Air Canada, Canada’s flag carrier, allows name corrections for minor errors or legal name changes on tickets but restricts full name changes to transfer tickets to another person, except for specific corporate fares. The policy ensures the name on the ticket matches the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport, per aviation security standards. 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 generally not permitted, except for certain corporate or business fares. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or gender transition) are allowed on unused tickets with documentation, subject to fees and conditions. Changes must be requested before check-in begins. Middle name corrections are not required if the first and last names match the ID.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first or last name, typically up to three to four characters (e.g., correcting “Jonh” to “John”).
- Legal Name Changes: Updates due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or gender transition, supported by official documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or government-issued legal name change filing).
- Name Order Errors: Fixing swapped first and last names to match the passport or ID.
- Middle Name Issues: Minor middle name discrepancies are generally not an issue if the first and last names match the ID, and corrections are not required.
Permitted Full Name Changes
- Corporate/Business Fares: Full name changes are allowed for unused tickets with a Corporate Contract Number or Air Canada for Business/Small and Medium Business tour code, for flights marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, or Air Canada Rouge. A new booking must be made in the new passenger’s name, subject to availability and fare rules.
- Fare Types: Free name changes are allowed for Latitude fares (all destinations) and Business Class Flexible fares with a Corporate Contract Number or tour code (to the United States, Caribbean, Central America, excluding Mexico City). Business Class Lowest or Flex fares with a Corporate Contract Number or tour code may incur a fee for name changes.
Fees
Minor corrections (up to three to four characters) and legal name changes are free if requested within a short period after booking or with valid documentation (e.g., marriage certificate). Beyond this period, fees apply based on fare type, route, and timing. For full name changes on eligible corporate fares, a fee may apply unless included in the fare rules (e.g., Latitude or Business Class Flexible). If the new ticket is in a higher fare class, a fare difference applies. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or ticket offices. Contact Air Canada for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: Passenger information cannot be changed online. For minor corrections or legal name changes, contact Air Canada directly.
- Customer Service: Email [email protected] for corrections close to departure, or call the Customer Contact Centre for complimentary corrections. Provide the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree).
- Corporate Name Changes: Create a new booking in the new passenger’s name with the same tour code. Contact the Air Canada Contact Centre or Help Desk to facilitate the change, providing the original booking reference and ticket details.
- 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 a passport copy and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree). Full name changes for corporate fares require the new passenger’s passport details.
- Booking Reference Handling: For corrections, the ticket is reissued with the corrected name. For corporate name changes, a new booking is created, the original is canceled, and a refund waiver code is applied.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Full name changes to another person are not allowed except for eligible corporate/business fares.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name changes are not permitted for flights marketed or operated by other airlines, even if booked through Air Canada.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections or changes are not allowed after check-in has started.
- Used Tickets: Changes are not permitted on partially or fully used tickets.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or basic economy fares may not allow name changes if the flight is fully booked.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction or change is allowed per ticket.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth or gender cannot be made alongside a name correction.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections (up to three to four characters) or legal name changes are free if requested within a short period after booking for direct bookings through Air Canada’s website, app, or contact centers. Legal name changes are free at any time with valid documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree).
How to Request a Name Change
- Email: For corrections close to departure, email [email protected] with the booking reference and supporting documents.
- Phone: Contact the Customer Contact Centre with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air Canada ticket counter at the airport with the ticket, passport, and supporting documents.
- Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agency or platform where the ticket was booked to initiate the correction or change process.
- Corporate Name Changes: Contact the Air Canada Contact Centre or Help Desk with the original and new booking details, ensuring the same tour code is used.
Practical Notes
- Verification: Always provide a government-issued ID or legal documents to support the request. For corporate name changes, include the new passenger’s passport details.
- Timing: Request changes as early as possible, especially close to departure, to avoid complications. Email requests for corrections near departure require prompt submission.
- Middle Name Concerns: Middle name discrepancies are generally not an issue if the first and last names match, but confirm with Air Canada to avoid boarding issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Air Canada requires the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Corporate Fares: For eligible corporate/business fares, ensure the new booking uses the same tour code to avoid additional fees.
