British Airways Name Change Policy

British Airways Change Name Policy

British Airways name change policy allows you to change the passenger name on BA flights, basis the following rules:

  • You cannot change the name on a ticket completely so that it results in a change of passenger. However, you can change the name on your ticket in case of marriage, divorce, etc., provided that you back it with valid documentation.
  • Most spelling mistakes in a name can be corrected for free over the phone when all the flights on the itinerary are operated by British Airways.
    • You may have to pay an additional fee if the taxes, fees, or fuel surcharges have increased since you booked your ticket.
    • You may be asked to provide documentary evidence to support your name correction.
  • You cannot update or correct your name (or spelling) in the Advance Passenger Information (API)—doing so will not reflect on your e-ticket. 
  • Name changes on tickets booked directly through British Airways (website, call center, or sales office) can be requested by phone
  • Name changes or corrections on tickets booked through third parties can only be made by contacting the third party directly. 
  • To completely change a name on a ticket booked directly through British Airways—such as a booking made in the name of the wrong person—take advantage of British Airways 24-hour cooling-off period. This allows you to cancel your booking within 24 hours of purchase and receive a full refund (you can then rebook with the correct name).
    • If you booked your ticket directly through British Airways, you can cancel your ticket online
    • If you booked your ticket over the phone, call British Airways

Exceptions. You cannot make a name change on flight bookings: 

  • Where the flight departs within 24 hours of your booking. 
  • That you haven’t paid for yet. 
  • That include packages, hotel accommodations, car hires, etc., because they have different conditions (call the BA Customer Support team for assistance). 
  • That include domestic South African-only services operated by Comair.

Note. If you do not take advantage of the 24-hour cooling-off period, you will need to cancel your flight ticket and make a fresh booking at the prevailing prices. 

British Airways Name Change Policy for Executive Club Account Holders

How can I change or update the name on my Executive Club account?

If your name has changed due to marriage or through a deed poll, you will need to provide documentary evidence to support your name change. To change or update your name, you will need to: 

  1. Log into your British Airways account 
  2. Fill out this form
  3. Attach/provide the following:
  1. Your Executive Club membership number
  2. A copy of your marriage certificate, deed poll, legal decree, etc. 
  3. A copy of your passport page with your name 

Note

  • Name corrections for Executive Club Account Holders are important because if the name under which you book your flight doesn’t match the name appearing on your Executive Club account, your flight points will not be credited to your account. 
  • The digital membership card of Silver, Bronze, and Blue members will be updated online as soon as the name correction has been processed and approved. For Gold and higher tier members, new cards will be sent by post.

British Airways Change Name Policy for Marriage/Divorce 

What should I do if my passport name shows my married name but my booking name is different?

Due to security and immigration regulations, British Airways will not allow you to travel on a ticket which shows a different name than your passport/valid ID name—due to marriage or divorce.

If you want to change the name on your ticket so that it matches the name on your passport or valid ID, you must contact the British Airways office in your area. 

  • You will not be charged any fee for this, unless the taxes, fees, or carrier charges have increased since you booked your ticket. 
  • You will be required to provide valid documentary evidence to prove your identity. 

Tip. It may be easier and quicker to take advantage of British Airways 24-hour cooling-off period, which allows you to cancel your booking within 24 hours, get a full refund, and make a fresh booking with the correct name. You can do this online via Manage My Booking or by phone.  

British Airways Name Change Fee 

British Airways does not charge a name change price for name changes involving typos or spelling mistakes, or name changes due to marriage, divorce, etc. However, you may have to pay for any increase in taxes, fees, or surcharges that may have been introduced after you booked your ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions on British Airways Name Change

Can I change the passenger name on my British Airways flight?

Yes, you can make name corrections on your flight ticket, including a name change due to marriage, divorce, adoption, legal name change, etc. 

If you booked your ticket directly through British Airways (website, app, sales office, or call center), you can request the name by phone. However, if you booked through a travel agent/OTA, you must contact them directly to process your name change request.

How much does it cost to change a name on a British Airways flight?

British Airways will not charge you anything for making simple name corrections involving typos and minor spelling mistakes over the phone, or even changing your name after marriage, divorce, etc. by contacting your nearest BA office. However, you may have to pay up if the taxes, fees, or surcharges have increased after your original booking. Plus, you will be required to provide documentary to support a name change due to marriage, divorce, etc.

British Airways will not allow you to transfer your ticket to another person’s name, but will allow you to cancel a ticket within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund, as long as your flight doesn’t depart within 24 hours of booking.

Will British Airways allow me to change my name on a ticket?

Yes, British Airways allows name changes due to typos, minor spelling mistakes, marriage, divorce, etc. However, you’re not allowed to completely change your name to that of another person. Minor changes such as those due to spelling mistakes or typos can be made over the phone, whereas name changes due to marriage, divorce, etc. require documentary evidence and getting in touch with a British Airways office in your area.

How can I change my name on a British Airways flight ticket?

You can change your name on a British Airways flight ticket by phone or by contacting a local BA office in your area.

Can I change the passenger name on a British Airways flight?

You can change the passenger name on a British Airways flight as long as it does not amount to a change of person. British Airways allows you to correct minor spelling mistakes and typographical errors on phone, as well as name changes after marriage, divorce, etc. if you can provide documentary evidence to support the change of name.

What does a British Airways change of name cost?

British Airways will not charge you anything for correcting typos and minor spelling mistakes, or for changing a name after marriage, divorce, etc. However, you may be charged for any increase in taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges that may have come into effect after you purchased your ticket.

I forgot to add my middle name on my ticket—how can I add it now?

British Airways does not require you to add your middle name(s) when you book a ticket. Providing your First and Last Name is enough, as long as it matches the name on your passport. Also, you don’t need to worry if the middle name(s) provided by you appears joined with your first name—many airline reservation systems are unable to process spaces between names, so they may appear joined. 

The same goes for double-barreled first and/or last names and names with apostrophes (O’Connor). The airport staff are used to seeing such this and will easily identify it by checking the name on your passport.

How do I book my ticket online if my name is too long to fit into the boxes on BritishAirways.com?

If your name is too long to fit into the boxes, call British Airways to book your ticket—their system can add more letters in the boxes than that in the boxes available to you. Plus, they can add comments to your booking along with your full name.

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