Are you planning to fly with Qatar Airways and need to make changes to the name on your ticket? Qatar Airways has specific rules and procedures for name changes and corrections that passengers should be aware of.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Qatar Airways’ policies for ticket name changes and corrections, including acceptable and non-acceptable changes, fees, and restrictions. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, understanding these policies can help ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid any unexpected costs or issues.
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Name Change Vs Name Correction
When you purchase an airline ticket, your name is one of the most important details associated with the ticket. If you need to make a change to the name on your ticket, whether it’s a correction or a full name change, it’s important to understand the difference between the two and how they can impact your travel plans.
Ticket Name Change
A ticket name change involves changing the name of the passenger on the ticket to a completely new name. This typically happens when the original passenger is unable to travel and needs to transfer their ticket to someone else. In this case, the ticket name change usually involves a fee, which can vary depending on the airline and the type of ticket you purchased. Additionally, some airlines may have restrictions or limitations on ticket name changes, such as limiting the number of times you can change the name on a ticket or requiring that the new passenger has the same last name as the original passenger.
Ticket Name Correction
A ticket name correction, on the other hand, involves making minor changes or corrections to the name of the passenger on the ticket. This could include correcting a spelling error, adding a missing middle initial, or making another minor change to ensure that the name on the ticket matches the passenger’s government-issued ID. In many cases, a name correction can be done free of charge, but there may be some limitations or requirements for making the change, such as providing documentation to verify the correct spelling of the name.
Qatar Airways Acceptable Changes
According to Qatar Airways’ website, the rules for ticket name changes and corrections depend on the type of ticket you have purchased. Qatar Airways has different rules for ticket name changes and name corrections, which are as follows:
Ticket Name Changes
- The only valid reason to have a ticket name change is for a legal reason such as marriage, divorce, or adoption which can be validated by verifying the date of birth in the original and new document
- Other than legal reasons, Qatar Airways does not allow name changes on tickets. The ticket can only be used by the person whose name is mentioned on the ticket.
Ticket Name Corrections
Qatar Airways name corrections are only allowed for minor typographical errors in the name that do not impact the identity of the passenger. Information about ticket name corrections include:
- These can include correcting a spelling mistake or adding a missing middle name or initial.
- The correction must not result in a name change or alteration of the name format.
- Name corrections can be made up to three characters per name on the ticket.
- Name corrections are allowed only once per ticket and only for Economy class tickets.
- Name corrections can be made online or through the airline’s call center.
- Document proof such as passport or ID card may be required to support the name correction.
Examples Of Acceptable And Non-Acceptable Name Corrections:
- Acceptable correction: changing “Jhon” to “John” or adding a missing middle initial such as changing “John D Smith” to “John D. Smith”.
- Non-acceptable correction: changing “John Smith” to “J. Smith” or changing the name from “John Smith” to “John James Smith”.
When Changes are Unactionable
Name Change and Name Correction procedures cannot be initiated when:
- the date of birth cannot be verified.
- For partially utilized tickets, Name Change and Name Correction procedures are not possible, except for legal reasons.
- Code-share and/or interline reservations, except on QR code-share reservations operated by 6E (at least 6 hours prior to departure) or BA (coming soon), are not eligible for Name Change and Name Correction procedures.
- Passengers who wish to travel on two different names and passports must purchase two separate tickets for outbound and inbound travel.
- PNRs created from FFP Privilege Club profile are not eligible for Name Change and Name Correction procedures.
- Name Change and Name Correction procedures are not possible once the passenger has checked-in, unless the passenger and baggage can be offloaded.
Things to Note
There are a couple of things to note which should be factored in.
Name Changes to Australian and New Zealand Tickets
It is important to note that Qatar Airways charges a fee of AUD100 or NZD100 for name correction or name change transactions for ticketed bookings in the Australia and New Zealand region. This fee is in addition to any fare difference that may apply when making changes to your ticket. If you need to correct or change the name on your ticket, it is recommended to do so as early as possible and to carefully review Qatar Airways’ policies to ensure that you understand any fees or restrictions that may apply. By being aware of these policies and fees, you can ensure a smoother travel experience and avoid any unexpected costs or issues related to your ticket.
No Cooling Off Period
According to Qatar Airways’ Conditions of Carraige, they do not have a 24-hour cooling off period after booking a ticket like Cathay Pacific and British Airways do. Once a ticket is purchased, it is subject to the fare rules of the ticket, which may or may not allow for cancellations or changes, and any applicable fees or penalties will apply.
However, Qatar Airways does offer a “Hold My Booking” feature that allows passengers to reserve a flight itinerary without payment for up to 72 hours. During this time, passengers can review the itinerary and make changes, if necessary, before confirming and paying for the booking. This feature is available for select itineraries and fare types and may be subject to certain conditions and fees.
This is however in contrast to other websites which state they do but no citation has been given.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Qatar Airways has specific rules and procedures for ticket name changes and name corrections. It is important for passengers to understand these policies and fees to ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid any unexpected costs or issues. Qatar Airways charges a fee for name correction and name change transactions for ticketed bookings in the Australia and New Zealand region, and they do not have a 24-hour cooling off period after booking a ticket. Passengers are encouraged to carefully review the fare rules and conditions of their ticket before making any changes or cancellations to avoid any issues. By being aware of these policies and procedures, passengers can enjoy a stress-free travel experience with Qatar Airways.