Can You Change Name On Airline Ticket?

As much as changing one's name is a simple process, the same cannot be said for when one has to change their name on an airline ticket.

I am going to let you know that if you require a change of name on an airline ticket, then this will depend on any of the following:. Generally, the guidelines on how ticket name changes are accepted differ depending on the airline, the time of purchase and fare type. However, it is usually acceptable to change a particular name on a ticket but there will always be a charge. Here is a quick guide to know about renaming in flight tickets.

As a result, what are the rules for changing names?

The policies governing the modification of ticketed passengers™ names as applied by the airlines differ greatly. It varies from one airline to the other depending on the policy set by the airline company. In general, though, these guidelines apply when you need to change a name on an airline ticket:In general, though, these guidelines apply when you need to change a name on an airline ticket:

Nonrefundable Tickets Some basic policies that most of the airlines apply include: Most airlines will allow you change the name on a nonrefundable ticket. Typically, you will be charged a fee for the name change or may require a certain number of credits to change your name. This has been known to cost between $100 and $250 in most circumstances. There could also be a distinction based on the fact that the ticket was purchased at a cheaper price if this was the case.

Refundable Tickets In case you have made a refundable airline ticket, then you normally are allowed to change the name of the passenger without incurring any penalty. While refundable fares are usually more costly than nonrefundable fares at the time of booking, they offer users more benefits in the long run.

The ticket was booked when™ it was actually booked and this normally refers to a time in the past. All airlines have their particular policies regarding the name changes and the fees that are involved based on the time the change is being requested. It is important to request for a change early enough, before the trip (usually 7 days before the scheduled traveling time), to find a service provider charging a lower fee. Status changes that are made close to a flight's scheduled time will result in higher charges most of the time.

Types of Airlines Since low-cost airlines operate with low fares in most aspects, they tend to impose higher change fees in overall way, inclusive of name change fee. Domestic and international major carriers are also often seen to have relatively lower charges associated with this activity.

Changing the name on your flight reservation is a process that requires some careful consideration and planning due to the following reasons:

To some extent, the procedures may vary from one airline to another, hence the importance of starting your transition with researching on the airline's policies and procedures. But in general, these are the steps you will need to take:But in general, these are the steps you will need to take:

Call the Airline In many cases, the best approach is to simply contact the airline directly. An agent can provide any necessary information regarding rules and possible fees found in cases of changing passenger names.

Name Change Fees for any name change. Also, be ready to be charged a fee for the name change, which may be paid through the credit card number you use while on the phone. That's the case because the agent will explain any additional fare costs as well.

Verify Passenger Information The new passenger will need to supply his/her information if date of birth will be necessary to change the name later according to the airline's rules.

Get the Updated Itinerary At last, the agent will forward to you the new schedule with the new passenger's name in it through an email. It is wise to always go through it and make some corrections if there were some errors.

Changing Ticket Names: Issues to Be Aware Of

Here are some other key things to understand about updating names on airline tickets:

Middle Names Aren't Essential More often than not, you may not need to match the middle names to the tee. Notice that only the first/given and last names are needed when changing the names of passengers.

Group Bookings Have Flexibility However, when it comes to flying in a group or with family members, the rules change are normally more relaxed as far as substitutions are concerned. However, it is advisable always to inform the airline well in advance.

Refunds Are Sometimes Possible On refundable fares, name changes are allowed and full refund of the ticket value (but less the processing fee) can be made if a change in plans is desired.

While the passenger screening is a lot simpler, all passengers are still required to produce identification. Even after they change the names, it is mandatory to present a government-issued photo identification card that would match the details of the reservation made at the time of travel.

Travel Credits Offer Flexibility Some airlines will offer you a credit to use toward another itinerary at the cost of the original ticket if plans have to be canceled completely rather than changing the name of the passenger on the ticket.

Be productive by utilizing technology and online resources for faster and more efficient results. Most airlines allow passengers to change the information of fellow traveling passengers directly from the website or the application that has been developed by the specific airline. This saves the time which could otherwise be spent for telephoning an agent.

Here, it is important to note that tickets for children are different from those of regular or adult passengers in several ways. If you buy a ticket for a child independently, with the option No additional fare-paying passenger in your seat, the rules for changing the name are also valid. However, some fees may only be charged for the minor children's updates.

Resending Tickets Invokes New Charges In some limited circumstances, one is likely to change their name and this implies having to get a new ticket altogether, which may be quite expensive as it is like getting a new ticket with a different flight company. However, this is not a usual case scenario when only passengers' name are changed.

This means that some of the refunds could be processed after 24 hours, depending on the terms and conditions of the sellers involved. It's important to note that many airlines consider name changes as cancellations, so you may seek a refund or credit as long as you do so a day after booking.

Using Credits When using new airline credits that you have earned recently to make a future flight, ensure that in the reservation they bear the same passenger as the one you changed name on the ticket.

It is important to note that submitted change requests are not guaranteed to be made. Nevertheless, airlines do not have full liberty to change the name, and any change need to be in compliance with the fare rules and need to be requested sufficiently in advance by the passenger.

Updating Frequent Flyer Accounts If accumulating points towards a frequent flyer profile, it is advisable to call the airline to request a shift in points once ticketed passengers™ names have been changed. You should give them the new confirmation code.

Bottom Line

This is possible with most airlines if done in advance and involves paying an extra fee for the service. Special rules, fees, and other conditions may also vary from one carrier to another. That being said, it is possible for airlines to change the name of the passenger if you request for it to be done prior to the day of your trip. As long as you are willing to get a penalty for administration fee and, most of the time, the extra fare. Remember that policies may differ; therefore, to cut through the confusion and get straight to the specifics of the name change policy, procedure, and any exemptions, it is advisable to deal directly with the airline operating the flight.