up, AA offers a fair process to fix it—just make sure to act before the 24-hour window closes.

What type of name changes are allowed on American Airlines flight tickets?

There are two types of corrections for a name change on American Airlines ticket: minor name corrections and major name corrections—only on wholly unused, AA-validated (001) tickets. That means:

✅ Fixing typos or misspellings

✅ Correcting inverted names (first/last name swapped)

✅ Updating due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change

✅ Adjusting spacing, special characters, or secondary surnames

Notice a wrong name on ticket? Contact us at +1 (571) 389 6426 for immediate help with corrections.

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

Booked your flight but spotted a name typo? Don't stress—American Airlines name change cost is usually $0 for minor and major corrections, as long as your itinerary stays the same. Just be sure to update it early—name changes can't be made within 24 hours of your flight.

Read more: Does American Airlines have TVs On Their Seats?

What documents are required for changing name on American Airlines ticket?

If you need a name change on American flight ticket, you'll have to provide valid proof to support the correction. This applies to both minor fixes and legal name changes.

Required documents:

1. Government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license).
2. Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if name changed due to marriage or separation).
3. Legal name change document or court order.

These help American Airlines verify and update your name to match TSA records.

Closing Thoughts

Alright, we've untangled the American Airlines name change process step by step—no more guesswork! Whether it's a tiny typo or a major update, you now know exactly what's needed for a name change on American flight ticket. From documents to rules, it's all here in one place. Still need help to rebook flights or sorting your travel? Get in touch with FondTravels at +1 (571) 389 6426—we've got your back.

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