Can You Change The Name On An Airline Ticket?
Steps that one has to go through when changing the name of a ticket issued by an airline company
In most circumstances, it is possible to get a non-refundable airline ticket to be transferred with a new name, although it comes with certain charges. Thus, airlines practice name change policies to ensure that ticket holders do not resell the tickets to other persons. However, there could be reasonable circumstances in which one may need to transfer their name to another person for instance, due to a canceled trip at the last minute or when typing the name wrongly while booking a flight, then airlines might permit a name change for a price. Here is everything that you need to know about changing the ticketed passenger names while selecting the airline reservation.
Ensure that the particular airline accepts name changes
It is essential to start by identifying the policy of the particular airline you are flying with. Most airlines allow name changes for a fee, but policies vary between airlines regarding Most airlines allow name changes for a fee, but policies vary between airlines regarding:
-
Fees: The prices are usually between $100 and $300 for domestic U. S. flights and can be even higher for international connecting flights.
-
Timing: "Some airlines™ policies demand changes to be done 48-72 hours before the scheduled flight, while others allow changes any time before check-in.
-
Applicable fares: "NName changes may only be made to traditional full-fare economy tickets, but not to basic economy tickets or award tickets.
So before using this reasoning that one can change a name, read the details of changing it in the policy of the airline.
Name Corrections versus Name Alterations
Here, it is important to understand that airlines do not handle name corrections and name changes in the same way. This form of mishap is also known as a name correction, where a passenger's name on the ticket is misspelled due to a typing error or a mistake made by the booking agency. Airlines may sometimes permit name change corrections without charging passengers an extra fee for the service.
A name change is a process of changing the ticketed passenger with another traveler. It is crucial to understand that fees for name change apply in this case because the customer is essentially getting a new ticket from an airline.
In what way can the following information be useful for name changes?
To change the traveler name on an airline reservation, provide the: To change the traveler name on an airline reservation, provide the:
-
6-13 character code to reserve a character or ticket number
-
Any additional passenger's full names, as displayed on the government-issued IDs used for traveling at the time of purchasing tickets.
-
Other information includes the date of the plan and the details of the itinerary.
-
The reason for the change in the name of a certain organization or company.
-
Method of payment for the fee payable for the change of name
It is important to note that name changes cannot be processed through airport ticket counters. The ticketed passenger's names can be changed by calling the airline or by managing the booking before the intended flight time.
The Consequences of Charging Fee for Name Changes
It is important to note that when it comes to modifying information on tickets that cannot be refunded, airlines are bound to lose some amount of money. Mainly fees help airlines recoup expenses associated: Mainly, fees help airlines recoup expenses associated with:
-
Destroying the tickets and having new ones issued in the new passenger's name
-
Overhead costs to accommodate identity changes
-
Reduce opportunity for traveler abuse, such as making and selling of cheap, non-refundable tickets.
Thus, although certain fees, such as name change fees, can sound quite impressive, they allow for keeping the average ticket prices relatively low and minimizing the risks of ticket reselling.
This is why some airlines may wish to waive fees:
Changing the name is not an unusual occurrence, although it is usually accompanied by fees; however, airlines can be reasonable and give a waiver for some circumstances. Some examples include:
Medical emergency: In case the originally ticketed passenger did not travel because of an unforeseen medical emergency before the flight, the airline may allow another person to travel in his/her place for free with a one-time name change privilege. Documentation may be required.
Death in the family: Likewise, if there are some changes that you want to make on your ticket, such as a name change, the airlines may allow for fees and restrictions to be lifted in the event of the unfortunate death of an immediate family member or a close relative upon presentation of the proof.
Minor child: If the parents or guardians transporting an in-law minor child wish to switch names for any reason, this can often be done for free, but an adult may need to go with the child because of some other circumstances.
Misspelled legal name: Of course, as pointed out earlier, if an airline or agency inputs the wrong name on the passenger's government ID, then the airlines allow for the correction without charge since it is their mistake.
Format Changes Like Middle Names: Styling of the name, such as adding a middle name or letters, most probably does not attract a name change fee, so long as one can prove that the current name matches the legal name.
Other strategies that can be used to prevent name change fees include:
If an airline will not waive fees based on the situation, here are some other options to avoid change penalties: If an airline will not waive fees based on the situation, here are some other options to avoid change penalties:
Use the Ticket: This means that the original ticketed passenger should travel and not some other person, as usually seen in other companies. It avoids the fee.
Cancel the Ticket: Instead of a name change, some airlines might let a ticket be canceled for airline credit with which they can book another flight in the correct passenger name for at least slightly lower than changing fees. But never mind that; the cancellation conditions and fees remain in place at all times.
Claim the Ticket Value: Likewise, United, Delta, and American airline companies introduced programs enabling passengers to cancel their flight tickets and retain the amount in their account for another trip. These credits may be used by any passenger without having to meet any requirements as to why they need the credit. Fees may still be involved, but are usually lower than those charged for an absolute change of name.
Refundable Fares: If possible, book fully refundable fares because name changes carry no fees here. I found out that advance tickets are cheaper but unfriendly when it comes to alteration as compared to flexible tickets.
Buy New Ticket: In the worst-case scenario, it may be cheaper to purchase a new ticket in the right name, especially if using change fees applies to basic economy and highly restrictive fares. Just be sure to cancel the original booking if you want to tap into any refund potential on your part.
No passenger names should be revealed when making bookings.
Along the process, mistakes and situations occur when there is a requirement for replacement of passengers in the airline tickets. But name discrepancies can often be avoided altogether with careful booking protocols like But name discrepancies can often be avoided altogether with careful booking protocols like:
-
Verify legal names: It is best to double-check the spelling of the full name for identification documents when making a booking to prevent mistakes of typos or differences in name format.
-
Book under traveler: The only one who should make a flight reservation and provide his or her data is a flyer. Avoid third-party bookings.
-
Double-check details: One must review all the passenger information carefully for correctness after the booking has been made. It is expected to match names, dates, and routes with their respective ID documents.
Applying airline name policies along with other options can usually reduce change fees to a greater extent. However, it is a one-time charge for the same passenger, and changes of names on airline reservations are allowed for a fee most of the time due to some special situations.