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Can I Change A Name On An Airline Ticket?


This article will provide information on how to change the name that has been provided on an airline ticket.

If you want to change a name on an airline ticket, there are several things that you should know This depends on the airline that you have booked with and the type of ticket. Here are the things that you must know regarding the modification of ticket names with different airline and ticket types.

What does it entail to undertake a Name Change?

A name change on an airline ticket means change of the traveler name that has been validated by the airline company and written on the ticket. In particular, it is usually an exchange of one passenger's name for another passenger's name. Hence, if the person whose name is on the ticket like “John Smith” cannot board the flight that was booked, the ticket would rather show another passenger like “Jane Doe”.

Airline measures concerning name change

However, most airlines may not allow name change on tickets or may charge extra fees for the service. For most passengers, a name change means a full ticket change and this can be very expensive. Airlines do this to avoid situations where the tickets are resold by fraudsters and get into the wrong hands. However, there are certain situations where an airline may allow passengers to travel on a flight with a different name on their ticket, normally in cases of a misspelling of the name or change of status, for example by marriage or divorce. This will outline their reissue fees and kind of fare differences that might be incurred in the process of changing the name on a ticket.

The article is about the expenses that are incurred when changing a name.

As for the fees and the additional expenses to change the name, this factor is highly dependent on the specific airline, the type of ticket, and other conditions that exist. Some airlines have different policies regarding the name change, which sometimes may be considered as a full voluntary change; that is, the airline may be obliged to refund the full cost of the ticket. Some even tally service charges of between $100 and $300 on top of any potential fare difference from the time the ticket was initially purchased. Some specific OWC or OWG frequent flyer status or other higher statuses and/or premium tickets could as well eliminate change fees as well. But as it always happens, you can get stranded and pay the full ticket fare all over again.

Can Certain Cases of Name Change Be Done for Free?

Free name changes may be allowed in a couple special cases:Free name changes may be allowed in a couple special cases:

A minor misspelling of a name: "Most airlines™ policies state that no charges apply if you wish to correct a minor misspelling of a name. Even small mistakes, such as leaving out a letter or capitalizing a lowercase letter or vice versa, are important to correct. Change after other significant events: "Most of the U.S. airlines allow one free name change for the other significant events such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and the like, and in this case, the new name has to show that event has occurred by producing documents like the marriage certificate as evidence.

Despite this, there are some scenarios where the name change can be corrected without any charges; this only requires notifying the airline about the correction of the name or providing other personal documents.

How to Modify the Name on a Ticket That Has been Purchased Nonrefundably

Being able to change a name on a non-refundable airline ticket is actually very challenging. In essence, these restrictive ticket types do not allow changes or cancellations in a voluntary manner by its very design. However, in certain urgent situations, such as when one becomes ill or has an urgent family matter to attend, the airline will permit you to purchase a new ticket in another person's name, and then you can offset the cost of the non-refundable ticket against the new ticket. Another requirement is that you should usually be asked to submit written evidence of the reasons why you cannot take the flight. And it might also be possible to have the change fees are subtracted from the original ticket price and used for the new booking. Of course, it is mandatory to change a non-refundable ticket; however, it is not entirely unfeasible in special circumstances.

Process to Correct an Name in the Airline Ticket

If the airline permits it, here are the typical steps to change ticket names:If the airline permits it, here are the typical steps to change ticket names:

  1. Contact the airline. This you can do by either speaking to their customer service team or writing them an email in which you state the reason why you need the tickets to be updated.

  2. Change policy: "Check whether it is permissible to change the name, whether there are any charges that may be incurred or if there is any difference in the fare that needs to be paid, and if there are any documents that they require to be submitted.

  3. Submit the new name. "There might be some additional information that the airline would like to receive, such as documents proving the necessity of the name change.

  4. Voluntary airfare charges: "Submit any additional fees required by the airline for the change in name.

  5. Receive updated ticket. "The airline will adapt the existing reservation to incorporate the new name of the traveler and present you with a new ticket.

    In the same manner, to how far in advance can you change a name?

    It is suggested to suggest a name change about 48 to 72 hours before the flight that an airline has to offer. This ensures that they have ample time to start a new ticket with the new name and send it to you. Changing your name close to the flight can be a problem since it may not be allowed, it may cost extra money, or it may be very inconvenient to get another boarding pass that is more appropriate.

    Select pet and change its name. "In the case of adopting a new pet from a shelter, it is allowed to change the name of a newly adopted pet so that he or she can adapt to the new environment and new home with the family.

    This page provides information regarding the process of changing your name.

    Any modifications to names on an airline reservation are not a simple matter and can easily become cumbersome. Here are a few extra tips to smooth the process:Here are a few extra tips to smooth the process:

  • Major event: "People who use their name for a change due to events such as marriages, divorces, etc. need to note the time when a certain airline will allow them to update for free. Don't delay informing them.

  • Documents needed: Ensure the recipient has the right documents to produce and support the name change request when communicating with an airline.

  • Book early when possible "In some circumstances, such as employment or marriage, an individual may know well in advance the need for the change of names later on in life, in which case one should buy flexibly priced refundable tickets so as to avoid change fees.

  • Refunds may apply. "While it's true that if you have to cancel a particular ticket completely so as to get a new one for someone else, most of the time the airline issues a refund or travel credit for the initial ticket (less the changing fees).

  • Incentives are given and can be flexible. "AAt times, the members holding higher ranks in the loyalty programs of airlines do not incur the change fees or can change their flights for free.

    It is generally very difficult to change names on an airline ticket, but it can be done under certain circumstances if all the policies, the documents required, charges, and the time needed align well according to that airline's rules. However, it is advisable to carry out proper research and prepare well ahead in order to reduce the troubles later on.