Booking a flight is exciting, but one small mistake—like a misspelled name or missing middle initial—can create unnecessary travel problems. Airlines require your ticket name to match your government ID exactly, and even a minor mismatch can prevent you from boarding. That’s why understanding how to process a name change flight ticket request is essential for smooth, trouble-free travel.

Whether you typed the wrong spelling, recently changed your surname, or accidentally swapped first and last names, most airlines allow corrections. However, each airline has its own rules, restrictions, fees, and documentation requirements. This guide explains everything you need to know to correct your ticket name safely and efficiently.

1. Why Name Accuracy Matters on Flight Tickets

Airline security and immigration systems rely heavily on identity verification. A name mismatch—even a single letter—can raise security concerns.

Incorrect names can lead to:

• Denied check-in

• Boarding refusal

• Additional verification delays

• Cancellation of booking in some cases

• Extra fees for last-minute corrections

The name on your flight ticket must match the name on your legal identification, such as:

• Passport

• Aadhaar card (India domestic flights)

• Driver’s license

• National ID

Ensuring accuracy early avoids travel-day stress.

2. What Is Allowed in a Name Change on a Flight Ticket?

Most airlines allow corrections, not full name replacements. The goal is to fix mistakes—not transfer the ticket to someone else.

✔ Allowed Corrections Include:

• Typographical errors (e.g., Jhon → John)

• Missing characters (e.g., Singh → Sing)

• Minor spelling corrections

• Adding or changing middle names

• Fixing name order (e.g., Shah Priya → Priya Shah)

• Removing duplicate letters

• Updating surname after marriage or divorce

• Correcting legal name changes

Corrections are meant to match your ticket name to your valid ID.

3. What Airlines Typically Do NOT Allow

Some limitations are strict across the industry.

✘ You cannot:

• Transfer the ticket to another person’s name

• Swap names between passengers

• Replace the full name without legal documentation

• Change multiple elements that make the passenger appear different

Airlines do this to prevent fraud and ensure security compliance.

4. Documents Required for a Name Change Request

The documentation depends on the type of change.

Minor spelling corrections may require:

• Passport copy

• Government-approved ID

• Booking confirmation

Major name corrections may require:

• Legal name change certificate

• Court affidavit

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

If you recently updated your legal name, always carry the document during travel.

5. How to Request a Name Change on a Flight Ticket

Each airline has its own process, but the steps are generally similar.

Step 1: Visit the Airline’s Official Website

Go to:

• Manage Booking

• My Trips

• Modify Passenger Details

Not all airlines offer self-service edits for names, but many allow small corrections online.

Step 2: Enter Your PNR or Confirmation Number

Provide:

• Booking reference

• Passenger last name

This opens your reservation.

Step 3: Select “Name Correction” or “Edit Details”

Depending on the airline, the feature may appear as:

• Name Correction

• Edit Traveler Information

• Ticket Name Change

If the option isn’t available, you must contact customer support.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

For spelling issues, documents may not be required.
For legal changes, you must upload or email supporting documents.

Step 5: Pay the Name Change Fee (If Applicable)

Fees vary by airline and correction type.
Some airlines allow free corrections within 24 hours of booking.

Step 6: Receive the Updated E-Ticket

Once the request is processed, the airline sends a revised itinerary.

6. Name Change via Customer Support

If the airline doesn’t allow online editing, you can:

• Call customer service

• Use chat support

• Visit the airport ticket counter

• Contact the travel agent (if booked through an OTA)

Support agents handle corrections manually and may charge a service fee.

7. Name Change Rules for International vs Domestic Flights

Domestic Flights

• Corrections usually easier

• Basic ID verification required

• Minimal documentation for small errors

International Flights

• Much stricter due to immigration rules

• Passport name must match exactly

• Larger corrections require strong legal proof

Always correct errors before attempting to check in.

8. Name Change on Third-Party Bookings

If you booked your flight on websites like:

• MakeMyTrip

• Expedia

• Cleartrip

• Kayak

• Priceline

• Goibibo

You must contact the platform—not the airline—because the agency owns your booking record.

The agency may add service charges in addition to airline fees.

9. Costs Associated with Name Change Requests

Fees depend on:

• Airline

• Route (domestic/international)

• Correction type

• Whether support is manual or online

Typical fee structure:

• Minor spelling correction → Free to $25

• Major correction or legal name change → $50–$150

• OTA service charges → Extra fees may apply

Low-cost carriers generally charge higher modification fees.

10. Name Change for Married or Divorced Travelers

If your surname has changed recently:

✔ Provide:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Legal name change certificate

Some airlines allow name changes without fees if marriage is the reason, but policies vary.

11. Group or Family Booking Name Corrections

For group bookings:

• All name changes must be processed together

• Airlines often have a separate group desk

• Small corrections may be free

• Large corrections may require leadership or agency handling

Always check the spelling of all travelers before confirming group reservations.

12. Tips to Avoid Name Change Problems

✔ Double-check names before payment

Most mistakes happen during fast online booking.

✔ Use the same name as your passport

Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.

✔ Make corrections early

Last-minute corrections may cost more.

✔ Keep documents ready

Especially for marriage or legal name changes.

✔ Book through airline websites for flexibility

Avoid extra agency service charges.

Conclusion

A name change flight ticket request is common, and airlines are equipped to handle it—whether it’s a small typo or a complete legal name update. The key is understanding airline policies, providing the correct documents, and making changes as early as possible. With the right information, you can correct your name smoothly and avoid travel delays, boarding issues, or added charges.