Air Baltic, the flag carrier of Latvia, allows name changes and corrections on tickets under specific conditions to ensure compliance with aviation security regulations. Full name changes to transfer tickets to another person are permitted in certain fare types, unlike many airlines, but minor corrections for typos or legal name changes are more broadly allowed. The name on the ticket must match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are allowed for specific fare types with a fee, while minor corrections for typos or legal name changes are permitted across all ticket types. Changes must be requested before check-in begins and at least one day before the scheduled flight departure. Name changes are only allowed for completely unused tickets issued by Air Baltic and for flights operated by Air Baltic.
Permitted Name Changes and Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first or last name, up to three characters, are allowed without a fee if the mistake is obvious and does not change the name’s meaning (e.g., correcting “Jonh” to “John”).
- Legal Name Changes: Updates due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons are free if supported by official documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) confirming the change occurred after ticket purchase.
- Name Order Errors: Fixing swapped first and last names to match the passport or ID.
- Full Name Changes: Transferring a ticket to another person is allowed for certain fare types (Premium, Business, Business Light) with a fee, or free if the name change option was purchased at booking.
- Middle Name Issues: Minor middle name discrepancies are often overlooked if the first and last names match the ID, but corrections can be made if needed.
Fees
Minor corrections (up to three characters) are free if the error is obvious and does not alter the name’s meaning. Legal name changes due to marriage or divorce are free with valid documentation. For full name changes or other corrections:
- Economy Flex/Business Experience: A fee applies per ticket, waived if the name change option was purchased at booking for a lower fee per passenger per direction.
- Economy Classic Interline/Business Interline: A fee applies per ticket, subject to partner airline approval.
- Economy Basic/Economy Classic: A fee applies per ticket, waived if the name change option was purchased at booking for a higher fee per passenger per direction.
- Business: Free of charge at any time.
- Green/Green Plus: Not allowed for full name changes; minor corrections may incur a fee.
If the original booking class is unavailable, passengers must cover any fare difference and additional taxes. Additional charges may apply for changes made through travel agencies or ticket offices. Fees are non-refundable.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Air Baltic’s website or call center, access the “Manage Booking” section. Enter the booking reference and last name to request a correction or change via the online payment form, submitted at least one day before departure.
- Customer Service: Contact Air Baltic’s call center or online chat for assistance. Provide the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air Baltic ticket office with a written statement confirming the changes and a copy of the new passenger’s passport 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.
- Documentation: Minor corrections require a government-issued ID. Legal name changes need official documents. Full name changes require the new passenger’s passport details.
Restrictions
- No Passenger Type Changes: The passenger type (adult, child, senior) cannot be changed (e.g., a child ticket cannot be changed to an adult ticket).
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name changes are not permitted for flights not operated by Air Baltic, unless the partner airline agrees.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections or changes are not allowed after check-in has started.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name change or correction is allowed per ticket.
- Used Tickets: Changes are not permitted on partially or fully used tickets.
- Service Transfers: All services purchased with the ticket (except travel insurance or passenger-specific services) are transferred to the new passenger.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections (up to three characters) are free if the error is obvious and does not change the name’s meaning. Legal name changes due to marriage or divorce are free with appropriate documentation, provided the change occurred after ticket purchase.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” section on Air Baltic’s website or app for direct bookings. Submit changes via the online payment form with required documents.
- Phone: Contact the call center with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air Baltic ticket office with a written statement and the new passenger’s passport copy.
- Online Chat: Use Air Baltic’s online chat 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 process.
Practical Notes
- Verification: Always provide a government-issued ID or legal documents to support the request. For full name changes, include the new passenger’s passport details.
- Timing: Submit requests at least one day before departure to allow processing, especially for legal name changes or full name transfers.
- Middle Name Concerns: Minor middle name discrepancies are often overlooked if the first and last names match, but confirm with Air Baltic to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be more complex, as Air Baltic may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Name Change Option: Purchasing the name change option at booking can save on fees for Economy Flex, Business Experience, Economy Basic, or Economy Classic tickets.
