Can I change the name on a plane ticket? The short answer: it depends on the airline and the type of correction needed. Domestic ticket changes can cost you $200, while international changes may reach $400. Airlines often restrict name changes, claiming security concerns. In reality, the policy exists primarily for revenue protection.
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Consequently, understanding each carrier’s specific rules matters. This guide compares Delta Air Lines name change, American Airlines name change, United Airlines name change, Southwest Airlines name change, Alaska Airlines name change, JetBlue Airways name change, Spirit Airlines name change, Frontier Airlines name change, Air Canada name change, British Airways name change, Lufthansa name change, Emirates airlines name change, Qatar Airways name change, Singapore Airlines name change, and Air India name change policies for 2026.
Key Takeaways
Understanding airline name change policies can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent travel disruptions. Here’s what every traveler needs to know about correcting ticket names across major carriers.
- Act within 24 hours of booking – Most airlines offer free name corrections during this grace period, but fees jump to $75-$700 afterward.
- Minor spelling errors cost less than legal changes – Corrections up to 3 characters typically range $0-$125, while legal name changes can reach $500+.
- No airline allows ticket transfers to different passengers – You cannot change the entire name to another person; only the original traveler can use the ticket.
- Book directly with airlines to minimize fees – Third-party bookings often incur additional $50 service charges that direct bookings avoid.
- Flexible fare classes offer better change policies – Premium tickets like Alaska’s First Class ($50 fee) or Air Canada’s Latitude (free changes) cost less to modify than basic fares.
The key to avoiding costly name change fees is prevention: double-check all passenger details match your government ID exactly before completing your booking, as even minor mismatches can prevent boarding at security checkpoints.
Airline Name Change Policy Comparison
Overview
This comparison table summarizes name change policies, fees, and restrictions for 15 major airlines in 2026. Each airline has unique requirements for minor corrections versus legal name changes.
Complete Comparison Table
| Airline | Minor Correction Fee | Legal Name Change Fee | Character Limit | Transfer Allowed | Key Documentation | Time Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | $0-$75 | $75-$200 (domestic), $150-$500+ (international) | Up to 3 characters | No | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate | Before departure; not after check-in |
| American Airlines | $0 | $25 (legal), $200 (domestic), $700 (international) | Up to 3 characters | No | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court orders | Not within 24 hours of departure |
| United Airlines | $0 | $75-$200 | Not specified | No | Marriage license, divorce decree, court documents, notarized affidavit | At least 72 hours before departure recommended |
| Southwest Airlines | $0 | $80-$200 (fare difference applies) | Up to 4 letters | No | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court orders, government ID | Up to 120 minutes before departure |
| Alaska Airlines | $0 (within 24 hours) | $125 (Main), $50 (First Class) | Up to 3 characters | No | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court orders | Saver fares not permitted; within 24 hours free |
| JetBlue Airways | $0 (direct booking) | $0 (direct), $50 (third-party) | Up to 3 characters | No | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, government photo ID | One correction per ticket; before check-in |
| Spirit Airlines | $0 | $110+ | Up to 3 characters | No | Marriage license, divorce decree, court orders | Anytime before departure; free within 24 hours |
| Frontier Airlines | May qualify for reduced fees | $75 + fare difference | Up to 3 characters | No | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court documents, government photo ID | Free within 24 hours; not after boarding |
| Air Canada | $125 (Standard), $60 (Flex/Comfort), Free (Latitude/Business) | Same as minor correction | Not specified | No | Passport copies, marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal name change filing | Fully unused tickets only; one change per ticket |
| British Airways | £0 (individual), £50 (group) | £0 (spelling), tax/fee differences apply | Not specified | No (after 24 hours) | Passport, government ID, proof of legal name change | Group changes 48 hours before departure |
| Lufthansa | €0 (since July 2024) | Fare-dependent | Up to 2 letters | No | Marriage certificate, divorce certificate, court documents | One correction per person |
| Emirates Airlines | £10 (direct), £20 (third-party) | Same as minor correction | Up to 3-4 characters | No | Passport, government ID, marriage certificate, legal name change certificate | 2 hours before (direct), 8 hours before (third-party) |
| Qatar Airways | $150 (within 24 hours), $250 (after 24 hours) | Same as minor correction | Up to 3 characters combined | No | Passport copies, marriage certificate, divorce decree, court documents | Before first flight; not after check-in |
| Singapore Airlines | $0 (after Feb 1, 2025) | $0 (eligible corrections) | Up to 3 characters | No | Passport copies, marriage certificate, court orders, government ID | Before departure; not after travel begins |
| Air India | £50 (UK), €50 (Europe), $50 (Israel), Varies (other regions) | Same as minor correction | Up to 3 characters | No | Travel documents matching name | At least 72 hours before departure; not within 24 hours |
Lets Summarize with ChatGPT | Perplexity | Claude | Google AI Mode | Grok or call now (888) 284-8720 to Change/Cancel or book your next flight with expert guidance.
