Aer Lingus allows name changes or corrections on flight tickets under specific conditions, primarily for correcting spelling errors or reflecting legal name changes. The policy is designed to ensure accurate passenger information aligns with official identification. Below is a summary of the policy.
General Rule
Name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are not permitted. Corrections are allowed for spelling mistakes or legal name changes, subject to fees and documentation. Changes must be made at least two hours before departure.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Spelling Errors: Corrections for minor typographical errors in the first, middle, or last name, typically up to three characters.
- Legal Name Changes: Updates due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or court decrees, supported by legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce order, or government-issued ID).
- Middle Name Issues: Omitting or misspelling a middle name is generally not an issue, as long as the first and last names match the passenger’s ID.
Fees
A name change fee is charged, which varies based on fare type, route, and timing. The fee may be waived in some cases, such as for minor corrections or if the change is made within a specific period after booking. If the new ticket is in a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply. Contact Aer Lingus for exact fee details, as they can vary.
Process
- Contacting Aer Lingus: Name changes cannot be made online. Passengers must contact Aer Lingus customer service by phone, at an airport ticket desk, or through a sales office. For bookings made through third-party agents, changes must be requested through the original booking agent.
- Documentation: A government-issued photo ID is required for minor corrections. Legal name changes require supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree). An affidavit may be accepted if legal documents are unavailable.
- Booking Reference Handling: The original ticket is canceled and reissued as a new booking reference with the same itinerary and fare class. The name change team processes the change as a voluntary exchange.
- Timing: Changes must be requested at least two hours before departure. Earlier requests are recommended for smoother processing.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person. If a different person needs to travel, the original booking must be canceled, and a new ticket purchased.
- Flight Criteria: Name changes are only allowed for flights operated by Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional. Codeshare or interline flights with other airlines may be subject to different policies.
- Check-in Limitation: Name corrections are limited after check-in procedures are completed.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Some fare types, such as Saver fares, may not permit name changes if the flight is fully booked.
- Single Correction: Only one name correction is allowed per ticket. Additional corrections are treated as a new name change request, subject to fees.
- No Simultaneous Changes: Changes to date of birth or gender cannot be made alongside a name change.
How to Request a Name Change
- Phone: Contact Aer Lingus customer service with the booking reference and passenger details. Be prepared to provide legal documentation if required.
- Airport Ticket Desk: Visit an Aer Lingus ticketing counter at least two hours before departure.
- Social Media: Reach out via Aer Lingus social media channels for assistance, which may offer faster responses.
- Third-Party Bookings: Contact the original booking agent (e.g., travel agency or online platform) to process the change.
Practical Notes
- Verification: Always provide a government-issued ID or legal documents to support the name change request.
- Timing: Request changes as early as possible to avoid complications, especially for international flights where name mismatches can cause boarding issues.
- Middle Name Concerns: Minor middle name discrepancies are often overlooked at check-in, but it’s best to confirm with Aer Lingus to avoid issues, particularly for international travel.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes for tickets booked through third parties can be more complex, as Aer Lingus requires the agent to handle the request.
- Fee Waivers: Some passengers report fee waivers for minor corrections, especially for typos, if addressed promptly via customer service.
