Can You Change The Name On A Plane Ticket? | Airline Rules & Guidelines

Posted on 7th Nov, 2023 by Renu Dahiya , Updated 1 year ago

Want to travel somewhere, but not on the prescribed date and time? We understand that it hurts making all the plans and changing them at the last minute. You won’t have many options to deal with unforeseen events. However, if you want to know about ‘can you change the name on a plane ticket‘ or transferring an airline ticket to another person, this piece is for you. In this case, you have two options:- You can either modify the reservations or you can cancel the ticket. You can incur charges if you change or cancel your flight plans. Later, you will get a refund for the ticket which gets wasted. It really depends a lot on the airlines and their rules and regulations. 

Can I Change A Name On A Plane Ticket?

Many travelers plan their trips months in advance to secure the best prices. However, circumstances can change during that time, leading to questions about changing the name on a flight ticket.

The answer is, in some cases, yes, you can change the name on a plane ticket. However, there are limited situations where this is permitted.

Name changes may be necessary due to events like marriage or divorce. The rules for altering names on tickets vary by airline, so it’s essential to understand their policies before making your purchase.

Airlines’ Guidelines for Transferring Tickets

Here are some popular airlines and their protocols when it comes to transferring airline tickets.

• American Airlines: American Airlines has a strict policy regarding ticket transfers. You cannot transfer your ticket to another person directly. If you wish to make this change, you will need to cancel your flight ticket, and there will be a penalty of approximately $150. Once your ticket is canceled, you’ll receive travel credit, which can then be used to purchase a ticket for another person.
• Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines has a strict policy that does not permit passengers to transfer their flight tickets to someone else. The airline does allow name changes on plane tickets only in cases where minor corrections are needed, such as fixing spelling errors.
• Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines offers some flexibility when it comes to transferring tickets. Passengers who have booked Business Select, Wanna Get Away Plus, or Anytime flight tickets can transfer their tickets. Instead of a refund, the airline provides travel credits to customers, which can be transferred to another Southwest flight passenger. It’s important to keep in mind that both you and the person receiving the travel credits must have a Rapid Rewards account with Southwest Airlines.
• United Airlines: United Airlines prohibits ticket transfers between passengers. If your ticket was purchased through United within the last 24 hours and you completed your purchase at least one week prior to the initially scheduled departure flight, it may be eligible for a waiver of change or cancellation fees. Tickets in Basic Economy cannot be changed, but you can get a full refund within 24 hours of booking them as long as you finish the purchase at least a week before the originally scheduled departure flight. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cost of changing the name on my plane ticket?

A: The cost of changing the name on your plane ticket varies with each airline. Some airlines may charge a fee for this service, while others may offer it for free.

Q: Why do some airlines have restrictions on changing the name on a plane ticket?

A: Airlines restrict name changes on tickets due to security concerns. They may allow changes only if the original ticket-holder is using it or if there is a documented error. These restrictions help prevent scalpers from exploiting travelers.

Q: What should I do if my name has changed recently?

A: If your name has been recently changed, but your government ID has not been updated to reflect the change, don’t worry. You can still fly by bringing valid documentation of the name change with you.

We hope that this blog has provided you with valuable insights on changing the name on your flight ticket. If you still have questions or uncertainties, feel free to reach out to us. The dedicated team of travel experts at MyIndiaFlight is here to promptly address all your concerns.

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