A Traveler's Guide to Stress-Free Flight & Name Changes
Travel plans can change, and navigating airline policies for flight and name changes can be confusing. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you out.
Flight Changes
Your ability to change a flight and the cost depends on your ticket. Flexible tickets have low or no change fees, while non-refundable tickets often have higher fees and more restrictions.
The timing of your change is important; fees are typically higher the closer you get to departure. You’ll also need to pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. Many airlines, including Delta, United, and American, have eliminated change fees for most tickets (except Basic Economy), which is great news for travelers.
Name Corrections
The name on your ticket must match your government-issued ID. For minor errors like a typo (“Jhn” instead of “John”), airlines often allow a name correction for free or a small fee.
A full name change, such as transferring a ticket to another person, is rarely allowed as tickets are non-transferable. If you’ve had a legal name change, you’ll need to provide legal documentation to the airline.
Tips to Avoid Hassle
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Double-check everything before you book.
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Consider a flexible fare if your plans might change.
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Get travel insurance to protect against unexpected costs.
By being informed, you can handle unexpected changes to your travel plans with confidence.
