Cape Air, a regional airline based in Hyannis, Massachusetts, operates a name change policy aligned with TSA regulations to ensure the name on the ticket matches the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport. Tickets are 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, typically without fees, provided documentation is supplied. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Cape Air does not permit full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for any fare type, including Refundable and Non-Refundable/Value tickets. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are allowed for tickets booked directly with Cape Air, provided changes are requested before check-in begins, typically thirty minutes before departure. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Cape Air for flights they operate. For itineraries involving codeshare or interline partners (e.g., American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines), the operating airline’s policy may apply. Tickets booked through third-party platforms or travel agencies must be amended through the original booking source.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first, middle, or last name (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 or Extra Characters: Adding or correcting characters in the first or last name to align with the ID.
Fees
Minor corrections and legal name changes are typically free for tickets booked directly with Cape Air, provided supporting documentation is supplied and all flights in the itinerary are operated by Cape Air. If a correction requires rebooking into a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply, but Cape Air does not charge a specific name change fee. No residual travel credit is issued if the new fare is lower. Additional service charges may apply for changes processed through travel agencies or at airport counters. For third-party bookings, fees depend on the agency’s or partner airline’s policies.
Process
- Customer Service: Contact Cape Air’s Customer Care Team via phone or email with the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code), ID, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes). Name changes cannot be processed online through the “Manage Your Reservation” section.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Cape Air ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Hyannis, Boston, or San Juan 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 (e.g., Expedia, Hahn Air), 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 for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines), even if booked through Cape Air, are subject to the operating airline’s policy.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not permitted after check-in begins, typically thirty minutes before departure, due to weight and balance requirements for Cape Air’s small aircraft.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Both Refundable and Non-Refundable/Value tickets allow name corrections, but non-refundable tickets may require cancellation and rebooking, subject to fare differences.
- 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 and legal name changes are typically free for tickets booked directly with Cape Air if supporting documentation is provided and all flights are operated by Cape Air. For bookings made in error, a full refund is available within twenty-four hours of purchase for tickets booked at least one day before departure, provided the booking was made directly with Cape Air. This allows rebooking with the correct name. Refunds or changes for third-party bookings depend on the agency’s or partner airline’s policies.
How to Request a Name Change
- Phone: Contact Cape Air’s Customer Care Team via phone with the booking reference, ID, and necessary documents ready.
- Email: Email the Customer Care Team at the designated address with the booking reference and supporting documents.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Cape Air ticket counter or check-in desk with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Cape Air’s social media channels (e.g., X, 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 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 TSA requirements.
- Timing: Request corrections as early as possible, ideally well before the thirty-minute pre-departure cutoff, to avoid complications, especially for international flights where name mismatches can lead to denied boarding.
- Middle Name Concerns: Minor middle name discrepancies may be overlooked for domestic flights if the first and last names match, but international travel (e.g., to the Caribbean) requires an exact match. Confirm with Cape Air to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Cape Air may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Cape Air or an agent, emphasize this when requesting a correction, as it ensures a free change.
- Check Passport Format: For international travel (e.g., to Puerto Rico, USVI, or BVI), ensure the name matches the passport exactly to avoid boarding issues.
- Small Aircraft Considerations: Due to Cape Air’s use of small aircraft (e.g., Cessna 402, Tecnam P2012 Traveller), check-in procedures are strict, and last-minute changes may not be accommodated.