Key Policy Highlights by Category
Free Minor Corrections
- JetBlue (direct bookings), Lufthansa (since July 2024), Singapore Airlines (after Feb 2025), and Southwest offer the most generous free correction policies.
Most Expensive Changes
- American Airlines charges up to $700 for international changes.
- Delta can charge $500+ for international bookings.
- Qatar Airways charges $250 after the 24-hour window.
Character Limits
- Most airlines allow 3 characters maximum correction.
- Southwest allows up to 4 letters.
- Lufthansa restricts to 2 letters only.
Universal Restrictions
- All 15 airlines prohibit ticket transfers to different passengers.
- All require government-issued ID matching the corrected name.
- All require documentation for legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court orders).
Time-Sensitive Policies
- United Airlines recommends 72 hours advance notice.
- Air India requires 72 hours minimum.
- British Airways requires 48 hours for group bookings.
- Southwest allows corrections up to 120 minutes before departure.
Documentation Requirements Summary
All airlines require similar documentation for legal name changes:
Marriage-Related Changes:
- Marriage certificate (all airlines)
Divorce-Related Changes:
- Divorce decree or court order (all airlines)
Other Legal Changes:
- Court-issued documents for adoption, gender transition, or legal name changes
- Government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Booking confirmation and payment information
Cost-Saving Tips
- Book within 24 hours window: Most airlines offer free corrections during this period.
- Choose flexible fare classes: Alaska’s First Class ($50) vs Main ($125); Air Canada’s Latitude (free) vs Standard ($125).
- Book directly: JetBlue charges $0 for direct bookings vs $50 for third-party.
- Act quickly: Fees increase significantly after 24-hour grace periods.
Delta Air Lines Name Change Policy
Delta permits minor name corrections but restricts full name transfers. You can correct up to three characters in your last name without rebooking. However, the airline limits corrections to one reissue per passenger ticket. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Delta Name Change Fee
Fee structure varies based on correction type and timing. Minor spelling errors cost less than legal name updates.
| Correction Type | Fee Range | Processing Window |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours | $0 | Free cancelation period |
| Minor corrections (up to 3 characters) | $0-$75 | Before departure |
| Legal name change (marriage/divorce) | $75-$200 | Requires documentation |
| International bookings | $150-$500+ | Route and fare dependent |
Policy Details and Restrictions
All flights must be Delta-operated for self-service corrections. Itineraries including partner carriers like Air France, KLM, or Virgin Atlantic require Delta Reservations assistance.
Travel between the U.S. and China faces additional restrictions. Name changes for these routes require new bookings. The same limitation applies to India-bound travel.
The same passenger listed on the original reservation must travel. Secure Flight Passenger Data remains unchanged during corrections.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need supporting documents. Marriage requires a marriage certificate. Divorce proceedings demand court orders or divorce decrees.
Nickname-to-legal-name corrections require your child’s birth certificate. Delta removes existing Secure Flight data after name corrections, requiring new SSR DOCS entry.
Special Considerations
You can correct names during check-in even on departure day. SkyMiles members submit identity verification forms with court documents through their account portal.
Name corrections made after 24 hours may incur charges up to $500. Changes cannot occur after check-in completion or close to departure.
