Blue Panorama Airlines, an Italian airline that operated scheduled and charter flights under brands like Blu-express and Executive Blue, ceased operations in October due to financial difficulties and was liquidated in late 2022. Before its closure, the airline was known for a controversial name change policy that drew significant criticism for charging high fees for minor name corrections, particularly related to middle names. This policy applied to tickets issued by Blue Panorama (IATA code BV). The name on the ticket had to match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport exactly. Below is a summary of the airline’s name change policy based on available information from before its suspension.
General Rule
Blue Panorama tickets were non-transferable, meaning full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person were not permitted. Minor corrections for spelling errors or adding middle names were allowed but often incurred significant fees, even when the booking system did not prompt for middle names. Changes had to be requested before check-in, typically two hours before departure. The policy applied to unused tickets for flights operated by Blue Panorama, including Blu-express routes. The airline’s strict requirement for names to match the ID exactly, including middle names, was unusual compared to many other airlines.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first or last name, typically limited to a few characters (e.g., correcting “Jonh” to “John”).
- Middle Name Additions: Adding a middle name to match the ID, even if not requested during booking due to limited fields on the airline’s or third-party booking platforms.
- 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.
Fees
Name corrections, including adding middle names, typically incurred a fee per passenger per flight segment, which varied based on route and timing. These fees were often criticized as excessive, with reports of charges applied even when the booking system did not allow middle name entry. Fees were generally not waived unless the error was made by Blue Panorama or its agents, though some passengers reported free corrections when contacting customer service well in advance. A fare difference could apply if the corrected ticket fell into a higher fare class. Additional service charges might apply for changes through travel agencies or at airport counters.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Blue Panorama’s website or app, passengers could attempt corrections via the “Manage Booking” section by entering the booking reference and last name. Supporting documents (e.g., ID or passport) were often required.
- Customer Service: Contact Blue Panorama’s customer service via phone or email with the booking reference, ID, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes). Some passengers reported success in waiving fees by calling well in advance.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Blue Panorama ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Rome, Milan, or Tirana airports) with the ticket, ID, and relevant documents. Changes at the airport often incurred higher fees and required ticket reissuance.
- Third-Party Bookings: If booked through a travel agency or third-party platform (e.g., Expedia, Opodo), changes had to be requested through the original booking source, which could involve additional fees or delays.
- Documentation: Minor corrections required a government-issued ID or passport. Legal name changes needed official documents like a marriage certificate or court order.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Full name changes to another person were not allowed. A new ticket had to be purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare/Partner Flights: Name corrections were not permitted for flights operated by partner airlines, even if booked through Blue Panorama. The operating airline’s policy applied.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections were not allowed after check-in began, typically two hours before departure.
- Booking System Limitations: The airline’s booking system and many third-party platforms did not provide a field for middle names, yet passengers were charged for omitting them.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or low-cost Blu-express fares had stricter rules and often required fees for any corrections.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction was permitted per ticket.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections were occasionally free if the error was made by Blue Panorama or its agents, or if requested well in advance (e.g., months before the flight) through customer service. Legal name changes with valid documentation were sometimes processed without fees, subject to airline approval. However, these instances were inconsistent, and fees were often applied regardless.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” section on Blue Panorama’s website or app for direct bookings. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and request a correction, uploading documents as needed.
- Phone: Contact Blue Panorama’s customer service with the booking reference and necessary documents ready. Early requests sometimes resulted in waived fees.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Blue Panorama check-in or ticket counter at the airport with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents. Be prepared for higher fees.
- Social Media: Reach out via Blue Panorama’s 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 had to match the ID exactly, including middle names.
- Timing: Request corrections as early as possible, ideally well before departure, to increase the chance of fee waivers and avoid check-in issues.
- Middle Name Issues: The airline’s strict middle name requirement was controversial, as its booking system and third-party platforms often lacked a middle name field, yet fees were charged for omissions.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties were complex, as Blue Panorama often required the agency to handle the request, leading to delays or additional fees.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Blue Panorama or an agent, emphasize this when requesting a correction, as it could qualify for a free change.
- Check Passport Format: For international travel, ensure the name, including middle names, matched the passport exactly to avoid boarding issues.
- Fee Disputes: Some passengers reported inconsistent fee application, with charges varying by airport or agent. Document all interactions in case of disputes.
