Air Choice One, a former regional American airline based in St. Louis, Missouri, ceased operations in July after being acquired by Southern Airways Express. As a small carrier serving regional routes with turboprop aircraft, Air Choice One had a customer-focused approach but limited information is available on its specific name change policy. Based on industry standards for regional airlines and available data, the following outlines the likely name change policy for Air Choice One before its closure. Note that for current bookings or inquiries, passengers should contact Southern Airways Express or the booking platform used, as Air Choice One no longer operates independently.
General Rule
Air Choice One tickets were likely non-transferable, meaning full name changes to another person were generally not permitted due to aviation security regulations. Minor name corrections for typos or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) were likely allowed with documentation, subject to fees and conditions. The name on the ticket needed to match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport. Changes were typically required before check-in, which could be done as early as a half-hour before departure for Air Choice One flights.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for small spelling errors in the first or last name, likely 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, though minor discrepancies were likely overlooked if the first and last names matched the ID.
Fees
Minor corrections, such as typos, were likely free if requested shortly after booking or if the error was due to the airline or booking platform. For other corrections or legal name changes, a fee may have applied, varying by fare type and timing. If the corrected ticket required a higher fare class, a fare difference may have been charged. Additional service charges could apply for changes made through travel agencies or at the airport. Specific fee details are unavailable due to the airline’s closure, so passengers should contact Southern Airways Express or their booking platform for clarification.
Process
- Customer Service: Passengers likely needed to contact Air Choice One’s customer service by phone or at the airport ticket counter, providing 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 (e.g., Alternative Airlines, Flights.com), changes had to be requested through the original booking source, which could involve additional fees or delays.
- Documentation: Minor corrections required a government-issued ID. Legal name changes needed official documents like a marriage certificate or court order.
- Booking Reference Handling: The ticket was likely reissued with the corrected name, subject to availability of the same itinerary and fare class.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Tickets could not be transferred to another person. A new ticket would need to be purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name changes were likely not permitted for flights operated by partner airlines, as Air Choice One primarily operated its own flights.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections were not allowed after check-in began, typically a half-hour before departure.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or restricted fares may have had stricter rules, potentially prohibiting name changes if the flight was fully booked.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction was likely allowed per ticket.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth or gender were not permitted alongside a name correction.
Free Correction Period
Minor typo corrections were likely free if requested within a short period after booking for tickets purchased directly through Air Choice One’s channels. This was subject to fare rules and airline discretion.
How to Request a Name Change
- Phone: Contact Air Choice One’s customer service (now Southern Airways Express) with the booking reference and necessary documents.
- Airport Ticket Counter: Visit an Air Choice One ticket counter at the airport with the ticket, passport, and supporting documents, ideally well before departure.
- Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agency or platform (e.g., Alternative Airlines, Flights.com) 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 could lead to denied boarding.
- Middle Name Concerns: Minor middle name discrepancies were likely overlooked if the first and last names matched, but confirmation with the airline was recommended.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties could be complex, as Air Choice One may have required the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Airline Closure: Since Air Choice One ceased operations, contact Southern Airways Express or the booking platform for assistance with legacy bookings.