American Airlines Name Change Policy
American Airlines prohibits transferring tickets between passengers. Name changes from one person to another are not allowed. However, the airline permits corrections for spelling errors and legal name updates. 📞 Call 888-284-8720
American Airlines Name Change Fee
Fees depend on correction type and ticket class. Minor errors may qualify for free corrections.
| Correction Type | Fee | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Minor spelling errors | $0 | Up to 3 characters |
| Legal name change | $25 | Marriage, divorce, adoption |
| Domestic ticket changes | $200 | Same passenger identity |
| International ticket changes | $700 | Documentation required |
Policy Details and Restrictions
Minor corrections apply to wholly unused tickets on American Prime and American Eagle flights only. You can correct these within the same reservation. Major corrections require a new reservation for itineraries with R inventory, codeshares, or other airline segments.
Only one name change is allowed per eligible ticket. Corrections cannot occur within 24 hours of departure due to airport control. The original date of birth and gender must remain unchanged.
Tickets booked under special exception policies must rebook to American Prime flights only. Partially used tickets qualify if changes comply with fare rules.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need supporting proof. Marriage requires a marriage certificate. Divorce cases demand court orders or divorce decrees. Adoption and gender reassignment also need legal documentation.
Inverted names and middle name adjustments fall under correctable errors. Your government-issued ID must match the corrected ticket name.
Special Considerations
AAdvantage members can request name changes on eligible tickets through specific procedures. Multiple corrections are permitted as long as you don’t alter the original birth date and gender information.
Failure to indicate MAJORNC in the endorsement box for major corrections results in debit memos. Revalidation is not permitted under name change policies.
United Airlines Name Change Policy
United Airlines categorizes corrections into simple and significant changes. Simple corrections include spelling errors, inverted names, and middle name additions without documentation. Significant changes require legal proof for marriage, divorce, or court-ordered name updates. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
United Name Change Fee
Minor spelling corrections typically cost nothing. Legal name changes requiring ticket reissue range from $75 to $200.
| Change Type | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Minor spelling errors | $0 | 24-72 hours before departure |
| Legal name change | $75-$200 | At least 72 hours recommended |
| MileagePlus account update | $0 | Up to 2 weeks processing |
| Ticket reissue | Fare difference applies | Varies by route |
Policy Details and Restrictions
You cannot transfer tickets to another person. The original passenger must travel. Simple corrections include fixing typos, correcting inverted first and last names, adding or removing middle names, and changing nicknames to legal names.
Submit correction requests at least 72 hours before departure. Changes within 24 hours become harder to accommodate. Name alterations are not allowed after check-in completion.
Required Documentation
Significant changes need supporting documents. Marriage requires a marriage license. Divorce cases demand divorce decrees. Legal name changes need court-issued documents.
If you lack required documents, submit a notarized name change affidavit. Government-issued IDs showing both former and current names also qualify.
Special Considerations
MileagePlus members update personal information through their account profile. Sign in, select ‘Profile’, then ‘About me’, and ‘Edit personal information’. Upload supporting documentation after making changes.
Your ticket name must match government-issued identification for TSA compliance. Contact United immediately upon discovering errors, even close to departure.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy
Southwest allows passengers to correct name errors before check-in with proper documentation. You can alter up to four letters across first, middle, and last names. However, complete name transfers and gender changes remain prohibited. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Southwest Name Change Fee
Southwest doesn’t charge fees for correcting typos or misspellings. Legal name changes requiring ticket reissue may incur fare differences.
| Timeframe | Fee Range | Change Type |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours | $0 | Minor corrections |
| After 24 hours | $80-$200 | Name alterations [191][56] |
| Legal name change | Fare difference | Requires reissue |
| Up to 3 characters | $0 | Free correction |
Policy Details and Restrictions
Only one name change per ticket is permitted. You can make corrections up to 120 minutes before scheduled departure. The policy allows corrections when first and last names are swapped.
Tickets cannot be transferred to another passenger. Online corrections apply only to fully unused itineraries. You cannot change names after checking bags or within 60 minutes (domestic) or 90 minutes (international) of departure.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need supporting proof. Marriage requires a marriage certificate. Divorce cases demand divorce decrees[221]. Court orders validate other legal changes.
Provide old and new government-issued photo IDs, such as driver licenses or passports. Southwest accepts up to five reservation updates per documentation submission.
