Correcting an error or changing a passenger: what's the difference?
It is important to distinguish between two very different situations for your airline ticket.
Correction of a material error
If you have made a typing error (for example, "Dupoont" instead of "Dupont"), most airlines will allow you to correct it. As a general rule, errors of less than three letters are tolerated or can be corrected at a low cost. The aim is simply to ensure that the name on the ticket matches the name on your official ID document exactly.
Complete passenger change
Here, we are talking about transferring a ticket from person A to person B. In the world of aviation, the golden rule is as follows: an airline ticket is personal, non-transferable, and non-assignable.
Why is it so difficult to change a name?
Safety is the top priority. Passenger lists are sent to airport and government authorities well in advance of takeoff. A name change requires the airline to update this sensitive data.
Furthermore, this prevents the secondary market for ticket resales. Without these restrictions, speculators could buy tickets at low prices months in advance and resell them at a higher price at the last minute by simply changing the name.
Special cases: marriage, divorce, and civil life
Life changes between the time you buy your ticket and the day of your flight. If you booked under your maiden name and your passport is now in your married name (or vice versa), don't panic.
- Proof: Bring your family record book or original marriage certificate.
- Anticipation: Contact the booking department booking as possible. At Chalair, we prioritize proximity and listening to resolve these administrative situations.
Our tips for avoiding data entry errors
- Double-check: Review your first and last name as they appear on your passport or ID card before confirming payment.
- Use your birth name: This is the most reliable value that appears on all your identification documents.
- Be careful with compound first names: don't forget them if they appear on your official documents.
- Avoid accents: booking systems often use the international alphabet without special characters.
How do I make a change with Chalair?
If you are traveling on one of our regular routes and notice an error, responsiveness is key.
For any modification requests, please contact us at
- See our terms and conditions of sale (T&Cs),
- See our FAQ Flight changes,
- Contact our booking department directly.
Changing the name on an airline ticket is possible in certain cases, but remains a regulated procedure. Whether it's for a minor correction or a change in civil status, the important thing is to act quickly and have the right documents.