Air France, a major global airline and member of the SkyTeam alliance, has a strict name change policy to ensure compliance with aviation security regulations. Tickets are non-transferable, meaning full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are not permitted. Minor corrections for typos 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. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Air France tickets are non-transferable, and full name changes to another person are prohibited, except for group bookings under specific conditions. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted, typically limited to three characters, with valid documentation. Changes must be requested at least one day before departure and before check-in begins. Tickets must be unused and issued by Air France (ticket stock beginning with a specific code). Middle name discrepancies are often overlooked if the first and last names match the ID.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first, middle, or last name, up to three characters (e.g., correcting “Jonh” to “John”).
- Legal Name Changes: Updates due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or other legal reasons, supported by official documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or medical certificate for gender change).
- Name Order Errors: Fixing swapped first and last names to match the passport or ID.
- Middle Name Issues: Adding, correcting, or omitting a middle name, though minor discrepancies are often not an issue if the first and last names match.
- Additional Last Name: Adding an additional last name to reflect the passport, provided the original last name remains unchanged.
- Incomplete Names: Adding missing name components (e.g., a missing last name) to match the ID.
Permitted Name Changes for Group Bookings
- Group Travel: For group reservations with a minimum of ten passengers, name changes are allowed up to eight days before departure, subject to fare conditions and seat availability.
Fees
Minor corrections (up to three characters) or legal name changes are free if requested within a short period after booking for tickets purchased directly through Air France’s website, app, or customer service, or if the error was made by the airline or a travel agent. Legal name changes with valid documentation are also free. Beyond this period, a name correction fee may apply, varying by fare type, route, and timing. If the corrected ticket requires a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or ticket offices. Group booking name changes may incur fees depending on fare conditions. Contact Air France for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Air France’s website or app, access the “My Bookings” section. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and follow prompts to correct the name. Submit supporting documents if required.
- Customer Service: Contact Air France’s customer service via phone, email, or social media (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook, or X) with the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air France 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.
- Group Bookings: For group name changes, contact Air France’s customer service or use the group booking tools provided for IATA or non-IATA agencies.
- Documentation: Minor corrections require a government-issued ID. Legal name changes need official documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Incomplete names or gender changes require appropriate ID or medical certificates.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person for individual bookings. 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 France.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not allowed after check-in has started, typically two hours before departure.
- Character Limit: Corrections are limited to three characters for typos in the first, middle, or last name.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or basic economy fares may have stricter rules and may not allow corrections 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, except for legal gender changes with documentation.
- Flying Blue Redemption Tickets: Name changes may not be permitted for tickets booked with Flying Blue miles, requiring cancellation and rebooking.
- Group Bookings: Name changes are restricted to eight days before departure and subject to fare conditions.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections (up to three characters) or legal name changes are free if requested within a short period after booking for tickets purchased directly through Air France’s official channels or if the error was made by the airline or agent. Legal name changes with valid documentation are free at any time, subject to airline approval. Air France and KLM also allow full ticket cancellations and refunds within a short period of booking, which can be used to rebook with the correct name if needed.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “My Bookings” section on Air France’s website or app for direct bookings. Enter the booking reference, select the booking, and follow prompts to correct the name.
- Phone: Contact Air France’s customer service with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air France ticket office or airport counter 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 process.
- Group Bookings: Contact Air France’s customer service or use group booking tools for name changes, ensuring requests are made well before the deadline.
Practical Notes
- Verification: Always provide a government-issued ID or legal documents to support the correction request. For legal name changes, ensure documents are ready for submission.
- Timing: Request corrections 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 France to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Air France may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by an Air France agent or travel agency, emphasize this when requesting a correction, as it may qualify for a free change.
- Check Passport Format: Ensure the name matches the passport exactly, especially for international travel, to avoid boarding issues.
