Canadian North Airlines, a wholly Inuit-owned airline serving Northern Canada, has a strict name change policy to comply with aviation security regulations, requiring the name on the ticket to match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport exactly. Tickets are non-transferable, meaning full name changes to another person are generally not permitted. Minor corrections for typos or legal name changes are allowed under specific conditions, typically with a fee. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Canadian North Airlines prohibits full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for all fare types, including Ilak, Pivut, and standard fares, due to non-transferability rules. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted, provided changes are requested at least one day before departure and before check-in begins, typically two hours before domestic flights. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Canadian North for flights they operate. For codeshare flights (e.g., with Air North or Calm Air), the operating airline’s policy applies. Tickets booked through third-party platforms or travel agencies must be amended through the original booking source. For domestic flights, minor discrepancies may be overlooked if the first and last names match the ID, but exact matches are required for security compliance.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first, middle, or last name, typically limited to a few 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 (e.g., correcting “SMITH JOHN” to “JOHN SMITH”).
- Middle Name Adjustments: Adding or deleting a middle name to align with the ID or passport, often without strict character limitations.
Fees
A name correction fee, typically in Canadian dollars, applies for minor corrections or legal name changes, varying by fare type, route, and timing. The fee may be waived if the error was made by Canadian North or its agents, or for specific fare types like Ilak/Pivut for Inuit beneficiaries, at the airline’s discretion. If a correction requires rebooking into a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply, along with applicable taxes. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or airport counters. For specific fee details, contact Canadian North’s customer service.
Process
- Customer Service: Contact Canadian North’s Customer Contact Centre via phone or email with the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code), ID, and supporting documents (e.g., passport, marriage certificate for legal name changes). Online changes through the “Manage Booking” section are not available for name corrections.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Canadian North ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Yellowknife, Iqaluit, or Cambridge Bay airports) at least two hours before departure with the ticket, government-issued ID, and relevant documents for verification.
- Third-Party Bookings: If booked through a travel agency or third-party platform (e.g., Alternative Airlines), 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, as tickets are non-transferable. A new ticket must be purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare Flights: Name corrections for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., Air North, Calm Air) are subject to the operating airline’s policy, even if booked through Canadian North.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not permitted after check-in begins, typically two hours before departure, due to security and operational constraints.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promotional or restricted fares (e.g., Ilak/Pivut for Inuit beneficiaries) may have stricter rules, potentially requiring cancellation and rebooking with applicable fees.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction is permitted per ticket. Additional changes require a new booking.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth or gender cannot be made alongside a name correction.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections or legal name changes may be free if the error was made by Canadian North or its agents, or for specific fare types like Ilak/Pivut for Inuit beneficiaries, at the airline’s discretion. For bookings made in error, a full refund is available within one day of purchase for tickets booked directly with Canadian North and for flights at least seven days away, allowing rebooking with the correct name. This does not apply to third-party bookings or restricted fares.
How to Request a Name Change
- Phone: Contact Canadian North’s Customer Contact Centre with the booking reference, ID, and necessary documents ready.
- Email: Email customer service at the designated address with the booking reference, correction details, and supporting documents.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Canadian North ticket counter or check-in desk at least two hours before departure with the ticket, ID, and supporting 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 to comply with security regulations.
- Timing: Request corrections at least one day before departure to avoid complications, as changes are not permitted after check-in begins.
- Middle Name Concerns: For domestic flights, minor middle name discrepancies may be overlooked if the first and last names match, but confirm with Canadian North to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties are complex, as Canadian North may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays or additional fees.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Canadian North or an agent, emphasize this when requesting a correction, as it may qualify for a free change.
- Small Aircraft Considerations: Due to Canadian North’s use of smaller aircraft (e.g., ATR turboprops, Boeing 737), check-in procedures are strict, and last-minute changes may not be accommodated.
- Inuit Beneficiary Fares: For Ilak/Pivut fares, verify eligibility with Canadian North, as these fares may offer more flexibility for name corrections but are subject to specific conditions.