Special Considerations
Rapid Rewards members email documentation to customercare@southwestairlines.com. Include full name, address, phone number, and account number with submissions.
Online changes aren’t available for group reservations, bookings with lap children, or reservations including Rapid Rewards numbers. Accompanied minors and youth travelers remain eligible for online corrections.
Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy
Alaska Airlines distinguishes between minor corrections and legal name changes. The airline offers a 24-hour grace period for free corrections. After this window, fees apply based on fare class and correction type. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Alaska Airlines Name Change Fee
Fee structure varies by ticket class. Saver fares prohibit name changes entirely.
| Fare Class | Fee | Correction Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Saver Class | Not permitted | No changes allowed |
| Main Class | $125 | Up to 3 characters |
| First Class | $50 | Up to 3 characters [273] |
| Within 24 hours | $0 | All corrections |
Policy Details and Restrictions
You can correct spelling errors when your ticket doesn’t match legal documents. Minor corrections involving up to three characters qualify for processing. However, tickets cannot be transferred to another person.
Partially used tickets with space on other airlines don’t qualify for corrections. Tickets issued on other airline stock also remain ineligible. The airline recommends verifying all details within 24 hours of booking.
Middle name errors don’t prevent boarding. You can travel without correcting this particular field. Minor corrections are available online.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes require supporting proof. Marriage requires a marriage certificate. Divorce cases demand divorce decrees or court orders[253]. Adoption and other legal changes also need court documentation.
Government-issued IDs matching your corrected name become mandatory. The airline verifies identity through these documents before processing changes.
Special Considerations
Bring all relevant documentation when traveling after legal name changes. This helps answer questions at check-in or security checkpoints.
Contact customer service directly for processing. Self-service options don’t handle legal name verifications. The $125 fee applies per request rather than per ticket. Consequently, multiple tickets under one reservation update simultaneously.
Match your legal documents when booking. Avoid nicknames to prevent confusion with TSA requirements.
JetBlue Airways Name Change Policy
JetBlue offers name corrections without charging fees for direct bookings. You receive one free correction per ticket when the name doesn’t match your government-issued ID or passport. However, date of birth must remain unchanged during the correction process. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
JetBlue Name Change Fee
JetBlue charges no fee for name corrections on direct bookings. Third-party reservations incur service charges.
| Booking Method | Fee | Correction Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Direct booking | $0 | One per ticket |
| [Third-party agency | $50 | One per ticket |
| Minor corrections | $0 | Up to 3 characters |
Policy Details and Restrictions
The airline permits corrections for booking errors or legal name changes. Your corrected name must match government-issued identification, provided date of birth stays consistent. You can fix spelling mistakes, add missing middle names, or update names after marriage or divorce.
Ticket transfers to another person are prohibited. Entire name changes that alter both passenger name and date of birth aren’t allowed. Corrections require processing through customer support via chat or phone. Self-service online options don’t handle these requests due to security verification requirements.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need supporting proof. Marriage requires a marriage certificate. Divorce cases demand divorce decrees or court orders. Government-issued photo ID such as passport or driver’s license validates your identity.
Booking confirmation and payment information facilitate the correction process. International travel demands your passport matches the updated name exactly.
Special Considerations
Contact JetBlue Vacations at 1-844-JB-VACAY for package bookings. Third-party bookings require coordination with your travel agent, or JetBlue processes changes with the $50 service fee. Submit corrections before check-in. Special characters like hyphens may display differently on tickets but won’t affect TSA procedures.
Spirit Airlines Name Change Policy
Reservations with Spirit Airlines qualify for free name corrections on misspellings. Legal name changes also receive processing, whereas ticket transfers to different passengers remain prohibited. You can alter up to three characters across first, middle, and last names. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Spirit Name Change Fee
Minor spelling corrections cost nothing. Legal name changes involving documentation start at around USD 110.00 per passenger.
| Correction Type | Fee | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Misspelling (up to 3 characters) | $0 | Anytime before departure |
| Within 24 hours of booking | $0 | Free cancelation period |
| Legal name change | $110+ | Requires documentation |
| Group name changes | $50 | Multiple tickets |
Policy Details and Restrictions
You cannot transfer tickets or change to another passenger entirely. The name must match your government-issued ID. Corrections apply to the whole journey, not individual segments.
