What is Air India name change policy

Air India Name Change Policy, like many other airlines, has specific guidelines and procedures when it comes to changing the name on a ticket. This policy applies to various types of bookings, from domestic to international flights, and is governed by the rules of the ticket fare class purchased. Understanding Air India’s name change policy is important to avoid confusion or potential issues before your flight.

General Name Change Guidelines

Air India generally allows name changes in cases of minor corrections, such as fixing spelling errors, missing initials, or slight variations in the name (e.g., correcting a typo). However, major changes such as changing the entire name or last name are typically not permitted unless under exceptional circumstances. Passengers cannot change the full name, but they may request modifications for small discrepancies in the first or last name, as long as these changes don't alter the ticket holder’s identity in a significant way.

Circumstances Under Which Name Changes Are Allowed

The airline permits name changes or corrections under the following conditions:

1. Minor Typo or Misspelled Name: If there is a small typo or an error in the passenger’s name (e.g., a single letter or reversed letters), Air India allows for corrections. These changes are often processed without much hassle, as long as the request is made well before the scheduled departure.

2. Legal Name Changes: If the passenger has undergone a legal name change due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, they can request a name change. Proof of the legal name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order, or other official documents) will be required to process the request.

3. Gender Transition: If a passenger’s gender has changed legally, they can apply for a name change with the appropriate legal documents, such as a gender transition certificate or official identification reflecting the new name.

Restrictions on Full Name Changes

Air India typically does not allow full name changes on tickets. In cases where a passenger needs to transfer the ticket to another person, they may have to cancel the original booking and rebook a new ticket in the name of the new passenger. Name changes are only granted if the request is related to minor corrections, as mentioned earlier. Major changes like changing the entire first or last name are often not possible, especially when there’s no legal basis for the change.

Supporting Documentation for Name Changes

When submitting a name change request, passengers must provide supporting documentation to verify the need for the change. This could include:

• For Typographical Errors: No specific documents are required if the name change is a simple typo or spelling mistake. However, you may be asked to provide the original booking details to support the correction request.

• For Legal Name Changes: Passengers must submit legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or official court order that proves the legal name change.

• For Gender Transition: Official identification or documentation showing the change in gender or name legally is necessary to approve the change.

Name Change Fees

Air India may charge a fee for processing name changes, particularly for minor corrections. The fee structure varies depending on the type of ticket, the route, and the fare rules of the specific booking. It’s essential to confirm the applicable charges with Air India’s customer service at the time of the request. In most cases, the airline will charge a nominal fee for minor corrections, but substantial name alterations may incur higher charges.

Time Frame for Requesting Name Changes

It’s important to request a name change as early as possible, ideally as soon as you notice an error. Air India advises passengers to contact customer service and submit the necessary documentation well in advance of the flight, ideally a few days before the departure. Requests made closer to the flight date might be subject to processing delays and additional scrutiny.

Ticket Types and Name Change Policy

Air India’s name change policy may vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. If you have purchased a promotional or discounted fare, be aware that name changes might be more restrictive or subject to higher fees. On the other hand, more flexible fares may offer a more lenient name change policy, with fewer restrictions and lower fees.

How to Request a Name Change

To initiate a name change request, passengers should contact Air India’s customer service team either by phone, email, or by visiting the airline’s official website. If the request is eligible for processing, the airline will guide you through the necessary steps, which may include submitting documentation, paying any applicable fees, and receiving confirmation once the change has been approved.

Conclusion

In summary, Air India allows name changes under specific circumstances, primarily to correct minor errors or to address legal changes such as marriage or gender transition. Full name changes are generally not permitted, and passengers should be aware of the fees and documentation requirements. It’s advisable to double-check the name on your ticket at the time of booking to avoid the hassle of making corrections later. If a change is necessary, it’s always best to request it as early as possible to ensure that all procedures are completed smoothly before your flight.