Caribbean Airlines, the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, operates a name change policy that aligns with aviation security regulations. 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 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
Caribbean Airlines prohibits full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for all fare types, including Lite, Classic, Biz, Flex, and Biz Flex. Minor corrections for spelling errors, up to two 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 three days before departure for most fare types, though Flex and Biz Flex tickets allow changes up to thirty minutes before departure. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Caribbean Airlines. Middle name discrepancies or title changes (e.g., Mr., Ms.) are often overlooked 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 two 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.
- Title or Marital Status: Adding or correcting titles (e.g., Mr., Ms.) or marital status indicators without a fee.
- Infant Tickets: Name changes for lap infants under two years without purchased seats are free.
Fees
Minor corrections of up to two characters are free if requested within twenty-four hours of booking, provided the flight is at least seven days away, or if the error was made by Caribbean Airlines or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation (e.g., marriage certificate) are typically free for fully refundable Business Class tickets, but may incur a fee for other fare types. For corrections exceeding two characters or made after the free period, a name change fee applies, varying by fare type, route, and timing, typically in US dollars for domestic flights and higher for international flights. If a correction requires rebooking, a fare difference may apply if the new ticket is more expensive. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or airport counters.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Caribbean Airlines’ website, access the “Manage Booking” or “My Trips” section. Enter the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code) and last name, select the booking, choose the name change option, and enter the corrected name. Upload a copy of the ID or supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes).
- Customer Service: Contact Caribbean Airlines’ customer service via phone, email, or social media (e.g., Facebook, X) with the booking reference, ID, and supporting documents. Requests can be submitted to the designated customer service email address.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Caribbean Airlines ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Piarco International Airport, Trinidad) 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., British Airways), even if booked through Caribbean Airlines. 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.
- Timing: For most fare types, name changes must be requested at least three days before departure. Flex and Biz Flex tickets allow changes up to thirty minutes before departure.
- Character Limit: Free corrections are limited to two characters in the first or last name.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Basic Economy (Lite) tickets may not allow corrections if the flight is fully booked or after the free correction period.
- 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 of up to two characters are free within twenty-four hours of booking for tickets purchased at least seven days before departure, or if the error was made by Caribbean Airlines or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation (e.g., marriage certificate) are typically free for fully refundable Business Class tickets, and sometimes for other fares at the airline’s discretion. Corrections should be requested promptly to avoid fees.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” or “My Trips” section on Caribbean Airlines’ website for direct bookings. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, choose the name change option, and enter the corrected name, uploading a copy of the ID or supporting documents.
- Phone: Contact Caribbean Airlines’ customer service with the booking reference and necessary documents ready.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Caribbean Airlines ticket counter or check-in desk with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Caribbean Airlines’ 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 three days before departure for most fare types to avoid complications, especially for international flights where name mismatches can lead to denied boarding.
- Middle Name Concerns: Middle name discrepancies or title changes are often overlooked if the first and last names match, but confirm with Caribbean Airlines for international travel to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as Caribbean Airlines may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Caribbean Airlines 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.
- Fare Type Considerations: Flex and Biz Flex tickets offer more flexibility for last-minute changes, while Lite tickets have stricter rules.
