How much to change the name on flight tickets? And do you need your middle name on it?

With people returning to the skies after the pandemic, many are wondering how much to change a name on air tickets to correct mistakes or swap the person altogether – here we look at the cost and if it can be done at top airlines flying from the UK.

One of my group’s names is spelt incorrectly on their flight ticket - does this matter?

While minor issues – such as a transposed letter – may seem insignificant, it is possible that some security staff at the airport might refuse permission to board the plane. You should get the mistake rectified as soon as possible. There may be a small charge for this, or even a whole new ticket fee required. Use the chart below to see how your airline is likely to react to such requests.

Can I change a flight ticket to a new person if someone drops out because of Covid etc?

There are some airlines that will let you change a name for free with medical evidence. However, some will charge and the amount will typically be much higher than correcting a mistake. Some airlines will demand you cancel the booking – and potentially lose all the money – and book a new ticket.

I have just got married, so will I need to change the name on my plane ticket?

Heading off on honeymoon, it might seem a romantic gesture to book the flight ticket in the bride’s new married name, but if this does not match the name in her passport – she will not be able to board the flight. If the passport has not been changed, you should book the ticket in her maiden name.

The same applies for divorce, only book the ticket in the name that matches your passport. Find out how and when you need to change the name in your passport here.

Can I change names online or will have to contact the airline in person?

If possible, making name changes online will typically be much cheaper. Ryanair charges £115 online to change a name, or £160 if you have to speak to a customer service agent.

Will I have to pay for a name change on for both flights?

If changing a name on the ticket attracts a cost, it is likely that you will need to pay a fee for the flight to your destination and the return home.

Wrong last name on airline ticket - does it matter?

Yes. You must match your passport when it comes to the name on your airline ticket. a mis-spelling or completely wrong surname on the ticket could see you grounded before your trip even starts. Use the information below to find out more about how to remedy the situation.

Do you need your middle name on airline ticket?

As long as the middle name is completely missing - and not spelt incorrectly - then you should be fine to fly. However, if it is included, but is wrong, then you should speak to your airline asap, as you will most likely need to get it corrected - which could mean you incur a cost.

Charges for changing names on flight tickets

The following information reveals how much it could cost to change a name on flight tickets for leading airlines flying from the UK in 2022.

Aer Lingus

Change name on ticket: £80 per name change. Small spelling mistakes are typically corrected for free. Call the airline.

Details: Aer Lingus ticket change information.

Air France

Changing name on ticket: Air France says changing names on tickets is not possible. The website states:
‘The name indicated on your ticket cannot be modified. If it contains a typo or if you have changed names, please contact your point of sale or the sales department by phone.’

Details: Click here for information on ticket name changes at Air France.

American Airlines

Changing name on ticket: Strong security, visas and waivers make correcting or changing names complicated for those booked with American Airlines. Call the carrier or ticket agent as soon as possible for current advice.

Details: Contact American Airlines’ UK customer service here.

British Airways (BA)

Changing name on ticket: Changing a traveller is free of charge within 24 hours of booking the ticket (with some exceptions, details on link below). Beyond this cooling off period, the flight will need to be cancelled and rebooked, which can attract additional fees and the original price will not apply. Minor name changes and spelling corrections are undertaken without charge but any increases caused by fuel price hikes could be added to the original fee on the ticket being changed.

Details: Click here to view more information on BA’s ticket change.

easyJet

Changing name on ticket: Passengers can change minor mistakes and title changes for free when flying with easyJet, but changing a name will cost £49 online or £55 if speaking to an operator. Passengers should note this will be charged on both outward and inbound flights.

Details: More information on the easyJet name change policy.

Emirates

Changing name on ticket: Names can be corrected if they are incorrect on the ticket, but this must be done before any flights are taken. If you have legally changed your name, you can update the ticket at any time, with supporting documentation. There is likely to be a £10 charge for changes per ticket bought direct, or £20 if purchased through an agent.

Emirates will not allow tickets to be transferred from one passenger to another. The ticket will need to be cancelled – with all charges paid – and a new one booked.

Details: Find ticket change details on the Emirates website here.

Flybe

Changing name on ticket: Travellers can make name changes online via the Manage my booking feature. Spelling mistakes on bookings, can be corrected online and free of charge for errors up to three characters. Call the Customer Contact Centre for larger changes at no extra cost.

If you or someone travelling on your booking cannot travel due to medical problems, that ticket can be issued in a new name if a doctor’s or hospital letter can be produced. Only the standard name change fee of £45 will be applied and any fare difference will be waived.

If any part of the itinerary has been flown, name changes are not permitted.

Details: Find more about Flybe ticket name changes.

Jet2

Changing name on ticket: You can correct spelling errors of up to three letters for free at the Manage My Booking feature, or by calling Jet2’s call centre. Changing a passenger’s name will cost £35 per flight, and any difference in the cost of the ticket at that time may also be added – whereas no refunds will be given if the price drops.

Details: Find out more about changing your name on Jet2 tickets.

KLM

Changing name on ticket: You can have a typo corrected for free if you contact the airline no less than 30 hours before the service is due to depart. The website states you cannot change the name of the person flying, so it’s likely you will need to cancel the ticket and pay for a new one if required – with all the charges this may incur.

Details: Find out more about changing your name on KLM tickets.

Norwegian

Changing name on ticket: Norwegian will let you can change date and time, destination and the name of the ticket holder (for a fee) up to 30 minutes before the departure is scheduled for most destinations online. LowFare and LowFare+ ticket holders can change names on tickets for £60, while Flex tickets can be changed for free. Charges apply to both outbound and inbound flights.

Details: More information on changing names on Norwegian tickets.

Ryanair

Changing name on ticket: Names can be changed up to 2 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure. Spelling mistakes of up to 3 characters per name can be corrected free of charge through the My Booking section up to 48 hours before departure. Further changes will incur a fee, starting at £115 online, or £115 if you want a customer service operator to do this.

Details: Find out how to change names on Ryanair flight tickets.

TUI

Changing name on ticket: Names can be changed but there will be a fee. You could also be asked to pay more for the ticket if prices have changed. Call the travel company for more information of fees and charges.

Details: Find more information on the TUI T&Cs page.

Virgin Atlantic

Changing name on a ticket: If you spot a small spelling mistake in your name on the ticket, Virgin Atlantic will correct this for free. You can also ask the airline to change your name for free if you have had it legally changed. You will, however, need to supply supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate. You will not be able to transfer your ticket to another person by changing the name. You'll need to buy a new ticket to add another traveller.

Details: How to change your name on a Virgin Atlantic flight ticket.

Wizz Air

Name change details: Changes to names on Wizz Air flight tickets will be charged at €46 (£38 at time of writing) per person per flight. Minor spelling mistakes on names will likely be made without a fee being paid.

Details: Find out how much to change names on Wizz Air tickets.