Air Serbia, the national carrier of Serbia, has a strict name change policy to comply with aviation security regulations. Tickets are generally 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. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Air Serbia 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 at least one day before departure and before check-in begins. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Air Serbia. 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 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.
- Missing Characters: Adding missing characters to the first or last name to align with the ID.
Fees
Minor corrections (up to three characters) may incur a fee, typically in euros or equivalent currency, unless the error was made by Air Serbia or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation are generally free. Fees vary by fare type, route, and timing, and a fare difference may apply if the corrected ticket falls into a higher fare class. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or ticket offices. Contact Air Serbia for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Air Serbia’s website, access the “My Booking” section. Enter the booking reference (six characters) and last name, select the booking, and request a correction, uploading a copy of the passport or ID.
- Customer Service: Contact Air Serbia’s Contact Centre via phone, email, or social media (e.g., Facebook, X) with the booking reference, passport, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air Serbia 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 copy of a government-issued ID or passport. Legal name changes need official documents like a marriage certificate 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. Attempting to transfer tickets may lead to cancellation or penalties.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name corrections are not permitted for flights operated by other airlines (e.g., codeshare flights with four-digit flight numbers), even if booked through Air Serbia. The operating airline’s policy applies.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not allowed after check-in begins, typically one hour before departure for most flights, or longer for certain destinations like New York or Shanghai.
- Character Limit: Corrections are limited to three characters in the first or last name.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or restricted fares may not allow corrections if the flight is fully booked.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction is permitted 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 characters) are free if the error was made by Air Serbia or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation are typically free, subject to airline approval. Corrections must be requested promptly to avoid fees.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “My Booking” section on Air Serbia’s website for direct bookings. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and request a correction, uploading a copy of the ID or supporting documents.
- Phone: Contact Air Serbia’s Contact Centre with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit an Air Serbia ticket office or airport counter with the ticket, passport, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Air Serbia’s social media channels (e.g., Facebook, X) 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. The corrected name must match the ID exactly.
- Timing: Request corrections at least one day before departure to avoid complications, especially for international flights where name mismatches can lead to denied boarding.
- Middle Name Concerns: Middle name discrepancies are often overlooked if the first and last names match, but confirm with Air Serbia to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Air Serbia may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Air Serbia 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.