Spirit accepts corrections through three channels: online via website, phone contact, or airport customer service desk. Changes within 24 hours of booking avoid fees.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need supporting proof. Marriage requires a marriage license. Divorce cases demand divorce decrees. Court orders validate other legal changes.
Special Considerations
Date of birth, gender, and passport details require legal documents for updates. Free Spirit account holders submit documentation to customer service for processing.
Boarding denial occurs when ticket names don’t match identification documents. Verify spelling before finalizing bookings to prevent complications at security checkpoints.
Frontier Airlines Name Change Policy
Frontier Airlines name change requests work when you keep the same itinerary but need a different passenger name. You pay any fare difference between your original ticket and the current price, plus a flat change fee. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Frontier Name Change Fee
The airline charges USD 75.00 for name changes on the same itinerary. Fare differences apply when current prices exceed your original booking cost.
| Change Scenario | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Name change only | USD 75.00 + fare difference |
| Within 24 hours of booking | $0 |
| Name + itinerary change | USD 75.00 + fare difference + itinerary change fee |
| Minor corrections (up to 3 characters) | May qualify for reduced fees |
Policy Details and Restrictions
You can correct up to three characters across first, middle, or last names. However, complete passenger transfers aren’t permitted. All changes require chat support processing.
The 24-hour booking window allows free corrections. Name changes cannot occur after boarding begins.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need marriage certificates for marriage-related updates. Divorce requires divorce decrees. Court-issued documents validate other legal changes. Government photo ID matching your new name becomes mandatory.
Special Considerations
Management reviews all changes for fraud prevention before approval. Your ticket name must match passport details for international travel.
Air Canada Name Change Policy
Air Canada operates name changes for select routes and fare classes. The policy applies to fully unused 014 tickets for travel within Canada, between Canada and the US, Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. Flights must be marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.
Air Canada Name Change Fee
Fee structure depends on fare class and destination. Only one name change is permitted per ticket. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
| Fare Class | Within Canada | Transborder/Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | USD 125.00 CA/US | USD 125.00 CA/US (Corporate/ACB only) |
| Flex | USD 60.00 CA/US | USD 60.00 CA/US (Corporate/ACB only) |
| Comfort | USD 60.00 CA/US [431] | USD 60.00 CA/US (Corporate/ACB only) [461] |
| Latitude | Free | Free |
| Business (flexible) | Free [431] | Free (Corporate/ACB only) |
Policy Details and Restrictions
Basic fares remain ineligible for changes. Partially used tickets don’t qualify. Name changes at airports are excluded. AC marketed flights operated by other airlines cannot be changed.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need passport copies plus supporting documents. Marriage requires marriage certificates. Divorce demands divorce decrees. Gender transitions need government-issued legal name change filings.
Special Considerations
Contact Air Canada Contact Center to facilitate changes. Corporate Contract (CCN) or Air Canada for Business (ACB/SMB) numbers unlock additional flexibility.
British Airways Name Change Policy
British Airways handles spelling corrections without charging fees when tickets are purchased directly. However, you must pay differences in taxes, fees, and carrier charges if rates changed since booking. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
British Airways Name Change Fee
Group bookings incur a £50 service charge per change, processed at least 48 hours before departure. Individual corrections cost nothing for spelling fixes.
| Booking Type | Fee | Processing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Individual spelling correction | £0 | Phone contact |
| Group booking name change | £50 | UK Sales department |
| Tax/fee differences | Variable | Applied when rates increase |
Policy Details and Restrictions
Tickets remain non-transferable outside the 24-hour cancelation window. Middle names aren’t mandatory if your first and last names match your passport. Consequently, joined middle names cause no boarding issues.
Names must match across all travel documents, including visas and ESTAs[502]. Changes after ticket issuance require phone processing. Airport offices cannot handle group booking corrections.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes from marriage, divorce, or deed poll need proof of identity[502]. Provide your passport or government ID showing updated information.
Special Considerations
Group organizers must call UK Sales verbally for changes; email requests aren’t accepted. Travel agents issue tickets requiring direct contact with them rather than British Airways.
