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Can I Change Airline Ticket Name?


The following are various procedures that one can follow when they wish to alter their name on their airline ticket.

Whenever you buy an airline ticket, the name which is written on that ticket should correspond to the name on the photo identity card that you want to use during journey. This helps the person examining your I.D. for authentication establish that you are the ticketed passenger. However, there are some instances where the holder would wish to alter the name that appears on the ticket after purchase. Common reasons for needing a name change include:Common reasons for needing a name change include:

  • Marriage is another such rite of passage that carries the baggage of having to change one's last name.

  • One can also find his or her legal name or middle name spelled wrong on the ticket

  • It is a situation where one wishes to pass on the ticket to another relative or friend

    Fortunately, it is not forbidden to change a name in a majority of airlines, although it may cost extra. Here is all that you are required to know regarding name alterations on airline tickets, the name correction option, and the reissuing of tickets to another traveler.

    When Can One Transfer a Name on an Airline Ticket?

    It is important for the passenger to note that ticket name changes are possible but are guided by the airline policies on when and how this is possible. Some basic requirements that most airlines allow for correction include simple spelling mistakes or cases of legal name changes, such as those that occur due to marriage or divorce, among others. If you want to make any correction, you have to inform your airline and provide supporting documents for them to allow you to make corrections, and the charges for this are normally small.

    However, if you intend to transfer your ticket to a different passenger, there are the cancellation and rebooking fees that you will be charged. Travelers wish to change names for business and personal gains, and airlines are allowed to decline such changes where it appears that the name change would be used for sale. Nevertheless, if the new passenger is a direct relative or using the ticket for rescue or humanitarian reasons, most airlines will swap the ticket for a change fee. This may also include non-relatives, depending on the policy of the airline to allow it.

    For any reason, people should know that flight name changes are more convenient if one is done earlier in the flight schedule. When it comes to additional bookings, the requests made close to the expected time of arrival are usually rejected for persons who are not related to the initial traveler.

    What is the cost involved when a person wishes to change his/her name on an airline ticket?

    The costs involved in changing the name of the traveler appearing on an airline ticket are not fixed. In the light of the U.S. federal rule, passengers should be permitted to correct minor legal name or spelling mistakes at a charge. It was found that many airlines expect passengers to pay between $100 and $150 for changes in names after the purchase has been made.

    For some reason, if you require a completely new ticket issued to another person, the cost is likely to be as low as $150 to be issued on the very day of the domestic flight. When it comes to international flights with a distance of less than 3,000 miles, you should be prepared to spend at least $200 if you want to change the name of a family member. Economy and premium economy change fees vary depending on the flight length, but usually start at $300 for long-haul and intercontinental flights.

    Whereas, changing to an unrelated passenger can be done for higher charges. It is possible that some of the airlines may charge as high as 75% of the ticket price. . Basic economy class and other highly restricted economy fares normally do not permit the transfer to another traveler, irrespective of the family connection.

    The Airline Name Correction Policy is a policy that allows passengers to change the name of an airline by adopting the given name and amending the airline name in the booking.

    Name correction on tickets is governed by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, which mandates that passengers must be allowed to fix innocuous name errors on tickets for a “reasonable charge” As illustrated by the examples above, every single major airline has a name correction policy that sets out acceptable changes as distinct from total reissuing.

    For instance, through Manage Trips," American Airlines gives you an opportunity to change your first, middle, or last name before the travel at a fee of $150 for every ticket. Delta Airlines™ online fees for changing names are $150 plus any fare difference; $300 at airport ticket counters and service centers. This is usually done at no extra cost, but minor spelling errors are normally corrected for the same charge. The majority of name correction policies do not allow transfer of tickets to another passenger who is not related to the ticket holder.

    What are the Documents Required to Endorse Change of Name on an Airline Ticket?

    For the change or transfer of names, you need to show some reasons as to why there is a need to do so on an airline ticket.

  • For basic name corrections or changes after major life events, airlines typically request:

  • Change due to marriage may include an identification card, voting card, government-issued marriage certificate, and driving license.

  • A copy of the divorce decree stating that she wants to change her last name back to her maiden name

  • An official document that proves that you have adopted a child or the birth certificate of a child you adopted

  • Judicial stamp as evidence of the formal change of name

  • To transfer a ticket to another traveler, whether a family member or not, the airline will ask for:

  • An official application written by the primary ticketed individual to request an alteration in the name of the traveler.

  • Passport photographs and other identification documents in the case of the initial traveler and the new traveler.

  • An ID if transferring car to a relative, like a birth certificate for children.

    These documents have to be presented to the airline at the earliest possible time before the intended travel, either scanned or physically. Transferring flights on the same day may compel passengers to visit the airport ticket counter personally, as all passengers are required to be physically present. Any changes must be documented well for the airline to approve the same and also charge any change fee that may apply.

    How do I modify the name on the airline ticket?

    Follow these steps when you need to change the name on your airline ticket:

  1. Go through the contract of carriage and name change policy on the airline's website - In this regard, it is important to read through the standard policy that is laid down by the airline on matters concerning name change. This prescribes as to what extent and in what manner changes are permissible or not permitted. It also defines fee requirements and the documents that need to be submitted.

  2. Inform the airline instantly. "IIf you require a mere spelling error or a change of seat for another passenger, call the airline company. This means that requests for name changes a few days before the wedding may not be permitted.

  3. Gather appropriate documents. Always have electronic or paper copies of the supporting documents that will be useful in proving identity and reasons for the name change.

  4. Fees: Depending on the type of name change and restrictions set by the airline, it could be necessary to make additional payments for processing fees or ticket reissuing.

  5. Request confirmation for the new ticket reservation. Ask the service provider to provide you with the new ticket reservation in writing and with the correct passenger's name. Check all the other information, including the flight numbers, routes, seats, etc.

    It is wiser to adhere to the airline's displayed policies and ensure that all relevant documents are provided in order to facilitate the process of changing ticket names. It is also important to recheck the information provided and make changes to them or other data as soon as possible after certain mistakes happened when booking or after some significant life changes occur. It helps to avoid subsequent travel problems or refusal of embarkation because enough preparation has been made beforehand.