American Business Extra Customers Get New “Named” Benefit

Small businesses that are part of American Airlines’ Business Extra program have a new benefit available to them. In an update bulletin published to their SalesLink website, the airline will now allow for free name changes on applicable tickets for Business Extra accounts.

Travelers who are also partners in a small business may be able to get additional benefits on their American Airlines tickets. In a published update to American Airlines SalesLink, the airline announced certain business travelers may be able to switch the name on their tickets without any fees – including those who are part of the small business program Business Extra.

American Allows Free Name Changes on Select Tickets

According to the new information published by American, the Fort Worth-based carrier is “extending name changes on applicable tickets for corporate customers, Business Extra accounts and On Business Accounts.” Business Extra is the airline’s program for small businesses with at least two employees, offering “reduced travel expenses” and other benefits, including American AAdvantage Gold status and one-day passes to Admiral’s Club lounges.

In order to qualify, the tickets must be purchased through an active “contracted Corporate Travel Agreement, Business Extra or On Business account.” The tickets must fall under the global flexible waiver dates, and can be combined with other qualifying waivers. The current special Coronavirus global flexibility waiver applies to all travel purchased before Sept. 30, 2020, for travel dates through Dec. 31, 2020. Unused tickets expiring before Sept. 30, 2020 also apply under the global flexibility waiver.

Finally, the ticket must have a valid CART/Business Extra Number, or On Business Number in the tour code box. Under the policy, flyers can change the name on the ticket without paying the $200 fee.

Changes Limited to Business Extra Customers

Although the new changes benefit Business Extra customers, the program is available for anyone operating a business to sign up. In order to qualify, members must have official documentation of their business, as well as a federal employer identification number (EIN).

However, the benefit is not retroactive. In order to qualify for the name change benefit, the ticket must be booked using the Business Extra number. Tickets where a Business Extra number is applied after booking do not appear to be valid.