Changing the Name on my Ticket with American Airlines
American Airlines and I have had a rocky relationship.
Their lack of communication with their alliance partner Aer Lingus meant my Ireland trip was cut short. Their refusal to hold a plane for me for 5 minutes (because my connecting American Airlines flight was 2.5 hours late due to mechanical problems) meant that Elizabeth and I had to spend Christmas in a Miami hotel eating frostbitten macaroni and cheese, instead of on the beach in Belize with family dining on fresh fish.
The Name Change Dilemma
But I was ready to give them another chance for our upcoming travels to South and Central America. In March, Elizabeth and I booked our December tickets to Belize with American. Because I hadn’t decided whether I would change my name when I got married in June, I booked it with my maiden name. But I ended up changing my name after the wedding.
So I did some research into American’s name change policy, which is:
For marketed and operated flights by American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection:
Legitimate changes to a passenger’s name will be accommodated. The agent will need to call AA Sales Support to complete the name change and retain the inventory. Legitimate name changes include spelling changes, changes to last names due to marriage or divorce and changes to prefixes (for example, Mr. to Dr.).
I called them, prepared to fax over my legal documentation of my name change, and even a copy of my passport in my new name, and cross that off my list.
Then they said it would cost $100 for them to update my ticket. I said I’d call back later.
photo credit: alex-s
Searching for a Fee-Free Way
After talking to three customer service people without making headway, I did some research. It seems both Northwest and United accommodate legitimate name changes, free of charge.
Moreover, American’s own website says that legal name changes will be accommodated — with no mention of a fee.
In these days of outrageous airline fees, I shouldn’t be surprised that I’m expected to pay a fee of $100 for 30 seconds of work. But I am. If it were a question of airport security and I was trying to change to name on my ticket the day my flight left, I would understand. But it seems like it’s just another way to squeeze money out of travelers. I’ve flown tens of thousands of miles with American and, call me a starry eyed optimist, I expect to be treated a little better.
Any Advice?
Has anyone had any luck changing a name on an American Airlines ticket without incurring a fee? Any advice?
Oh I feel for you! I went through name-change hell when I tried to change my name on my driver’s license b/c we had a foreign marriage certificate. Unfortunately, I have no advice though - other than to call AA and tell them that other airlines don’t charge this, you’re very upset, and would like the fee waived. If they say no, maybe ask to speak with a manager? What a pain! Hope it gets resolved quickly!
They just told me they wanted $100 to change my seat on a flight! Ah, times are tough for airlines these days.
My question: why do you care? Assuming you haven’t changed your passport (or some other form of ID) before you travel, why not just leave the ticket under your old name? Even if you have only ID with your new name, I’m guessing the marriage paperwork and the like will get you through security just fine.
Kimberly, you might want to contact consumerist.com. They have a great track record for digging up the contact information for corporate executives who actually have the power to get these sorts of things fixed.
I am so sorry you’re facing such a hassle and pain in the neck. Good luck getting it all fixed up!
with airlines, there is no way to get anything for free!
This is funny timing… I’m giving away my American miles because I’m so sick of them, on my site: http://almostfearless.com/2008/09/18/american-airlines-can-bite-me-the-contest/
I’m calling it the American Airlines Can Bite Me Contest
I think you might be having a similar sentiment today.
I would try to board with your maiden name. It’s still your legal name, and they shouldn’t be able to stop you from boarding, if you have something in that name. (My passport is in my maiden name with the married name stamped on the back page).
@Josh and @Christine - Problem with taking the risk and not changing the ticket is that 1) I’ve already changed my passport and 2) I’m not worried about being allowed on the plane going to Belize but returning back. If it were a domestic trip I would just bring by legal documents. But since it’s international (and if you’ve been the the Belizian airport you know it’s really low tech) I’m not convinced they will let me on the plane to get back to the U.S.
@ Christine - I love the “American Airlines Can Bite Me” contest. You’re right about timing!
That is absolutely outrageous. I’m not sure how long this fee has been in place, but I know that the airlines have taken a huge hit in the past year due to the rise in oil prices. This is probably just another attempt by them to recoup their losses. It still doesn’t explain why they’re the *only* airline to charge a fee, however.
I got married in June and traveled within the US on a ticket in my maiden name in August, even though I already had a new driver’s license in my married name. I brought both my new and old driver’s licenses and a copy of my marriage certificate.
If you haven’t changed your passport yet, you can still use the one in your maiden name. If you have, perhaps you can take your old and new passport and marriage certificate to show why your name doesn’t match your ticket.
BTW, Continental won’t change the name on your ticket period. I lost frequent flier miles too because the idiots didn’t say until after i already changed the name on my frequent flier number that I couldn’t receive credit for flights taken under my old name and that they couldn’t change the name on my ticket…
This is an excellent post. So many newly weds face this dilemma after the wedding. In most instances the wedding planner should be telling the bride not to legally change her name until after the honeymoon trip, but sometimes that point gets overlooked.
Unfortunately it is my understanding that all passenger have to pay fees for name changes. American should be able to see; and use a little rationale, in terms of how much you do travel with them , but don’t count on it. They need every penny to pad their bottom line.
Definitely ask to speak to a manager. I had to do so recently when I called to get my American Advantage airline miles reinstated for a trip to Turks & Caicos. The resort we had booked at had been walloped by the hurricanes and had to close during the period we had used our miles for. The first time I called the rep. insisted I would have to pay $200 to put the airline miles back into my account. I called back and asked to speak to a manager at which point the agent agreed, but asked what she could do for us. I explained the situation and she put me on hold and came back saying they would reinstate the miles with no fee.
[...] GoGreenTravel hates AA too [...]
Update: I called American for a 5th time about this last night and was told they still won’t change my name. And this time they told me if they did, they’d charge me a $200 fee (instead of the $100 they said they’d charge me before).
At least the woman I talked to seemed genuinely apologetic. She told me I should just travel with my new passport and, since my maiden name is now my middle name, I should be fine. I might be searched at security, but to avoid a $200 fee, I’m willing to risk it.
I still stand my ground that airlines should be much more accommodating about changing names on tickets due to marriage.
I am trying to see what people think of this idea. What if instead of worrying about broken systems for the bailout we pour money into alternative ways to transport people and goods? Did this not help in the past when new highways were built? This could not only be a chance to get us out of our deficit but also go a bit green. I was reading this site and thought it was a great idea. Not necessarily that we should put tons of money here but here and things like this. http://www.petergreenberg.com/2008/10/27/tired-of-airplanes-how-about-a-zeppelin/
Really cool blog. I found it on yahoo. I am looking forward to read more posts.
Can anybody tell me what?s the best hotel in Paris for my honey moon? I going to married next month..
Thank you
Kimberly,
Were you able to travel with the new passport withought changing the name? I am in the same situation now. Please help.
[...] fall, I posted about my failed attempts to change my name on my American Airlines plane ticket. In the end, I was able to travel on that ticket without paying a fee — but it wasn’t [...]