Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship airline, has a name change policy that allows corrections for minor errors or legal name changes but prohibits transferring tickets to another person. The policy ensures compliance with international aviation security regulations, requiring the ticket name to match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport. Below is a summary of the policy.
General Rule
Full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are not permitted. Corrections for typos, spelling errors, or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) are allowed with documentation, subject to fees and conditions. Changes must be requested before check-in begins.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling mistakes in the first, middle, or last name, typically up to a few characters (e.g., correcting “Alexsandr” to “Aleksandr”).
- Legal Name Changes: Updates due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, supported by official documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- Name Order Errors: Fixing swapped first and last names.
- Middle Name Issues: Adding or correcting a middle name, though minor discrepancies may not always require correction if the first and last names match the ID.
Fees
Minor corrections within a short period after booking may be free. After this period, a fee applies, which varies based on fare type, route, and timing. Fees may be higher for changes requested through third-party agencies or offline methods. If the corrected ticket falls into a higher fare class, a fare difference may also apply. Contact Aeroflot for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly with Aeroflot, access the “Manage My Booking” section on the airline’s website or mobile app. Enter the booking reference and passenger details to request a correction.
- Customer Service: Contact Aeroflot’s customer service via phone or at an airport ticket counter. Provide the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Third-Party Bookings: If booked through a travel agency or third-party platform (e.g., Expedia, Kayak), changes must be requested through the original booking source, which may involve additional fees or steps.
- Documentation: Minor corrections require a government-issued ID. Legal name changes need official documents like a marriage certificate or court order.
- Booking Reference Handling: In some cases,Aeroflot may cancel the original ticket and issue a new one with the corrected name, requiring verification of the same itinerary and fare class availability.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person. A new ticket must be purchased if a different traveler is involved.
- Codeshare or Partner Flights: Name changes may not be allowed for flights operated by other airlines, even if booked through Aeroflot. The entire booking may need to be canceled and reissued.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not permitted after online or airport check-in has started.
- Child Tickets: Name corrections for children under two without a reservation are not eligible.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction is typically allowed per ticket.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth or gender cannot be made alongside a name correction.
Free Correction Period
Corrections made within a short period after booking are generally free, provided the request is made promptly and the ticket is still valid. This applies to tickets purchased directly through Aeroflot’s official channels.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage My Booking” section on Aeroflot’s website or app for direct bookings. Enter the booking reference and follow prompts to edit the name.
- Phone: Contact Aeroflot’s customer service with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Airport Ticket Counter: Visit an Aeroflot ticket counter at the airport, ideally well before departure.
- Social Media: Reach out via Aeroflot’s social media channels for assistance, which may offer quicker responses.
- Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agency or platform where the ticket was booked to initiate the correction process.
Practical Notes
- Verification: Always provide a government-issued ID or legal documents to support the correction request.
- Timing: Request changes as early as possible to avoid complications, especially for international flights where name mismatches can lead to denied boarding.
- Middle Name Concerns: Minor middle name discrepancies are often overlooked at check-in if the first and last names match, but it’s best to confirm with Aeroflot to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes for tickets booked through third parties can be more complex, as Aeroflot may require the agency to handle the request.
- Act Quickly: Address errors immediately after booking to take advantage of the free correction period and avoid higher fees closer to departure.
