If you make a booking for your flight then it is essential that you give the right information regarding the passenger(s). But the problem can occur when the passengers misspell their name or write the wrong surname or even change their name because of some reason.
The Air Canada Name Change Policy provides information on how passengers can make changes to their booking details. Air Canada will allow some name changes, such as correcting any misspellings and ensuring that the name matches any official travelling documents. However, if you wish to change the name on the ticket to another individual’s name this will generally not be allowed.
If you have made a booking with Air Canada and notice any errors within your passenger details it is important to understand the airline’s policies any associated fees, required documentation and ways you can get in touch.
In this guide we look at how to make a name change with Air Canada and key things to know before travelling.
What Is the Air Canada Name Change Policy?
When a passenger wants to correct an incorrect name on their flight booking, there are certain steps that Air Canada will take.
Correcting a passenger’s name can be done if the name is misspelled or needs to be updated to reflect their legal travel documents.
Correctable names include:
Misspellings of their first or last name.
Legal name change due to marriage/divorce.
Other legal changes.
Important things to note:
Passengers can request name changes if they have misspelled their first or last name.
Name changes can be accepted if they provide proof of the change.
The name must match the passenger’s travel ID.
Changes to passenger details can usually not be made using the Manage Booking online tool.
Passengers who have booked directly with Air Canada should contact them directly.
You can’t just transfer tickets to another passenger.
Depending on the ticket, the booking method and the airlines being used on your trip, you may need to follow a different process.
Can You Correct a Misspelled Name on an Air Canada Ticket?
Air Canada can make amendments to your name. If you have made a mistake when booking and put in the wrong letter, contact the airline.
If your passport says Michael but on your flight ticket it says Micheal, you can contact Air Canada and explain the error.
Common name requests are:
Forename spelling error
Surname spelling error
First and surname swapped
Details of name do not match legal travel documents
Maiden or married surname amendment
They will then check your request and decide how they can correct the name.
You shouldn’t book another reservation until you have contacted the airline, this could cause further issues with your booking and payments.
Does Air Canada Allow Name Changes After Marriage?
Yes, Air Canada do have guidelines for correcting names on your booking if there has been a legal name change. This can be due to you getting married, divorced, adopting a child or transitioning.
If you have a booking under your old surname and then later legally change your last name (for example you got married) you may wish to have this updated on your booking to reflect your current travel documents.
Air Canada may ask for the following to prove your name change:
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree or certificate
Legal name change document issued by the government
New passport
They may also ask for a copy of your ID.
Only send the documents they have asked for through the proper channels. Once they have been looked at Air Canada will be able to advise you on how to correct your name and reissue your tickets.
Can You Transfer an Air Canada Ticket to Another Person?
Name change is different to transferring a passenger.
The name change will modify the passenger details. A passenger transfer will replace the passenger entirely.
Generally, Air Canada has rules in place for bookings and tickets, which do not allow passengers to transfer their tickets.
Instead, please check the cancellation and refund terms for your ticket. Depending on the fare you have, you may be entitled to a refund, travel credit or other option.
Can You Change Your Name Online Through Air Canada Manage Booking?
Air Canada offer a Manage My Booking feature which lets you view and amend parts of your booking.
This allows passengers to:
View flight bookings
Choose or change seats
View baggage allowance
Request eligible upgrades
Add travel services
View and share your itinerary
However, according to the official FAQ on Air Canada’s Manage My Booking page you cannot make any amendments to passenger information online. To correct your name you need to contact the airline.
How Much Does Air Canada Charge for a Name Change?
Costs will depend on the type of ticket you have.
According to Air Canada’s published name correction policy (updated May 31, 2023):
There are various procedures that can be used depending on how you booked:
Eligible tickets with only Air Canada operated flights can be corrected free of charge via Air Canada’s contact centre.
Some tickets with other airlines included will incur a fee of $50 CAD/USD (plus applicable taxes).
This is dependent on the ticketing conditions and may not apply to all passengers.
Contact Air Canada or your original booking agent to confirm if there is a fee associated with your reservation.
Please also note that this is a separate fee to a change of flight fee or fare difference.
What Documents Are Required for an Air Canada Name Correction?
Depending on why you want to change your passenger information, you may be asked to provide:
A valid passport
Government issued photo ID
Marriage certificate
Divorce certificate/decree
Legal name change documents
Booking confirmation document
Air Canada provides specific guidelines regarding documents needed for legal name changes.
Conclusion
The Air Canada Name Change Policy allows passengers to change names due to spelling errors or when names need updating due to some legal changes. It should be noted that changing the original passenger’s details is different to changing the ticket to someone else.
Contact Air Canada Reservations at the earliest opportunity if there is an incorrect name on your reservation. Have your booking confirmation, passport and any legal documents to hand. You will also want to find out if there are any charges and check the new ticket.
By checking your passenger details as soon as you have booked your flight you can avoid any unnecessary issues.
