Air Austral, a French airline based in Réunion, has a strict name change policy to ensure compliance with aviation security regulations. Tickets are nominative, personal, and non-transferable, meaning full name changes to transfer tickets to another person are not permitted. However, minor corrections may be allowed in specific cases. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Air Austral tickets are non-transferable, and full name changes to another person are not allowed. Minor corrections for typographical errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) may be permitted with official documentation, subject to fees and airline approval. The name on the ticket must match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport. Changes must be requested before check-in begins.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for small spelling errors in the first or last name, typically limited to a few characters (e.g., correcting “Jon” to “John”).
- 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 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
A name correction fee may apply, varying by fare type, route, and timing. Minor corrections within a short period after booking may be free, subject to airline discretion. For legal name changes or corrections closer to departure, a fee is typically charged, and a fare difference may apply if the corrected ticket falls into a higher fare class. Service fees are non-refundable. Contact Air Austral for specific fee details.
Process
- Contact Customer Service: Name changes cannot be made online through the “Manage Booking” section. Passengers must contact Air Austral’s customer service via the contact form, 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, 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 official documents like a marriage certificate or court order, submitted via email or at a ticket counter.
- Booking Reference Handling: The original ticket may be canceled and reissued with the corrected name, subject to availability of the same itinerary and fare class.
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 flights operated by partner airlines, even if booked through Air Austral.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not allowed after check-in has started.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or restricted fares may have stricter rules, and name changes may not be allowed if the flight is fully booked.
- 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 may be free if requested within a short period after booking, provided the ticket was purchased directly through Air Austral’s official channels. This is subject to fare rules and airline discretion.
How to Request a Name Change
- Contact Form: Submit a request via Air Austral’s contact form on their website, including the booking reference and supporting documents.
- Phone: Contact Air Austral’s customer service with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Airport Ticket Counter: Visit an Air Austral ticket counter at the airport, ideally well before departure, with the ticket, passport, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Air Austral’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 Air Austral to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes for tickets booked through third parties can be more complex, as Air Austral may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Act Quickly: Address errors promptly after booking to take advantage of potential fee waivers and ensure compliance with security requirements.
