Last edit by: Prospero
Trivial name differences - first and last names without middle name, blending of middle or Latin style names, etc. should not cause trouble flying, as long as the identification used displays the primary characteristics of the name on the boarding pass / ticket on AA, and on most airlines.
However, Cathay Pacific and some airlines are genuine sticklers and may not make changes at their end. Members have reported challenging times getting fixes for otherwise trivial name issues.
Changing a name on an issued ticket - reissuing the same ticket to another person - will not happen.
Changing a date of birth due to an accidental account entry must be rectified by contact with AA.; you may (or not) be asked to fax supporting documentation. Some other account changes that don’t “stick” (sometimes passport information, etc.) will also have to be called in. Contact for gender changes or issues as well. See here for AAdvantage Account contact form (AAdvantage Customer Service is only open work days 7-7 Central time.) See post #1 for contact phone numbers and aa.com contact form page illustration.
See:
U.S. Department of State: Change or Correct a Passport link
Posts prior to 2016 have been archived, and can be read here.
Signed in members with 90 days / 90 posts can edit this Wikipost. Wiki contents may be printed by using the (lower right wiki corner)
However, Cathay Pacific and some airlines are genuine sticklers and may not make changes at their end. Members have reported challenging times getting fixes for otherwise trivial name issues.
Changing a name on an issued ticket - reissuing the same ticket to another person - will not happen.
Changing a date of birth due to an accidental account entry must be rectified by contact with AA.; you may (or not) be asked to fax supporting documentation. Some other account changes that don’t “stick” (sometimes passport information, etc.) will also have to be called in. Contact for gender changes or issues as well. See here for AAdvantage Account contact form (AAdvantage Customer Service is only open work days 7-7 Central time.) See post #1 for contact phone numbers and aa.com contact form page illustration.
See:
U.S. Department of State: Change or Correct a Passport link
Posts prior to 2016 have been archived, and can be read here.
Signed in members with 90 days / 90 posts can edit this Wikipost. Wiki contents may be printed by using the (lower right wiki corner)
Name, Gender Difference, Date of Birth, Change, Errors, etc. Account, Ticket, Award
#241
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Is it a long or hyphenated first name? It is possible that it is correct in the system but truncated in displays, e-mails & on boarding passes. I have two middle names, often it is truncated. I tend to just use one since field entries for names usually won't accept a space. I have never had a problem even eliminating the second middle name on international flights, which is on my passport.
James
James
#242
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,030
As posts above, unlikely to be a problem. May be able to fix at check-in desk.
Keep the physical boarding pass/phone e-boarding pass in case a problem crediting to a ffp
#243
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AAdvantage Exec Platinum, Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, HHonors Silver
Posts: 2,039
Changing Name on Ticket
A friend of mine needs to cancel a trip they purchased (Main Cabin Fare...Domestic...NOT Basic Economy, so no change fees). However, they believe they will not be able to use the value of the ticket before it expires. Can they change the ticket to someone else's name at no charge? Or is that not permitted on AA? Or is it permitted with a charge?
Thanks!
-Matt
Thanks!
-Matt
#244
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
A friend of mine needs to cancel a trip they purchased (Main Cabin Fare...Domestic...NOT Basic Economy, so no change fees). However, they believe they will not be able to use the value of the ticket before it expires. Can they change the ticket to someone else's name at no charge? Or is that not permitted on AA? Or is it permitted with a charge?
Thanks!
-Matt
Thanks!
-Matt
Otherwise you would have an entire black market of ticket buyers & sellers buying whatever tickets then can (when they're cheap) then reselling to others for profit and just changing the name.