Lufthansa Name Change Policy
Lufthansa abolished name correction fees as of July 1, 2024. Minor spelling mistakes now process free of charge. Previously, corrections cost EUR 25, CHF 25, USD 25, or CAD 35 depending on currency. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Lufthansa Name Change Fee
Free corrections apply only to minor errors. Legal name changes may still incur reissue costs.
| Correction Type | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Minor spelling (up to 2 letters) | €0 | Free since July 2024 |
| Nickname corrections | €0 | Lufthansa Group Agency Support |
| Legal name changes | Fare-dependent | Documentation required |
| Previous fee (before July 2024) | €25/CHF 25/USD 25 | Per ticket |
Policy Details and Restrictions
You can correct up to two letters in first, middle, or last names. Travel agents handle corrections directly in reservation systems. Nickname changes like BILL to WILLIAM qualify.
Only one correction per person is permitted. Changing the traveling person remains strictly prohibited. Tickets must be issued on Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, or SWISS documents.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes from marriage, divorce, or gender reassignment need proof. Marriage certificates validate marriage-related updates. Divorce certificates support post-divorce corrections. Court documents verify gender transition changes.
Special Considerations
You can use SSR DOCS instead of changing ticket names. Voiding tickets within grace period avoids correction processes. Carry PNR printouts when traveling with incorrect ticket names.
Emirates Airlines Name Change Policy
Emirates processes minor corrections for spelling errors but prohibits passenger transfers. Legal name changes require documentation, whereas simple typos qualify for free correction when booked directly. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Emirates Name Change Fee
Fee structure depends on booking channel. Direct reservations cost less than third-party bookings.
| Booking Channel | Correction Fee | Timing Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Direct (Emirates website/office) | GBP 10.00 | 2 hours before departure |
| Travel agent/third-party | GBP 20.00 | 8 hours before departure |
| Minor corrections (up to 3-4 characters) | May be free | Before first flight |
Policy Details and Restrictions
You can correct up to three or four letters across your name. However, transferring tickets to another person remains strictly forbidden. All corrections must occur before your first flight departure.
Corrections cannot happen after check-in completion. Name must match your passport exactly. Online processing isn’t available; contact customer service or visit a ticket office instead.
Required Documentation
Legal name changes need passport, government-issued photo ID, marriage certificate, legal name change certificate, or court-issued documents[614].
Special Considerations
Submit requests at least two hours before departure for direct bookings. Travel agent bookings require eight hours advance notice. Simple spelling errors may process without fees when booking directly through Emirates.
Qatar Airways Name Change Policy
Qatar Airways restricts name changes to minor corrections only. The airline permits adjustments up to three characters across first, middle, and last names combined. Complete passenger transfers violate policy guidelines. Legal name changes from marriage, divorce, or adoption qualify when verified through date of birth matching. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Qatar Airways Name Change Fee
Regional fee variations apply based on departure location. Within 24 hours of booking, corrections cost USD 150. After this window, fees increase to USD 250.
| Region | Fee | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| General (within 24 hours) | 150 | USD |
| General (after 24 hours) | 250 | USD [652] |
| Australia/New Zealand | 100 | AUD/NZD |
| Switzerland | 50 | CHF |
Policy Details and Restrictions
The PNR requires cancelation if corrections exceed policy limits. Bookings from Privilege Club profiles cannot process name changes. Codeshare and interline itineraries face restrictions, except specific partnerships with 6E, AT, PR, or VA. Changes after check-in aren’t permitted unless passenger and baggage can be offloaded.
Required Documentation
Passport copies verify identity. Marriage certificates support marriage-related updates. Divorce decrees validate post-divorce corrections. Court documents prove adoption or other legal changes. Booking reference numbers facilitate processing.
Special Considerations
Tickets become non-transferable between passengers. Submit correction requests before your first flight departure. Consequently, the airline may create new PNRs when standard corrections aren’t feasible.
