Air China, the flag carrier of China, has a strict name change policy to ensure compliance with aviation security regulations. Tickets are non-transferable, and full name changes to another person are generally not permitted. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes are allowed under specific conditions with documentation. The name on the ticket must match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport, including the machine-readable part. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Air China does not allow ticket transfers to another person. Minor name corrections for typos or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or other legal processes) are permitted with valid documentation, subject to fees and deadlines. Changes must be requested before check-in begins, and the ticket must be unused. Middle names can be abbreviated to an initial letter, but the first and last names must match the passport exactly.
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 “Jonh” 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, or abbreviating it to an initial if it matches the passport. Minor middle name discrepancies are often overlooked if the first and last names match.
- Special Characters: Adjusting names with special characters (e.g., “Đ” to “D”) that cannot be processed by the airline’s system.
Fees
Minor corrections may be free if requested within a short period after booking or if the error is due to the airline or agency. Otherwise, a name correction fee applies, varying by fare type, route, and timing. Fees may be higher for international flights compared to domestic ones. If the corrected ticket falls into a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or ticket offices. Contact Air China for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Air China’s website or app, access the “Manage Booking” section. Enter the booking reference and last name to request a correction. Some changes may require contacting customer service.
- Customer Service: Contact Air China’s call center or email customer service with the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air China ticket office or airport 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 official documents like a marriage certificate or court order. For special character adjustments, provide the passport’s machine-readable name format.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person. A new ticket must be purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name changes are not permitted for flights operated by other airlines, even if booked through Air China.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not allowed after check-in has started.
- Deadline: For international flights, corrections must be requested at least a few days before departure. Domestic flight deadlines may vary.
- 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.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: Most Air China tickets, especially promotional or basic economy fares, are non-transferable and may have stricter rules.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections may be free if requested within a short period after booking for tickets purchased directly through Air China’s official channels. Legal name changes with valid documentation may also be free, subject to airline discretion.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” section on Air China’s website or app for direct bookings. Some corrections may require customer service contact.
- Phone: Contact Air China’s customer service with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air China ticket office or airport counter with the ticket, passport, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Air China’s social media channels 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. For special characters, refer to the machine-readable part of the passport.
- 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 if the first and last names match, but confirm with Air China to avoid issues. The airline allows abbreviating middle names to an initial.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Air China may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Check Passport Format: Ensure the name matches the machine-readable part of the passport, especially for special characters or non-Latin names.
- Real-Name Verification: For some bookings, especially via the Air China app, passengers may need to complete real-name verification by uploading a photo with their passport.
