American Airlines Name Change Policy 2026: Complete Guide to Fees, Rules

American Airlines does not allow ticket transfers between passengers, but it does permit name corrections under specific circumstances. Whether you have made a typo, gotten married, or need to update your legal name, understanding the airline's policies can save you from costly mistakes and airport headaches.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with American Airlines. Always verify policies directly with the airline before making changes.

Quick Answer: Can You Change a Name on an American Airlines Ticket?

Yes, but with important limitations. Minor corrections such as typos, misspellings, and inverted names are allowed and often free. Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order are also permitted with proper documentation. Adding or removing middle names is allowed without fees. However, transferring a ticket to another person is strictly prohibited.

Trending Name Change Scenarios in 2026

Marriage Name Change SurgeWith wedding season in full swing, many travelers are updating their tickets after saying "I do." American Airlines requires a marriage certificate for this correction.

The Typo EpidemicAutocorrect and rushed bookings are causing more name errors than ever. Simple corrections like "Jon" to "John" or swapped first and last names are the most common requests.

The Divorce Decree UpdatesPost-divorce name restorations are increasing. Travelers need their divorce decree showing the name change to process corrections.

The Middle Name MismatchWith stricter TSA requirements, more passengers are adding or correcting middle names or initials to match their IDs exactly.

Read Also :-Wingo Airlines Name Change and Correction Policy

How to Contact American Airlines for Name Changes

Call American Airlines directly at +1-855-869-7071, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other ways to request changes include visiting an airport ticket counter, contacting your travel agent if you booked through one, or updating some details online if you are an AAdvantage member.

Important: There is no online form for name changes. You must call or visit in person.

Step-by-Step Name Correction Process

Step 1: Check Your Ticket TypeIdentify whether your itinerary contains only American Airlines and American Eagle flights, which qualifies for a minor correction, or if it includes codeshare flights, other airline segments, or R‑inventory tickets, which require a major correction.

Step 2: Determine if It Is Minor or MajorA minor correction applies to AA and Eagle flights only, for typos, inverted names, and middle name changes, and can be processed within the same reservation. A major correction is required for codeshare flights, other airlines, R‑inventory tickets, and legal name changes, and it requires creating a new reservation.

Step 3: Apply the Correct Waiver CodeFor minor corrections, use waiver code NC03AGCY in the endorsement box. For minor corrections with instant upgrades, use NC03AGCY/IU. For major corrections, use MAJORNC, and for major with instant upgrades, use MAJORNC/IU. Place the waiver code at the start of any endorsement text on your replacement ticket to avoid debit memos.

Step 4: Reissue the TicketFor minor corrections, fix the name in the same PNR, add the waiver code, reissue with the original fare, and no extra fees apply. For major corrections, create a new PNR with the corrected name, book identical flights, dates, and routing, add the waiver code, and reissue as an even exchange. Contact the Agency Support Desk if you cannot book the same itinerary.

Step 5: Update Secure Flight DataAdd new SSR DOCS or SFPD information with the corrected name. It is critical to keep the original date of birth and gender unchanged. Submit this information at least 72 hours before departure.

American Airlines Name Change Fees 2026

Minor corrections such as typos and inverted names have no fee, provided they are done more than 24 hours before departure. Major corrections for legal name changes also have no fee when done with the proper documentation and waiver codes. Older policy fees of 200 dollars for domestic changes and 700 dollars for international changes may still apply to certain fare types, but most name corrections are currently processed without additional charges when the correct procedure is followed.

For refundable tickets, a processing fee of 25 dollars may apply for major name corrections in some cases. Additionally, if the correction requires rebooking in a different fare class, you may need to pay any fare difference.

When Is a Name Correction Free?

Minor spelling corrections typically cost nothing. The first passenger name change under certain exception policies may also be free. Changes made 90 or more days before travel may not incur fees, though fare differences could apply. Name corrections that use the proper waiver codes often mean no additional monies or penalty fee apply.

Required Documents for Name Corrections

Government‑Issued IDA valid government‑issued photo identification is essential. Your ticket name must match the first and last name exactly as shown on your ID. Acceptable forms include a passport, driver’s license, military ID, permanent resident card, or state‑issued identification card. Your ID must be current and valid.

Marriage or Divorce Certificate For surname changes after marriage, you must provide your marriage certificate that clearly links your previous name to your new one. For divorce, the divorce decree must clearly state the change or restoration of your name. Original or certified copies are required; regular photocopies or digital versions are not accepted.

Court Order for Legal Name Change For changes outside marriage or divorce, such as adoption or legal name changes, you need a court order showing your old legal name and new name clearly, with official court seals or signatures.

International travelers often use passport copies along with their main name change documents, especially when crossing borders.

Special Cases

Infant Name CorrectionsFor lap infants, corrections can be made in the same reservation as the adult, even with R inventory or codeshare flights, and no waiver code is needed. For infants occupying seats, minor corrections use NC03AGCY, while major corrections use MAJORNC, with proper SSR DOCS or Secure Flight data entry.

Instant Upgrade Ticket CorrectionsName corrections for tickets with confirmed instant upgrades require waiver codes NC03AGCY/IU for minor and MAJORNC/IU for major corrections. Premium inventory must be maintained for upgraded segments.

Within 24 Hours of DepartureName corrections cannot be made within 24 hours of departure because the flight comes under airport control. Security agencies receive passenger manifests 24 hours before departure, making last‑minute changes extremely difficult. If you are within this window, contact American Airlines immediately at +1-855-869-7071, but be aware that success is not guaranteed.

Important Reminders

American Airlines distinguishes between name corrections and name changes. You can fix your own name details to match identification, but you cannot give your ticket to someone else. Each eligible ticket allows only one name change, so check all passenger details carefully when booking.

Time is critical. You must make corrections before the 24‑hour departure cutoff and before check‑in. Once you check in, changes are no longer possible.

Always have the proper documentation ready and use the correct waiver codes to ensure smooth processing without unexpected penalties. Contact American Airlines at +1-855-869-7071 the moment you notice a discrepancy between your ticket and identification documents.