Mistakes happen—especially when booking flights in a hurry. A small typing error in your name, using a nickname instead of the official name, missing a middle name, or entering the wrong surname can create problems during check-in or boarding. That’s why understanding how to process a name change flight ticket request is essential for any traveler.
Airlines have strict security regulations, and the name on your flight ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID. Even a minor mismatch can delay your travel or prevent boarding entirely. Fortunately, most airlines offer a structured process to correct or update the passenger’s name.
This detailed guide explains what you can and cannot change, how name corrections work, costs involved, and the exact steps to complete the process smoothly.
1. What Does a “Name Change Flight Ticket” Mean?
A name change on a flight ticket means correcting or updating the passenger's name to match their legal identification documents. This can include:
Fixing spelling mistakes
Adding or correcting a middle name
Updating the last name after marriage or divorce
Switching the name order (first/last)
Correcting legal name changes
Removing duplicate characters
Adjusting formatting issues (spaces, hyphens, etc.)
However, airlines do not allow transferring a ticket to a completely different person unless their policy specifically permits it (rare among major carriers).
2. Why Name Accuracy Matters in Air Travel
Security and passenger identity verification are top priorities for all airlines and airport authorities.
The name on your flight ticket must match:
Passport
Aadhaar card (for domestic flights in India)
Driver’s license
Any government-issued photo ID
Mistakes can lead to:
Check-in denial
Boarding refusal
Additional documentation checks
Delays and extra fees
That’s why correcting your name as early as possible is important.
3. Types of Name Corrections Airlines Allow
Different airlines follow different rules, but here are the most common corrections permitted:
✔ Minor spelling corrections
Example: Jon → John
Or: Smiht → Smith
✔ Fixing typos or extra characters
Example: Sandeep Singhh → Sandeep Singh
✔ Adding missing middle or last names
✔ Correcting name order
Example: Kumar Rahul → Rahul Kumar
✔ Changing last name due to marriage or divorce
Documentation may be required.
✔ Legal name change
Supported with a court document or notarized certificate.
4. Changes Airlines Typically Do NOT Allow
✘ Transferring the ticket to another person
You cannot change the passenger on the booking completely.
✘ Swapping names between passengers
If two tickets are booked incorrectly, each ticket must be handled separately.
✘ Replacing the entire name without documentation
Major edits require proof.
5. Documents Required for Name Change Requests
Airlines may ask for supporting documents depending on the type of correction:
Passport copy
Government ID
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Name change affidavit
Court-issued legal name change document
Booking confirmation
For minor spelling corrections, documents may not be required.
6. How to Request a Name Change on a Flight Ticket
The procedure varies slightly by airline, but the steps remain similar.
Step 1: Visit the Airline’s Official Website
Go to Manage Booking, My Trips, or Modify Ticket.
Step 2: Enter Your Booking Details
Provide:
PNR or confirmation number
Passenger last name
Step 3: Select the Option for Name Correction
Some airlines call it:
“Name Correction Request”
“Edit Passenger Details”
“Ticket Name Change”
Step 4: Upload Required Documents (If Needed)
Depending on the correction type:
Passport
ID
Legal certificate
Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fee (If Any)
Some airlines charge:
A flat correction fee
A service fee for manual processing
Many allow minor spelling corrections free of charge.
Step 6: Receive the Updated Ticket by Email
After approval, the airline sends a revised e-ticket with the corrected name.
7. When Should You Request a Name Change?
It’s best to correct your name as soon as possible, especially if:
You're traveling internationally
You used a nickname instead of your passport name
Your travel date is approaching
You’ve recently changed your legal name
Last-minute corrections can be stressful and may involve higher fees.
8. Name Change Fees: How Much Does It Cost?
Fees vary widely depending on the airline.
Possible charges include:
Free (for minor spelling mistakes)
$25–$50 (small correction fee for some airlines)
$100+ (major changes requiring manual review)
Service fee if done through customer support
Low-cost airlines may charge higher fees for any modification.
9. Can You Change the Name on a Non-Refundable Ticket?
Yes—most airlines allow name corrections even on non-refundable tickets, as long as:
You are not transferring the ticket to another person
You follow airline rules
You pay applicable fees
Refundability does not affect correction eligibility.
10. Name Change for Group Bookings
For group reservations:
All corrections must be processed through the group booking desk
Airlines may allow bulk corrections if multiple names have similar mistakes
Fees may be lower or waived for group bookings made through agents
11. How Travel Agencies Handle Name Changes
If your ticket was booked through:
MakeMyTrip
Expedia
Priceline
Cleartrip
Goibibo
Travel agents
…you must request the correction through them, not directly from the airline.
Agencies often add their own service fee.
12. Tips to Avoid Name Change Issues
✔ Always double-check spelling before booking
Most mistakes happen due to hurried typing.
✔ Keep your passport nearby while booking
Especially for international flights.
✔ Do not use nicknames or short forms
Always use the full legal name.
✔ Correct mistakes immediately
Airlines may waive fees for same-day corrections.
✔ Ensure consistency
The name on your travel insurance should also match your ticket.
Conclusion
A name change flight ticket request is common and usually easy to handle as long as you understand your airline’s policies and provide the necessary documents. Whether it’s a small typo or a major legal name update, correcting the passenger name ensures smooth travel without hurdles at check-in or boarding.
Being proactive, checking documents early, and correcting mistakes quickly will help you avoid stress and extra fees.
