Name Change Post Ticket Purchase – Here’s The Complete Guide

Introduction

Did you make a mistake in the name while booking the cheapest flight tickets? Are you wondering if this error can be rectified? If yes, then you have landed in the absolute right place.

Air travel is one of the easiest and most comfortable modes of travel. For lengthy distances or overseas destinations like Canada to India, air travel like flights to India from Canada is the best choice. But there are certain things that play a vital role in air travel. For example, documents, air tickets, boarding passes, luggage check-in, personal baggage, etc. If anything is missing by any chance, then you may face some unwanted trouble.

One of the most common issue air travelers face is related to the air traveler’s name. This may either include a name change or a spelling error in the name on air tickets post-purchase. Here, learn everything about the name change policies of airlines.

Name Changes On Air Ticket

There are numerous reasons for name changes on the air ticket. The most common cause behind name changes is a spelling error while online booking. For instance, you are booking international flights from Toronto to Mumbai online and mistakenly you made a typo error but the booking gets confirmed. Similarly, there are many instances where you might require changes in the name on the air ticket after a confirmed booking. However, there are several restrictions airlines abide by for changes in the air ticket post confirmation. So it is important for passengers to have a general understanding of name change guidelines by the airlines.

Possibility of Name Change on Air Ticket

Well, it is common to attempt mistakes. But is it more important to know if a mistake can be fixed or not? Let’s assume you reserved Canada to India flights but you made a mistake in the name while booking. Similarly, there are additional circumstances also when you would require changes in the name. In general, a name change is quite a common issue air travelers, as well as airlines, face in day-to-day life.

The question here is “Can You Change The Name On The Air Ticket Post-Fight Ticket Purchase?” Well, the short and simple answer is ‘YES’. However, changes to the air ticket are possible only under certain conditions. This means that you can get name change corrections under some specific airline guidelines.

Airline Guidelines For Name Change

Generally, every airline has its own set of rules and guidelines for everything including name change policy. Likewise, every airline’s regulations and policies differ from one airway to another. So the first thing you would require to check is the airline after buying the cheapest flight tickets. Then you can proceed further with the next step. The best method is to visit the airline website and read the policies carefully. You can also connect with the airline staff via call. No matter which option you choose, check whether the airline allows name changes or not. Also, check if the changes are paid or free of cost. Lastly, check under which circumstances the airlines permit the changes. So that you can accordingly deal with the situation and get the best outcomes.

Common Name Change Scenarios

• Spelling Errors – The most common reason for name changes on the air ticket is due to spelling errors. No matter if you did a mistake while online booking or you ask travel agents to book your flights and he/she mishears the name and makes a spelling error. Normally, this is one of the standard cases for changes in the name on the plane tickets. In this particular case, airlines do not mind making the required changes in the air ticket. However, the name on the air ticket must match the individual’s documents (Identity Proof issued by Govt.) and there should be minor changes only. Although Airlines are not much concerned about middle names, first and last name is very important. For example, if you booked Canada to India flights and your middle name does not match, then the airlines will allow you to board. But a complete name change on the air ticket is not entertained by the airlines.

• Name Changed Legally – In case, you have changed your name legally after air tickets booking, then you do not need to worry. As airlines allow to make changes in such scenarios. Generally, this happens when people book their air tickets before marriage or after divorce. In such cases, name changes are commonly required. Until your name needs changes due to legal changes, you do not have to stress. You just need documents in support of the updated name at the airport to get the desired changes in the name on the air tickets.

• Change Prefix – When it comes to prefix changes in the name, you can get it easily changed or updated by airlines. Let’s suppose, you booked flights from Toronto to Mumbai and mistakenly filled incorrect prefix, then you can either call the airlines or travel agent to get the required changes fixed free of cost. In case, you notice a prefix error at the airport, no need to worry. You simply go to the ticket desk at the airport and ask the staff to correct the error.

• Emergency With Proof Of Event – If you ever have an emergency situation along with supporting documents, then airlines may permit changes in the name on the flight tickets. However, there are some airlines that follow rigid rules under a non-transferable policy. So you might not be entertained by certain airlines. For instance, you booked flights to India from Canada and suddenly get an emergency medical problem that doesn’t allow you to travel. In this case, airlines may permit you to transfer your air tickets to another person. However, this would require strong medical documents from a reputed doctor to support the necessities. This is highly advised to passengers to check the airline’s guidelines regarding the requirements.

Flight Ticket Transfer To Another Name

Although no airline entertains flight ticket transfer to another person, read the airline guidelines prior to booking flight tickets. There are many circumstances where passengers cannot travel on the departure date. In this case, most people prefer to transfer the air tickets to another person (either friends or family members). However, this solution is not offered by the airlines. So you must check the airline policies beforehand and invest in refundable cheapest flight tickets. This will ensure to help you get a refund in case you couldn’t take the flight due to any reason. Generally, many airlines refund the full amount if you request them to cancel the tickets a minimum of 24 hours before the flight take-off. However, a refund can be availed only if you booked flight tickets 7 days prior to the departure of the flight.

Tips To Avoid Name Changes

• Self Air Ticket Booking – The best advice is to book the air tickets on your own with a free mind. This will completely eliminate the chances of errors.
• Type Name Correctly – You must type the exact spelling of your name as it is in the documents issued by the government. As airlines consider the name written on the ID documents.
• Avoid Typo Error – Typing errors are very common and anyone can attempt typo errors. While booking the cheapest flight tickets ensure make sure to double-check the spelling to restrict any chance for errors.
• Always Review Details – Never book your flight tickets in a hurry as this could lead to errors. This is always suggested to check all the details carefully twice before final submission. However, mistakes can happen by anyone, thus airlines give 24 hours to rectify the error.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q – Do airlines charge a fee to make changes in the name on the flight tickets?

A – Well, airline rules and regulations differ from one to another. So it is advised to check with the dedicated airline from where you booked the flight tickets. There are some airlines that fix the changes in the name free of cost under a certain timeframe. On the contrary, some airlines do not entertain such changes at all. It is better to check the airline guidelines.

Q – How much does it cost to get the changes in the name after the air ticket booking?

A – The cost of name changes for a plane ticket varies from one airline to another. You can check the accurate details on the site of the airline or call the airline staff.

Q – What if I get my name changed before the flight date post-air ticket purchase?

A – For legal changes in the name, airlines will correct the name when you have documents to support the claim. Otherwise, you will have to check with the airlines.