Can I change passenger name in flight booking?

Got the Wrong Name on Your Flight Ticket? Here’s What You Need to Know

Booking a flight is often a whirlwind of dates, times, and passenger details. One tiny mistake, like a misspelled name or a simple typo, can throw a wrench in your travel plans. So, what happens if you discover a passenger name error on your already-issued flight ticket? The short answer is: it’s complicated, and often expensive.

Regrettably, many airlines operate on a strict “no changes” policy for passenger names once a ticket has been issued. This is particularly true for non-refundable tickets. While some airlines might offer name change options for a fee, this is far from guaranteed. In most cases, you will not be able to simply correct a typo.

The Hard Truth: Cancellation and Rebooking

If your ticket is non-refundable, and your airline doesn’t offer name change services, you’ll be facing the reality of cancelling your existing booking and purchasing a completely new ticket under the correct name. This means losing the original ticket’s cost, regardless of how close your travel date is.

Think of it this way: the airline considers the original ticket as a contract tied to a specific passenger. Changing that passenger fundamentally breaks the contract. There’s no simple “edit” button; the entire transaction needs to be restarted.

What to Do If You Discover a Name Error:

1. Act Quickly: The sooner you identify the error, the more time you have to explore options and potentially mitigate losses.

2. Contact Your Airline Directly: Don’t rely on third-party booking sites. Contact the airline itself through their official channels (phone, email, or their website) to explain the situation and inquire about any possible exceptions or alternative solutions. While hope is slim with a non-refundable ticket, it’s worth a try. Prepare to provide all relevant booking details.

3. Consider Travel Insurance: If you purchased travel insurance, check the policy’s fine print. Some policies might cover such unforeseen circumstances, although it’s unlikely to cover the entire cost of a new ticket.

4. Accept the Loss and Rebook: In most situations, the most realistic solution will be to cancel the original booking and purchase a new ticket. Compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms to find the best possible deal.

Preventing Future Name Errors:

The best way to avoid this frustrating situation is to meticulously check and double-check all passenger details before confirming your booking. Ensure all names match official identification documents precisely, including spelling and capitalization. Having another person review your details before finalizing the purchase can also help catch errors.

In conclusion, while altering a passenger name on a non-refundable flight ticket is generally impossible, understanding the limitations and acting promptly can help minimize the impact on your travel plans. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to avoiding costly mistakes.