When booking a flight, especially in a rush, it's not uncommon to make a small error—like misspelling your name. If you’ve booked a flight with Lufthansa and realize your name isn’t correct, don’t panic. Lufthansa understands that mistakes happen, and they have a specific process in place to handle name corrections. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Lufthansa name change policy, how it works, the types of changes allowed, and what steps to follow to correct your name on a booked flight.
Airlines are strict when it comes to passenger information, especially names. The name on your ticket must exactly match the name on your passport or ID. Even minor discrepancies can cause problems at check-in or even deny you boarding.
That’s why it’s important to review your booking details immediately after purchase. If you spot an error, the sooner you act, the better your chances of resolving the issue without extra costs.
Lufthansa’s approach to name changes is relatively straightforward. The Lufthansa name change policy allows for corrections to be made under specific circumstances. However, it's important to understand that Lufthansa does not allow complete name changes that would transfer the ticket to another person. Their policy is designed for name corrections, not full name transfers.
Here are the key points of the policy:
Spelling mistakes (up to 2 characters)
Typographical errors in first or last name
Correction of reversed first and last names
Updates due to legal name changes (e.g., marriage or divorce) with supporting documentation
Changing the passenger to a different person
Modifying more than 2 characters without documentation
Multiple changes across first and last names
If you're trying to change the passenger entirely, Lufthansa will typically advise you to cancel the original booking (if refundable) and rebook under the correct name.
To make a name correction on your Lufthansa ticket, you have several options:
The most reliable way is by contacting Lufthansa’s customer service directly. Be ready with your booking reference, passport details, and a clear explanation of the correction needed. If your change qualifies under the Lufthansa name change policy, the agent will help you process it.
If you booked your flight via Lufthansa’s official website, log in to your booking through "My Bookings." Depending on the type of correction, you may be able to edit it online or be directed to call customer support.
If you booked through a third-party site or travel agent, you must contact them directly. Lufthansa generally does not allow changes to bookings made through external platforms unless it’s done through the original point of sale.
While minor corrections are sometimes processed for free (especially within 24 hours of booking), Lufthansa may charge a fee for name corrections, depending on the fare type and the extent of the changes.
Here are a few scenarios:
Free Corrections: Small typos, such as one or two letters, corrected within 24 hours
Fee-based Corrections: Name changes after 24 hours, or legal name updates (fees vary depending on route and fare class)
Business or Flex Fares: May include more flexibility for name changes or waived fees
Always check the fare conditions associated with your ticket to understand what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Double-check your spelling before confirming any booking.
Use the exact name as it appears on your passport or ID.
If booking for someone else, confirm their legal name first.
If you're unsure, take a moment before hitting the "confirm" button—it's better to be cautious than pay for corrections later.
Correcting a name on a Lufthansa ticket doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you act quickly and understand the airline’s policies. The Lufthansa name change policy is there to help with genuine errors, not for transferring tickets. So, if you’ve booked a flight and spotted a mistake in your name, don’t delay—contact Lufthansa as soon as possible and get it sorted before your travel date approaches.