Roberta Aguirre
Changing the name on an airline ticket is a common concern for travellers, and the process can vary depending on the airline and the type of name change required. Generally, airlines allow minor name corrections, such as fixing typos or updating names after legal name changes, but full name changes are typically not permitted. It is important to review and confirm your details before booking to avoid issues, and if changes are needed, contact the airline as soon as possible. Some airlines may charge fees for name changes, and waiting until the last minute or the day of your flight can make the process more challenging and expensive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name change allowed? | Yes, but only for minor corrections or legal name changes. |
| Transferring tickets | Generally not allowed. |
| Name change at the airport | Possible, but not recommended. |
| Name change fee | Depends on the airline, some charge a fee, some don't. |
| Time limit for name change | Depends on the airline, some allow changes up to 24 hours before departure, some allow changes at the airport. |
| Documents required | Passport, ID, marriage certificate, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Airlines have varying name change policies
While it is generally not possible to change the name on an airline ticket to transfer it to another traveller, most airlines have procedures in place to correct errors such as typos and legal name changes. However, the exact policies can vary widely between airlines. For example, Southwest and JetBlue allow travellers to correct typos or misspellings in their names at least once free of charge. However, Southwest only allows up to three letters to be changed in the first name, and the correction must be made by an airline representative to avoid further fees. Other airlines, such as Delta, United, and JetBlue, have strict policies against name changes, while Frontier Airlines allows it for a fee of $75 plus any difference in fare.
Air France will correct minor spelling errors for free and will assist with adding missing parts of a name or adjusting the title or order of names. They will make these changes free of charge if requested at least 30 hours before departure. For major name corrections, such as more than three letters, or completely changing the name due to legal reasons, Air France charges a fee of up to €50-€200, depending on the fare type.
Norwegian Air Shuttle allows name changes for a fee, except on fully restricted fares. They offer Flex tickets that include free name changes and do not charge a fare difference for name changes. Minor spelling errors can usually be fixed without charge, but they charge a separate service fee of around €30 for changes made by phone or at the airport. Name changes must be made online up to three hours before departure.
Alaska Airlines allows one-time minor name corrections free of charge, including corrections of no more than three letters, obvious misspellings, completing a first name, and inverting names. They also allow name transfers for a $125 fee plus any difference in fare.
American Airlines offers flexibility for minor and major name corrections for wholly unused tickets. Minor name corrections may be made in the same PNR/Order for American Prime and American Eagle flights, but major name corrections require a new PNR/Order. Name corrections cannot be made within 24 hours of departure.
To confirm the specific guidelines, it is recommended to check the airline's website for their official name correction policy, which is usually listed in the terms and conditions or contract of carriage. It is also important to review your reservation details immediately after booking to avoid any issues. While some changes may be possible at the airport, it is not advisable to wait until the last minute, as it may depend on the capabilities or kindness of the ticket agent.
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Name change fees depend on the airline and ticket type
The name change fee depends on the airline and the type of ticket. While some airlines allow only minor name corrections, such as fixing typos or updating the ticket to reflect a legal name change, others permit full name changes for a fee. For example, JetBlue allows name changes only for minor spelling corrections, whereas Frontier Airlines permits full name changes for a fee of $75 plus the difference in fare. Similarly, Jet2 charges a fee of £35 for name changes, while Air France offers free minor corrections if requested at least 30 hours before departure but charges €50-200 for major corrections.
Some low-cost carriers, like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, allow changing the passenger's name but charge a high fee. EasyJet, for instance, charges £25/£55 depending on how far in advance the change is made. Meanwhile, Norwegian Air Shuttle allows name changes for a flat fee of €65 per flight for standard fares, while Flex tickets have free name changes. Lufthansa also offers free name corrections before ticketing and charges €100 afterward.
The time frame for making name changes also varies by airline. Some airlines, like Norwegian, allow name changes online up to 3 hours before departure, while Jet2 permits changes up to 4-5 hours before departure. It's important to review the specific guidelines of the airline, as some may require that the passenger's gender or date of birth remain the same when correcting a spelling error.
In summary, the name change fee and policies vary significantly by airline and ticket type. While some airlines offer free minor corrections, others charge fees ranging from £10 to €200. Full name changes are generally less common, with most airlines treating them as non-transferable tickets. Passengers should always review their reservation details and confirm the specific name change policies of their chosen airline to avoid issues at the airport.
