Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, has a strict name change policy to ensure the name on the ticket matches the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport. Full name changes to transfer tickets to another person are not permitted, but corrections for minor errors or legal name changes are allowed under specific conditions. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Tickets are non-transferable, and full name changes to another person are prohibited. Corrections for minor typographical errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) are permitted with official documentation, subject to fees and deadlines. The name on the ticket must be written in Latin letters, with the last name first, followed by the first name, as it appears on the passport or ID. Misspellings or incorrect name order may result in denied boarding.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first or last name, typically limited to a few characters (e.g., correcting “Aleksandr” to “Alexandr”).
- Legal Name Changes: Updates due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, supported by official documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or court order).
- Name Order Errors: Fixing swapped first and last names to match the passport or ID.
- 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 are typically free. Beyond this period, a name change fee applies, varying by fare type, route, and timing. If the corrected ticket falls into a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply. Fees are not applicable for minor typo corrections within the initial booking period, but legal name changes or corrections closer to departure may incur charges. Contact Air Astana for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Air Astana’s website or mobile app, access the “Manage Booking” section. Enter the booking reference and passenger’s last name to request a correction. For legal name changes, a web form must be submitted with scanned copies of the new and old passport/ID and a document verifying the change (e.g., marriage certificate).
- Customer Service: Contact Air Astana’s call center or use online chat/WhatsApp for assistance. Provide the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents for legal name changes.
- Airport Ticket Counter: Visit an Air Astana sales office or airport ticket counter with the ticket, passport, and relevant documents for verification.
- Third-Party Bookings: If booked through a travel agency or third-party platform, changes must be requested through the original booking source, which may involve additional fees or delays.
- Documentation: Minor corrections require a government-issued ID. Legal name changes need a scanned color copy of the new and old passport/ID and an official document (e.g., marriage or divorce certificate) submitted at least a few days before departure.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person. A new ticket must be purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare or Partner Flights: Name changes are not permitted for itineraries involving multiple carriers or flights not operated by Air Astana.
- Deadline: Corrections must be requested at least one day before departure. Legal name change requests require submission a few days before departure.
- Post-Check-in Changes: No corrections are allowed after check-in has started.
- 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
Minor typo corrections are free if requested within a short period after booking, provided the ticket was purchased directly through Air Astana’s official channels. This applies to flights operated by Air Astana and is subject to fare rules.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” section on Air Astana’s website or app for direct bookings. For legal name changes, submit a web form with required documents.
- Phone: Contact the call center with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Airport Ticket Counter: Visit an Air Astana sales office or airport counter with the ticket, passport, and supporting documents.
- Online Chat/WhatsApp: Use Air Astana’s online chat or WhatsApp for assistance, providing the booking reference and documents.
- 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, especially for legal name changes, which require submission a few days before departure to allow processing.
- 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 Air Astana to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes for tickets booked through third parties can be more complex, as Air Astana may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Name Format: Ensure the name is entered in Latin letters with the last name first, followed by the first name, as per the passport or ID (e.g., “SMITH JOHN”).
