Air New Zealand, the national carrier of New Zealand and a Star Alliance member, has a strict name change policy to comply with aviation security regulations. Tickets are non-transferable, meaning full name changes 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, particularly for international travel. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Air New Zealand tickets are non-transferable, and full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are not allowed. Minor corrections for spelling errors, up to three characters, or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted with valid documentation. Changes must be requested before check-in begins, at least one day before departure for international flights and three hours before departure for domestic flights. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Air New Zealand (ticket numbers starting 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, or court order).
- 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, provided the first and last names match the ID.
- Nickname Usage: Changing a nickname or informal name to the legal name as shown on the ID.
Fees
Minor corrections (up to three characters) are free if requested promptly after booking or if the error was made by Air New Zealand or its agents. Legal name changes are also free with valid documentation (e.g., marriage certificate). For other corrections, a name change fee may apply, varying by fare type, route, and timing. If the corrected ticket requires a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply. For international flights requiring a ticket reissue due to significant name changes, cancellation and rebooking may be necessary, incurring cancellation fees based on fare conditions. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or ticket offices. Contact Air New Zealand for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Air New Zealand’s website or app, access the “Manage Booking” section. Enter the booking reference (six characters ending in “H”) and last name, select the booking, and request a correction. Supporting documents may need to be submitted separately.
- Customer Service: Contact Air New Zealand’s Contact Centre via phone, live chat, or social media (e.g., X or Facebook) with the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air New Zealand 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 or passport. Legal name changes need official documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Full name changes to another person are not allowed. A new ticket must be purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name corrections are not permitted for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., Virgin Australia, Cathay Pacific), even if booked through Air New Zealand. The operating airline’s policy applies.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not allowed after check-in begins, typically two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
- Character Limit: Corrections are limited to three characters in the first, middle, or last name.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction is permitted per ticket.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or economy fares (e.g., Value Fares) may have stricter rules and may not allow corrections if the flight is fully booked.
- Other Modifications: Changes to travel dates, service class, or destinations cannot be made alongside a name correction.
- Airpoints Tickets: Name changes may not be permitted for tickets booked with Airpoints Dollars, requiring cancellation and rebooking.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections (up to three characters) are free if requested promptly after booking for tickets purchased directly through Air New Zealand’s official channels or if the error was made by the airline or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation are free at any time, subject to airline approval.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” section on Air New Zealand’s website or app for direct bookings. Enter the booking reference, select the booking, and request a correction, uploading documents if required.
- Phone: Contact Air New Zealand’s Contact Centre via phone or live chat with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air New Zealand ticket office or airport counter with the ticket, passport, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Air New Zealand’s social media channels (e.g., X or Facebook) 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 legal name changes, ensure documents are ready for submission.
- Timing: Request corrections as early as possible, at least one day before departure for international flights or three hours for domestic flights, to avoid complications.
- Middle Name Concerns: Minor middle name discrepancies are often overlooked if the first and last names match, but confirm with Air New Zealand to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Air New Zealand may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Air New Zealand or an agent, emphasize this when requesting a correction, as it may qualify for a free change.
- Check Passport Format: For international travel, ensure the name matches the passport exactly to avoid boarding issues.
- Codeshare Flights: For codeshare or partner flights, contact the operating airline, as Air New Zealand cannot process changes for segments they do not operate.