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Name changes are easier to make before arriving at the airport
While it is possible to change the name on your ticket at the airport, it is much easier to do so before arriving. Airlines typically have procedures in place to correct typos and legal name changes, but the exact policies vary. For example, Southwest allows up to three letters to be changed in the first name, while JetBlue allows you to correct your first or middle name on the ticket. Delta, United, and JetBlue do not allow name changes, although Frontier Airlines does for a fee.
To avoid issues, it is best to review your reservation details immediately after booking and make any necessary changes as soon as possible. TSA rules require that the name on the boarding pass matches the passenger's government-issued ID presented at the security checkpoint. This is to ensure that all passengers have been screened against the government's watchlist. If your name has changed, bring documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Some airlines, such as Air France, will correct minor spelling errors for free if requested at least 30 hours before departure. However, they may charge a fee or decline the change if requested at the last minute or at the airport. Other airlines, such as Lufthansa, may not entertain name fixes at the airport at all. It is always best to check the specific guidelines of your airline and make any necessary changes as soon as possible.
If you are unable to make the changes yourself before arriving at the airport, you can head to the airline's ticket desk for assistance. However, keep in mind that the capabilities and kindness of the ticket agent will determine the outcome. To avoid any hassle, it is best to double-check your personal information and make any necessary changes before arriving at the airport.
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Typos and minor corrections are allowed by most airlines
Most airlines allow minor name corrections, such as fixing typos or misspelled names, as long as it's still going to be you travelling. However, the exact name correction policies vary across airlines. Some airlines allow name corrections free of charge, while others charge a fee.
For instance, Southwest and JetBlue allow travellers to correct typos or misspellings in their names at least once free of charge. Southwest, however, only allows up to three letters to be changed in the first name, and the correction must be made by an airline representative to avoid further fees. Similarly, Air France will correct minor spelling errors for free if requested at least 30 hours before departure. If the request is made at the airport, Air France may charge a fee or decline the change.
Other airlines, such as Norwegian Air Shuttle, charge a flat fee for name changes, typically around €65 per flight for standard fares, but do not charge a fare difference. They may also charge a separate service fee if the change is made by phone or at the airport. Jet2 also charges a fixed fee of £35 for name changes, which can be made online or by phone up to 4-5 hours before departure. In some cases, Jet2 staff at the airport can also assist with last-minute name changes.
Some airlines have specific requirements for name corrections. For example, Lufthansa allows name corrections due to marriage or minor errors, but tickets are non-transferable. Delta allows corrections to the first or middle name on the ticket but limits corrections to the last name to a maximum of three characters. JetBlue allows name changes if the date of birth and gender remain the same.
To confirm the specific guidelines, it is recommended to check the airline's website for their official name correction policy, usually listed in the terms and conditions or contract of carriage. It is also important to review your reservation details immediately after booking to avoid any issues at the airport.
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Legal name changes are allowed by some airlines
While most airlines do not allow name transfers, some do permit legal name changes. For instance, JetBlue allows name changes due to marriage, divorce, or adoption. However, this does not constitute a transfer of the ticket to another person. In such cases, the airline may require relevant documentation, such as a marriage certificate, as proof of the name change.
Some airlines, like Norwegian Air Shuttle, allow name changes for a fee, except on fully restricted fares. They also have fare types (Flex) that include free name changes. Similarly, Jet2 charges a flat fee of £35 for name changes, with no extra charge for a name swap.
Frontier Airlines allows name changes for $75 plus any difference in fare. Air France will correct minor spelling errors for free if requested at least 30 hours before departure. For major name corrections, they charge a fee of up to €50-€200.
It is important to note that each airline has its own policies regarding name changes, and these policies can vary widely. Some airlines, like Southwest, only allow up to three letters to be changed in the first name. Other airlines require that the passenger's gender or date of birth remain the same when correcting a spelling error. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific guidelines of the airline you are travelling with and make any necessary changes as soon as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline. Some airlines allow name changes at the airport, but it is best to contact the airline or travel agent as soon as you realise a name change is needed. Many airlines have a cut-off point for name changes, generally up to 24 hours before the flight.
Yes, you may be charged an administration fee. The fee charged depends on the ticket type, when and how the ticket was booked, how the correction is made, and, in some cases, whether payment of any fare/tax differences is required. Some airlines, such as Norwegian Air Shuttle, have a fixed fee for name changes.
No, name changes to transfer flight tickets are generally not allowed. This is because the airline needs to closely monitor seat availability and ensure no one is left behind.
Most airlines have procedures in place to correct typos. Contact the airline or agency you booked with as soon as possible. If you are at the airport, head to the airline's ticket desk. Minor corrections, such as fixing a typo or updating the ticket to reflect a legal name change, are usually allowed.
