Airlines Name Change Policy has become one of the most researched travel topics because even a small error in a passenger’s name can lead to serious complications at check-in, immigration, or boarding. Different airlines follow strict security and documentation requirements, and because of this, understanding how Lufthansa, Copa Airlines, and Southwest Airlines handle name corrections is essential for every traveler. Lufthansa maintains a structured and detailed name change system that allows passengers to correct minor mistakes but does not allow full name transfers. The airline understands that typing errors are common during online bookings, so it generally permits small corrections like fixing up to two incorrect letters, adjusting misplaced characters, or correcting situations where first and last names have been swapped. If the traveler’s legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, gender transition, or the issuance of a new passport, Lufthansa allows a name update when proper documentation is provided. However, the airline does not allow transferring a ticket to another person under any circumstances.
Even when a name correction is approved, the change may require the ticket to be reissued, and depending on the fare rules, certain charges or fare differences may apply. Passengers who booked through a travel agency must often request the agency to process name corrections because Lufthansa locks third-party tickets for security reasons. The airline’s policy is designed to ensure that the name on the ticket always matches government-issued identification, which is necessary for border control and international travel requirements. Copa Airlines takes a slightly different approach but still maintains tight rules around identity verification. Copa allows minor corrections such as fixing misspellings of up to three letters, adding or removing a second surname for passengers from countries where two last names are customary, or correcting inverted surnames. If a traveler has documentation supporting a legal name change, Copa will update the booking after verifying the documents, but like Lufthansa, the airline does not allow tickets to be transferred to another person. Tickets purchased through travel agencies often include additional processing fees, and Copa is known to apply a name correction fee depending on the fare class and point of purchase.
Corrections must always be completed before the traveler takes the first flight in the itinerary, as Copa does not permit name modifications once a portion of the ticket has been used. Since the airline operates heavily throughout Latin America, where passport rules and naming conventions vary, Copa emphasizes accuracy and consistency between traveler documents and airline records to avoid delays or denied boarding during international connections. Southwest Airlines, which primarily serves domestic travelers within the United States, offers a more flexible but still rule-based process for name corrections. Southwest allows passengers to fix misspellings, add a missing middle name or initial, and make slight adjustments that reflect the same traveler. Most small corrections are free when made shortly after booking, especially within the 24-hour window. However, Southwest does not allow full name changes that would switch the reservation from one passenger to a completely different individual. Legal name changes can be processed with supporting documentation, but the ticket still cannot be reassigned to another person. Some passengers report fees for larger modifications depending on the fare type or booking channel, but these charges are typically associated with third-party agencies rather than Southwest directly. The airline strongly encourages travelers to make corrections using official customer service channels to avoid fraud or unnecessary charges. Because Southwest uses a unique open-seating boarding system rather than assigned seats, name accuracy becomes even more important for TSA and identification purposes. Across Lufthansa, Copa Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, the common theme is that airlines treat tickets as non-transferable, meaning only the original traveler can use the ticket.
Name corrections are allowed only when the identity remains the same person. The variations lie in how many letters can be corrected, what documentation is required, and whether fees apply. Airlines restrict name changes for several reasons, such as preventing ticket resale, maintaining security during the boarding process, and complying with global identification standards. Travelers are always advised to enter their full legal name exactly as shown on their passport or government-issued ID at the time of booking. It is also important to carefully review the confirmation email immediately after purchase, as most airlines offer a small grace period to correct errors without penalties. Legal name changes should be handled well in advance, and passengers should carry supporting documents like marriage certificates or court-issued orders when traveling internationally. To avoid problems, travelers should book directly through the airline whenever possible, since changes made through third-party websites often involve extra steps, longer waits, and additional fees. Ultimately, understanding each airline’s name change policy helps travelers avoid stress, save money, and ensure a smooth travel experience. While Lufthansa offers structured corrections for documentation-based changes, Copa provides flexibility for regional naming conventions, and Southwest delivers quick adjustments for small errors, all three airlines uphold strict rules against full name transfers because of global aviation security requirements.
Lufthansa allows minor name corrections but does not allow full passenger name changes.
What you can correct:
– Typing mistakes (1–2 letters)
– Swapped first/last name
– Missing middle name
– Legal name changes with documentation
How to request:
Go to Manage Booking on Lufthansa.com
Enter booking code + last name
Choose “Name Correction” option
Upload required documents (if needed)
If booked via travel agent, the agent must process the change
Fees: Often free for small corrections; legal changes or reissued tickets may have fees.
Air Canada has a strict name-correction policy that allows only same-person corrections, never transfers.
What you can correct:
– Typos, spelling errors
– Removing/adding middle name
– Legal name updates (marriage, divorce, passport update)
How to request:
Visit My Bookings on AirCanada.com
Call Air Canada Reservations if the option is not available
Provide passport or ID for verification
For agency bookings, contact the agency directly
Fees: Usually between $0–$200, depending on the fare and level of correction.
Air France allows some name corrections but follows strong EU aviation security rules.
What you can correct:
– Typos
– Reversed first/last name
– Missing characters
– Legal changes with documents
How to request:
Go to Manage My Booking
Call Air France Customer Service for corrections not available online
Provide ID/passport for verification
Fees: Minor corrections are often free; major corrections require ticket reissue.
Since Alitalia is now replaced by ITA Airways, name change policies follow ITA rules.
What you can correct:
– Typing mistakes
– Small spelling errors
– Legal name changes
How to request:
Visit ITA Airways Manage Booking
Or call ITA Airways support
Provide government ID for validation
Changes must be completed before travel begins
Fees: Small corrections sometimes free; major corrections require fee or ticket reissue.
Copa Airlines allows quick corrections but limits how many letters can be changed.
What you can correct:
– Up to three letters
– Add/remove middle surname
– Reverse first/last name
– Legal name change with documents
How to request:
Use Copa Airlines “Name Correction Request Form”
Visit Copa.com Manage Booking
Contact Copa Reservations or your travel agency
Fees: Agency bookings may incur a $50–$100 name correction fee.
Swiss Airlines (part of the Lufthansa Group) follows similar rules to Lufthansa.
What you can correct:
– Up to 2 spelling errors
– Missing middle name
– Reversed name order
– Legal name changes
How to request:
Go to Swiss.com Manage My Bookings
Call Swiss Customer Service for major issues
Agency bookings must be changed by the issuing agent
Fees: Minor corrections often free; complex corrections may require reissued ticket.
Southwest provides one of the easiest name correction processes among U.S. airlines.
What you can correct:
– Spelling errors
– Missing middle name
– Small adjustments to reflect the same traveler
– Legal name changes
How to request:
Log in to Southwest.com → My Trips
Call Southwest Customer Service
Provide government ID for verification
Fees: Most small corrections are free; legal updates require documentation.
Airlines do not allow transferring the ticket to a different person.
Only the same traveler can have their name corrected.
Corrections must be made before the first flight departs.
ticket name to your passport/ID exactly.
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