Bearskin Airlines, a regional Canadian airline based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and a division of Perimeter Aviation, operates a name change policy that aligns with aviation security regulations. Tickets are generally non-transferable, but specific fare types allow name changes or transfers under certain conditions. Minor corrections for typos are permitted, and the name on the ticket must match the passenger’s government-issued ID. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Bearskin Airlines offers four fare types—Fixed, Flex, Plus, and Freedom—each with different rules for name changes and corrections. Full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are permitted only for Freedom Fares, subject to fees and availability. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) are allowed for all fare types with documentation. Changes must be requested at least two hours before departure and before check-in begins. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Bearskin Airlines. The name on the ticket must match the ID presented at check-in, such as a government-issued photo ID with full name and date of birth.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first or last name, typically up 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 ID.
- Middle Name Issues: Middle names are not typically required, but corrections or omissions are allowed if the first and last names match the ID.
Permitted Name Changes
- Freedom Fares: Full name changes to transfer the ticket to another person are allowed, subject to a name change fee and any fare upgrade costs. This is designed for business travelers needing flexibility.
Fees
Minor corrections are free for Plus and Freedom Fares, and for Fixed and Flex Fares if the error was made by Bearskin Airlines or its agents. Otherwise, Fixed and Flex Fares incur a name change fee, which varies by fare type and route. For Freedom Fares, a name change fee applies for full ticket transfers, and a fare difference may apply if the new booking falls into a higher fare class. For two-way trips with Fixed or Flex Fares, fees apply for both directions. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or at airport counters. Contact Bearskin Airlines’ Reservations Centre for specific fee details.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Bearskin Airlines’ website, access the “Manage My Bookings” section. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and request a correction or name change. Upload supporting documents if required (e.g., ID for corrections, marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Customer Service: Contact Bearskin Airlines’ Reservations Centre via phone or email with the booking reference, ID, and supporting documents for corrections or Freedom Fare transfers.
- Ticket Office: Visit a Bearskin Airlines counter at the airport (e.g., Thunder Bay, Sudbury, or Winnipeg) 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 (e.g., passport, driver’s license, or immigration documents with full name and date of birth). Legal name changes need official documents like a marriage certificate or court order. Freedom Fare transfers require the new passenger’s ID details.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers for Most Fares: Full name changes to another person are not allowed for Fixed, Flex, or Plus Fares. Only Freedom Fares permit ticket transfers.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name changes or corrections are not permitted for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., Air Canada interline flights). The operating airline’s policy applies.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections or changes are not allowed after check-in begins, typically two hours before departure.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Fixed and Flex Fares may have stricter rules, requiring fees for corrections, and changes may not be possible if the flight is fully booked.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction or change is permitted per ticket.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth, gender, or other booking details cannot be made alongside a name correction or change.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections are free for Plus and Freedom Fares at any time, or for Fixed and Flex Fares if the error was made by Bearskin Airlines or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation are free for all fare types, subject to airline approval. Corrections should be requested promptly to avoid fees where applicable.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage My Bookings” section on Bearskin Airlines’ website for direct bookings. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and request a correction or Freedom Fare transfer, uploading documents as needed.
- Phone: Contact the Reservations Centre with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Ticket Office: Visit a Bearskin Airlines counter at the airport with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Bearskin Airlines’ social media channels (e.g., 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 or change process.
Practical Notes
- Verification: Always provide a government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, or immigration documents) or legal documents to support the correction or change request. The corrected name must match the ID exactly.
- Timing: Request corrections or changes at least two hours before departure to avoid complications, especially for flights connecting to Air Canada or other partners.
- Middle Name Concerns: Middle name discrepancies are often overlooked if the first and last names match, but confirm with Bearskin Airlines to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Bearskin Airlines may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Bearskin Airlines or an agent, emphasize this when requesting a correction, as it may qualify for a free change.
- Check ID Format: Ensure the name matches the ID exactly, especially for passengers with single names or special characters, to avoid boarding issues.
- Interline Flights: For itineraries involving Air Canada, verify name details early, as interline tickets require consistency across all segments.
