You can change the name on most flight tickets but the airline will normally charge you an administration fee to do so. Some airlines will allow you to change the name on your reservation because of a spelling mistake but won't allow you to transfer your flight to somebody else.
Can you change the name on an already booked flight?
If you’ve traveled a lot, you may thing you already know the ropes in terms of buying airline tickets. But, what happens if you need to change the name on your plane ticket? Or, what if you’d like to transfer your ticket to someone else? It isn’t impossible, but there are certain hoops that you’ll need to jump through — and time can be of the essence.
For security reasons, you aren’t allowed to travel under an incorrect name, including one that’s simply misspelled or outdated. This comes straight from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is enforced by all airlines. They have the right to deny you a seat if the name on your boarding pass isn’t an exact match for the one on your ID.
So, before you go, consider this your guide to changing a name on an airline ticket.
When Can You Change Your Name?
Here are a few circumstances where airlines might allow a name change: typos, marriage or divorce, legal name changes, changing a nickname to a real name, issuing mistakes (e.g. first and last names mixed up). Keep in mind that different airlines have different policies, so, for example, Delta’s approach to name changing might not be the same as American Airlines or Spirit’s.
How Do You Change Your Name?
Changing your name for a flight can be easy. It can also be a hassle. It all depends on the circumstances of the change, the airline that you booked with, and the policies that they have. The simplest way to start a name change is to speak with a ticketing agent or call the airline’s customer service hotline. You might also want to look at your online account and see if there’s an option for changing your flight details. Consider reading the airline’s official FAQs. You can learn a lot from the fine print.
Related: New Name, New Passport! Here’s What You Need to Know to Do a U.S. Passport Name Change
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of changing the name on your flight ticket will depend entirely on the airline. Some airlines allow one free correction per ticket. Others will charge a “correction fee” or a “change fee” that can range from $50 to $200. If you wind up cancelling your flight and rebooking it under your new name, there might be charges as well.
Airlines also differ in terms of the conditions for name changes. Some will allow you to fix it yourself by logging into your online account. Others will require you to call their customer service hotline or speak with one of their ticketing agents. If you’re able to speak with a sympathetic ticketing agent, you might get them to waive the fee.
How Do You Correct a Typo?
Typos on plane tickets and boarding passes tend to be the easiest ones to correct. Airlines can just tweak your name in their system and reprint the document. This applies to both customer- and airline-produced errors. If you notice a typo in your flight information, contact the airline right away. They’ll be able to fix it on their end. You might also be able to fix it yourself through your online account, but that could trigger name correction fees, even if it wasn’t your fault. So calling the airline is often a better option.
Can My Friend Use My Airline Ticket?
Generally speaking, you aren’t permitted to give away airline tickets. In addition to protecting the identities of their customers, airlines don’t want to enable scalping, so most tickets are sold under a “non-transferable” policy. But you might not be totally out of luck if you want to transfer your ticket to someone else. There are a few airlines that allow it. There are also airlines that make exceptions for things like group travel reservations with multiple people booking at once. Worst case scenario, you can ask to be refunded and to rebook the flight under your friend’s name.
What if You’ve Recently Been Married or Divorced?
Good news! You might not need a new ticket if your name change is due to marriage or divorce. Some airlines will let you bring documentation to prove that your name has been changed. This documentation can include a marriage license, divorce papers, and other official court records. That way, you’ll still be able be to fly with the booking you already made. But, of course, if you have any questions, calling the airline ahead of time is a good way to ease your mind.
FAQs:
Q: Can you change the name on a plane ticket?
A: Changing the name on an airline ticket is possible in some cases, depending on the airline’s policies and the specific circumstances. It’s important to check with the airline directly to determine if they allow name modifications and to understand the requirements and procedures involved.
Q: Are there any fees associated with changing the name on an airline ticket?
A: Many airlines charge fees for name changes on airline tickets. The specific fees can vary, so it’s essential to inquire about the costs involved when contacting the airline to request a name change. Be prepared to make the necessary payment, if applicable, to complete the process.
Q: What documents are typically required for a name change on an airline ticket?
A: The required documentation for a name change on an airline ticket can vary depending on the airline and the reason for the change. Commonly requested documents include a valid passport, government-issued identification, marriage certificate (if applicable), or other supporting evidence. Ensure that you have the necessary documents ready and available to facilitate the name change process.
Q: Is it possible to change the name on both domestic and international flight tickets?
A: The policies for changing names on airline tickets can differ between domestic and international flights. Generally, due to heightened security measures, international flights may have stricter requirements and may necessitate additional documentation and verification for a name change. It’s important to consult with the airline regarding their specific policies for name changes on both domestic and international flights.
