When it comes to making ticket name changes and corrections on British Airways, understanding the process and the airline’s policies is essential. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about name changes and corrections for BA flights.
However, a word of caution as not all airlines are the same when it comes to a name change. Take for example the Student who changed his name by deed poll to avoid the extortionate admin fees on Ryanair.
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Name Corrections vs. Name Changes
It’s crucial to understand the difference between name corrections and name changes, as they are not interchangeable terms. A name correction allows the airline to correct the name on the ticket to match your passport or other government-issued documents for misspellings, married/maiden/divorced names, legal names, secondary last names, inverted names, and discrepancies in gender or age. On the other hand, a name change implies a complete or partial change of the passenger’s name.
Note that entire name changes are not allowed, as tickets are non-transferable.
Name Corrections
Suppose there’s a spelling mistake or a name mismatch with your passport. In that case, you can usually correct it easily over the phone, provided British Airways operate all flights on the ticket. BA doesn’t charge for this type of change, but if the taxes, fees, carrier-imposed charges, or fuel surcharges have changed since the booking, you’ll need to pay the difference. Be prepared to send copies of documents if the Customer Support team requests them.
For information on married name changes, refer to the British Airways help page: Married Name Change
For more details on correcting or changing the name on a ticket, visit: Correcting or Changing the Name on a Ticket
Keep in mind that updating or correcting a name in the Advance Passenger Information (API) will not change the e-ticket.
If you booked through a travel agent or travel website, contact them directly, as British Airways can’t change the tickets they issued.
If you booked through British Airways, either online or on the phone, call their customer support to request a name correction.
Name Changes
If you wish to change the name of a person booked to travel, British Airways offers a 24-hour cooling-off period during which you can cancel the booking and receive a full refund if the booking was made directly through British Airways. After this period, flight-only tickets are non-transferable, and you’ll need to cancel the original booking and make a new one for the new traveller (at current ticket prices). The cooling-off period doesn’t apply to the following bookings:
- Bookings are made on a flight leaving within 24 hours of the time you book.
- Bookings where immediate payment isn’t required.
- Package bookings or flights booked with hotels, car hire, transfers, or experiences.
Package Holiday Name Changes
For package holiday bookings, a £100 fee applies for name changes. Please contact the Customer Support team for assistance.
Bookings with Other Carriers
British Airways can only action name corrections for bookings on BA mainline flights, BA CityFlyer, SUN-AIR of Scandinavia A/S, Aer Lingus prime flights, American Airlines prime flights (excluding booking classes U, T, R, X, and Z), and Iberia flights operated by Iberia, Air Nostrum and Iberia Express.
They cannot help with name corrections if the itinerary includes segments on other carriers or codeshare flights.
For more information on British Airways’ name correction policies, refer to the following page: Name Corrections
To avoid the need for name corrections, make sure to enter your full first name and spell your name as it appears on your passport when making your booking. We recommend avoiding the use of initials.
Avoiding Name Corrections
To avoid the need for name corrections, make sure to enter your full first name and spell your name as it appears on your passport when making your booking. We recommend avoiding the use of initials.
How to Make Changes to the Name on a Ticket
If you need to make a name change or correction, follow these steps based on how you booked your ticket:
- If you booked through a travel agent or travel website, contact them directly, as British Airways cannot change tickets they issued.
- If you booked through British Airways (online or over the phone), call their customer support to make the name change or correction.
Remember to have your booking details and supporting documents ready when contacting the customer support team.
Changing or Cancelling Package Holidays Online
Currently, it’s not possible to change or cancel package holiday bookings online. Please call the British Airways Customer Support team for assistance.
Contacting British Airways
For further support and information on name changes and corrections, contact your local British Airways office or visit their official website.
In summary, understanding British Airways’ policies and procedures for name changes and corrections can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any name-related issues that may arise during your journey.
