Correcting an error or changing a passenger: what’s the difference?
It is important to distinguish between two very different situations regarding your flight ticket.
Correcting a clerical error
If you’ve made a typing error (for example, ‘Dupoont’ instead of ‘Dupont’), most airlines allow for a correction. As a general rule, an error of fewer than three letters is tolerated or can be corrected at a lower cost. The aim is simply to ensure that the name on the ticket matches exactly that on your official ID.
A complete change of passenger
This involves transferring a ticket from person A to person B. In the aviation industry, the golden rule is as follows: a flight ticket is personal, named and non-transferable.
Why is it so difficult to change a name?
Security is the top priority. Passenger manifests are sent to airport and government authorities well before take-off. A name change requires the airline to update this sensitive data.
Furthermore, this helps prevent the secondary market for ticket resale. Without these restrictions, speculators could buy tickets at low prices months in advance and resell them at a higher price at the last minute simply by changing the name.
Special circumstances: marriage, divorce and civil status
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 now bears your married name (or vice versa), don’t panic.
- Proof of change: Please bring your family record book or an original marriage certificate.
- Planning ahead: Contact the booking office as soon as possible. At Chalair, we prioritise a personal touch and listening to our customers to resolve these administrative issues.
Our tips for avoiding data entry errors
- Double-check: Reread your first name and surname exactly as they appear on your passport or identity card before confirming payment.
- Use your birth name: This is the most reliable option, as it appears on all your identity documents.
- Be careful with compound first names: Don’t forget to include them if they appear on your official documents.
- Avoid accents: Airline booking systems often use the international alphabet without special characters.
How do I make a change with Chalair?
If you’re travelling on one of our scheduled flights and notice an error, prompt action is key.
For any change requests, please
- Read our Terms and Conditions of Sale (T&Cs),
- Read our FAQs on flight changes,
- Contact our Bookings team directly.
Changing the name on a flight ticket is possible in certain cases, but it is a regulated procedure. Whether it’s a minor correction or a change in marital status, the important thing is to act quickly and have the correct documents to hand.