Bangkok Airways, a full-service regional airline based in Thailand, 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 typographical errors or legal name changes are allowed under specific conditions with documentation and potential fees. 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
Bangkok Airways does not allow full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for any fare type, including Web Promotion, Web Saver, Web Freedom, and Blue Ribbon. Minor corrections for spelling errors, typically up to three characters, or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted at the airline’s discretion. Changes must be requested at least one day before departure and before check-in begins, typically two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Bangkok Airways. Middle name discrepancies are often overlooked for domestic flights if the first and last names match the ID, but international travel requires an exact match with the passport.
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 ID or passport.
- Missing Characters: Adding missing characters to the first or last name to align with the ID.
Fees
Minor corrections may incur a fee, equivalent to the refund fee for promotional or non-refundable fares, unless the error was made by Bangkok Airways or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation may be processed without a fee at the airline’s discretion. For promotional fares (e.g., Web Promotion), name corrections often require cancelling and rebooking the ticket, incurring a refund fee and any fare difference if the new ticket falls into a higher fare class. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or airport counters. Contact Bangkok Airways for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Bangkok Airways’ website or app, access the “Manage Booking” section. Enter the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code) and last name, select the booking, and request a correction, uploading a copy of the ID or supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Customer Service: Contact Bangkok Airways’ Customer Care via phone, email, or social media (e.g., Facebook, X) with the booking reference, ID, and supporting documents. Email requests can be sent to the designated customer service address.
- Ticket Office: Visit a Bangkok Airways ticket office or airport counter (e.g., at Bangkok, Samui, or Phuket airports) with the ticket, government-issued ID, 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 permitted. A new ticket must be purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name corrections are not allowed for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., Thai Airways, Japan Airlines), even if booked through Bangkok Airways. The operating airline’s policy applies.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not permitted after check-in begins, typically two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
- Character Limit: Corrections are limited to three characters in the first or last name.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional fares (e.g., Web Promotion) may require cancellation and rebooking, as they do not allow direct name corrections.
- 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 are free if the error was made by Bangkok Airways or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation may be free at the airline’s discretion, particularly if requested well in advance. Corrections for promotional fares often require cancellation and rebooking, which may incur a refund fee unless the error was made by the airline.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” section on Bangkok Airways’ website or app 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 Customer Care with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit a Bangkok Airways ticket office or airport counter with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Bangkok Airways’ 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. The corrected name must match the ID or passport 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 for domestic flights if the first and last names match, but international travel requires an exact match. Confirm with Bangkok Airways to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Bangkok Airways may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Bangkok Airways 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.
- Promotional Fares: For Web Promotion tickets, name corrections may require cancellation and rebooking, so check fare conditions carefully.