Singapore Airlines Name Change Policy
Singapore Airlines updated its correction policy from February 1, 2025, eliminating fees for eligible corrections submitted by trade partners. You can correct up to three characters across first, middle, or last names. 📞 Call 888-635-5228
Singapore Airlines Name Change Fee
Fee structure changed significantly in 2025. The USD 50 service charge was removed for eligible requests.
| Correction Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible corrections (after Feb 1, 2025) | $0 | Trade partner requests |
| Minor spelling (up to 3 characters) | $0 | Before departure |
| Marriage/naturalization corrections | $0 | 1. Name corrections |
| Non-eligible corrections | New booking | Refund and rebook |
Policy Details and Restrictions
Tickets remain non-transferable and valid only for the original passenger. Complete name changes aren’t permitted. You can modify salutations, married or maiden names, and add middle names. Changes cannot occur after travel begins.
Required Documentation
Passport copies verify identity. Marriage certificates support marriage-related updates. Court orders validate legal changes. Government-issued IDs must match corrected names.
Special Considerations
Boarding denial occurs when names don’t match identification documents. Submit requests before departure through KF_contact@singaporeair.com.sg or call 1300 507 656. Non-eligible scenarios require creating new bookings subject to availability.
Air India Name Change Policy
Air India restricts name corrections to a maximum of three characters across all name fields. Changing names once the PNR is created is not permitted through standard channels. Contact Air India reservation offices directly, inasmuch as the airline evaluates each request individually.
Air India Name Change Fee
Regional variations apply based on point-of-sale locations. Most bookings incur no fees except specific regions.
| Point of Sale | Fee | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 50 | GBP |
| Europe | 50 | EUR |
| Israel | 50 | USD |
| Other regions | Varies | Case-by-case |
Policy Details and Restrictions
Submit requests at least 72 hours before departure time. Only one correction is permitted per passenger. Corrections cannot occur within 24 hours of scheduled departure. The correction must apply to the same individual listed originally.
Required Documentation
Your name must match travel documents exactly. Passengers with single names enter ‘FNU’ in the first name field. Travel providers supply supporting documents with requests.
Special Considerations
Processing occurs between 0900-1800 IST Monday through Saturday. Sundays and public holidays fall outside policy scope. Tickets booked through travel agents require agent coordination.
Conclusion
Name change policies vary significantly across airlines, yet most share common restrictions. Obviously, no carrier permits complete ticket transfers between passengers. The fees range from zero for minor corrections to several hundred dollars for legal name changes.
Your best strategy involves three steps. First, verify all details within 24 hours of booking to qualify for free corrections. Second, choose flexible fare classes when possible since they offer reduced or waived fees. Lastly, book directly through airline websites rather than third-party platforms.
Keep your government-issued ID handy and contact customer service immediately upon discovering errors. Even minor mismatches can prevent boarding at security checkpoints.
Airlines Ticket Name Change FAQs
How much does it typically cost to change a name on an airline ticket?
Name change fees vary widely by airline and correction type. Minor spelling errors (up to 3 characters) are often free or cost $0-$75, while legal name changes range from $25 to $200 for domestic flights. International ticket changes can be significantly more expensive, reaching $400-$700 depending on the carrier and route.
Can I transfer my plane ticket to someone else by changing the name?
No, airlines do not allow you to transfer your ticket to a different person. All 15 major airlines compared prohibit complete passenger transfers for security and revenue protection reasons. Name corrections are only permitted for the original ticketed passenger to fix spelling errors or update legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court orders.
Which airlines offer free name corrections?
Several airlines offer free minor corrections under specific conditions. JetBlue doesn’t charge fees for direct bookings, Lufthansa eliminated correction fees in July 2024, and Singapore Airlines removed fees for eligible corrections from February 2025. Most airlines also provide free corrections within 24 hours of booking during the standard cancelation window.
What happens if my ticket name doesn’t match my ID at the airport?
If your ticket name doesn’t match your government-issued identification, you may be denied boarding at security checkpoints. Some airlines may charge a last-minute correction fee at the airport (typically $80-$200), while others may require you to purchase a new ticket entirely. It’s essential to verify name accuracy immediately after booking to avoid these complications.
What documents do I need to change my name on a plane ticket after marriage?
For marriage-related name changes, you’ll need to provide a marriage certificate along with your government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license) showing your new name. Most airlines also require your booking confirmation number. The name on your ticket must exactly match your identification documents for both domestic and international travel.
