Traveling is one of the most enjoyable and beautiful experiences one passes through in his or her life. However, at the same time, it is full of many challenges, such as changing the name on an airline ticket.
Probably one of the most common kinds of inconveniences travelers are going to face is a change in the name they used to book a ticket. Be it an easily missed typo in your name, a new wedlock, or a last-minute change of plans, it pays to know the policies regarding name changes to save time, money, and a great deal of frustration.
Making Sure Your Ticket Has the Correct Name
Every time you pay for a ticket, the name on the ticket should be the same as that on your identification document.
The airlines are very strict with this measure. As a security method and to avoid any foul play, if there is any dissimilarity between the two names, you will be denied access to the boarding gate, and this can really mess up your traveling plans.
This in itself is the reason why you need to double-check ticket information before making the purchase final. The simple answer is that it all depends on the airline. Most airlines have very specifically outlined policies on name changes, and these vary terrifically.
Here are key considerations:
Minor Correction Versus Major Changes: Many airlines will allow for minor corrections, such as correction of misspelled names. Normally, major changes, like changes in the name of the person, are much more of a headache and usually not allowed.
Fees and Charges: An airline will likely charge if a passenger wants a name change. It varies considerably; sometimes, it is much cheaper for a passenger to scrap the original ticket and book a new one.
Time Limitations: Each airline has a definite duration of time within which a passenger can make a name change. Some even increase the changes up to the day of the flight, while others demand that a couple of days be strictly adhered to before traveling.
This is simple: If one is flying on Hawaiian Airlines, the policy in regard to name correction allows a passenger to correct and change the name without incurring a fee as long as it is corrected within 24 hours prior to the flight. This means correcting the first name’s typographical errors and adjusting it to agree with identification papers.
For more drastic types of changes, such as an entirely new name for the person, again, the best approach is to call their customer service. In these situations, Hawaiian Airlines is always there to help travelers, but the traveler’s best interest is served with time sensitivity to prevent other problems from occurring.
How to Change Your Airline Ticket Name
If you happen to be an unlucky traveler forced by circumstances actually to change the name on your airline ticket, here is a step-by-step process to guide you through it:
1. Check Their Policy: Before you take any step, you must see the name-change policy of the airlines. Normally, this is available on the respective official website.
2. Gather Your Information: Collect all information you might need. All the information should be there, the booking reference, the number of the ticket, and any identifying material. These are some of the details that will speed up the processing of everything.
3. Contact Customer Service: Request a phone call or ask for a change through the chat feature to the airline’s customer service department. Clearly and concisely state the kind of change that you wanted.
4. Make a Follow-Up: The name change, after being worked on, needs one to get the confirmation of the information. It is important that one confirms the information to avoid the hustle of last moment.
Myths About Change In Name
The following are the myths about the change in name related to the ticket and it may create confusion:
Myth – “You can change your ticket name at any time at no cost.”
Reality – The airlines have a policy on it, and there are even times they will charge the right fees.
Myth – There is no difference between a name change in a ticket and the cancellation of tickets.
Reality– there are different policies and fees that are between two things that vary from a ticket name change to a ticket cancellation. For a ticket name change, there are different kinds and amounts of fees, as well as procedure forms.
Myth: All airlines have a common policy for a name change.
Real story: The name change restrictions and charges depend on the airline and may differ. You would thus need to be conversant with a given airline’s policies.
Avoid the hassles involved in the name change process.
Cross-check your Information: Before buying the ticket, you need to check your ticket information. Your name should be spelled correctly and just like that on your identification card.
Enter your Full Legal Name: Book in your full legal name as appearing on your identification card at the time of booking the ticket. No nicknames or shortened versions are to be used.
Get Travel Insurance: If you’re at all concerned that your travel plans might change, you should consider travel insurance. This is another thing that some policies will cover when other unexpected hiccups happen.
If You Can’t Actually Change the Name
Cancel and Rebook: If changing the name is not an option, one will have to cancel the original booking and make another booking. Note the cancellation fees and rules.
Transfer the Ticket: There are a number of airlines that are reversible to another person. This method is attached to costs and other requirements.
Speak to the Customer Service
In case at any step, you are unsure of what to do, go to the customer service of an airline. Based on your situation, other options might be suggested to you.
Conclusion: Manage Your Travel Plans
All said and done, one can easily state that air travel is a bundle of processes and systems. One has to be learned and knowledgeable in every possible way so that there is no realm of ambiguity. Check and recheck the details about the ticket before purchasing it. Try to gain an understanding of the policies of the airlines with whom you are traveling.
Change can be done fast when there’s a need. Contact your airlines for some help. For sure, travel should be fun; these little things will put you on your tracks. Even before you haven’t yet packed your suitcase!
So remember these few simple tips next time you book a flight, and you might just need to take a little action to change your name ticket. Happy travels!
