Can You Change the Name on a Plane Ticket: A Guide to Name Changes

Answering This Major Question: Can You Change The Name On A Plane Ticket?

Many passengers go through mistaking their name in passengers once in their life, and if you’ve done the same and wondered, can you change the name on a plane ticket?” you’ve come to the right page. It’s usually possible to correct a name on a plane ticket. Some airlines are more flexible and may charge a fee for name changes. Also, the timing of the name change can impact the difficulty of the process.

In this blog article, you will get into the details of changing a name on a plane ticket. The readers will learn about the steps involved, the possible fees, and the documents needed to provide. You will also know about the policies of popular airlines to help you go through the process quickly. By the end of this article, you’ll clearly understand how to change the name on your plane ticket and what to expect.

Name Change Policies of Major Airlines: An Overview

Mistakes happen; sometimes, a typo in your name can occur when booking a flight. In this section, you will learn about the policies of some major airlines that will help you get through the process quickly. 

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines airline is very flexible when it comes to name changes. If you’ve made a small mistake like a typo or accidentally switched your first and last name, they’ll fix it for free. But you might have to pay a fee for bigger changes, like getting married or legally changing your name. To make the change official, you must provide proof, such as a marriage certificate or a court order.

United Airlines

United Airlines allows you to change the name on your ticket, but you might have to pay a fee. Your fee depends on the reason for your name change and the type of ticket you bought. You may also need proof of your name change, like a marriage certificate or a court order.

Southwest Airlines

This one generally has stricter rules about changing ticket names than other airlines. It allows minor corrections to names, like spelling mistakes, without a fee. But they do not permit complete name changes. So, if you need to change the name on your ticket, you should cancel and rebook it.

British Airways

British Airways allows you to change your name on a flight, but there might be a fee. If you’ve made a small mistake, like a typo, you can usually fix it for free. For bigger changes, like changing your name after marriage or a legal name change, you’ll likely need to pay a fee and provide proof.

Air Canada

This one allows you to change your name on a ticket, but there might be fees. Your fee will be calculated based on the reason for the change and the ticket type. You’ll need to provide proof of your name change, like a marriage certificate or court order.

How To Change Name On The Ticket?

If you need to change the name on your ticket, make sure to know about these few basic steps to get started:

Online

You can get your name corrected yourself with the help of the website of the respective airline:

• Visit the Airline’s Website– Go to the website of the airline you booked your ticket with.
• Manage Your Booking– Look for a section on the website that allows you to manage your booking. You may need to provide your booking reference number and passenger name.
• Start Name Change– Once you’ve booked, look for an option to “modify” or “change passenger details.”
• Follow the Instructions– The airline’s website will guide you through the process, which may involve filling out a form, providing necessary documentation, and paying applicable fees.   

Offline

If you don’t want to go with the online process, you can initiate the offline process, too:

• Contact the Airline– You can contact the airline’s customer service directly by phone, email, or in person at one of their offices or airport counters.   
• Provide Necessary Information-You then have to provide your booking reference number, passenger name, and the reason for the name change.
• Submit Required Documents– The airline may require you to submit supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce, or court order, to verify the name change.   
• Pay Applicable Fees– After the process, you have to pay the fees if associated with the name change.

Factors Affecting Name Change 

Several factors can affect the possibility of changing a name on a plane ticket:

Airline Policy

Big airlines are usually more flexible about changing names on tickets. They might charge a fee but often let you do it. Smaller, budget airlines, on the other hand, can be stricter. They may not allow name changes at all, or they might charge a lot of money for it.

Reason for Name Change

You can change your name on a plane ticket for a few reasons. If you got married or divorced, many airlines will let you change your name if you show them a marriage certificate or divorce decree. You must show the airline a court order if you legally changed your name. 

Timing of the Request

The sooner you ask to change the name on your ticket, the easier it will get. It’s best to do it before you check in for your flight. If you wait until after you’ve checked in, it might be more complex and cost you more money.

Fare Rules

Tickets with flexible rules are easier to change. You can change your name on these tickets. Tickets with restricted rules are more challenging to change. You might be unable to change the name on these tickets or have to pay a fee.

Documentation

You’ll need to show an ID proof with your correct name. If you changed your name because of marriage, divorce, or a court order, you should show a marriage certificate and, divorce papers, or a court order.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing a Name 

To certify a smooth name change process, it’s important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Delaying the Process– The sooner you realize the name error, the easier it will be to make the change. Waiting too long can limit your options and increase the difficulty of the process.
• Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation– Giving inaccurate or incomplete documentation can delay the name change process. 
• Ignoring Fare Rules– Different fare classes have different rules regarding name changes. Ignoring these rules can lead to unexpected fees or restrictions.
• Misunderstanding Airline Policies– Each airline has its policies regarding name changes. It’s important to understand the policies of the airline you’re flying with to avoid any hassle.
• Ignoring Email or Phone Notifications– Keep an eye on your email and phone for updates from the airline. Missing important notifications can lead to delays or complications.

Alternative Options for Name Changes

While changing a name on a plane ticket is often possible, there are some other options to consider:

Rebooking the Ticket

If changing the name on your ticket is too complicated or expensive, you can rebook your ticket under the correct name. 

• This might be a better option if the name change is big, like a marriage or legal name change. 
• You can transfer your ticket to another person if the original passenger can’t travel. But you’ll need to check the airline’s rules and might have to pay extra fees.

Contacting the Airline Directly

You can even contact the airline instantly to change your name. 

• Explain why you need to change your name, like if you got married or changed your legal name. 
• You must show proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. 
• Sometimes, you can bargain lower fees or waive them, especially if you have a good reason.

Getting Help from a Travel Agent

A travel agent can help you if you’re having trouble changing your name on a plane ticket. 

• They know much about airline rules and can help you understand the process. 
• Travel agents can also help you negotiate with the airline for better deals or waive fees.

Frequently Asked Questions