Cebu Pacific Air, a leading low-cost airline in the Philippines, has a name change policy that aligns with aviation security regulations, requiring the name on the ticket to match 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, often with a fee. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Cebu Pacific prohibits full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for all fare types, including GO Basic, GO Easy, and GO Flexi, due to security regulations. Minor corrections for spelling errors, typically up to four characters, or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted, provided changes are requested at least four hours before departure and before check-in begins, typically two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Cebu Pacific. For itineraries involving codeshare or partner airlines (e.g., AirSWIFT), the operating airline’s policy may apply. 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 international travel requires an exact match with the passport.
Permitted Name Corrections
- Minor Typos: Corrections for spelling errors in the first, middle, or last name, up to four 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 “CHUN-HAO WANG” to “WANG CHUN-HAO”).
- Middle Name Additions: Adding or deleting a middle name to align with the ID or passport (e.g., adding “BENEDICT” to “ALLAN CHUA”).
- Special Characters: Replacing special characters not recognized by the booking system (e.g., using “N” instead of “ñ” for names like “NIÑO”).
Fees
Minor corrections of up to four characters or middle name additions 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 Cebu Pacific or its agents. Beyond this period, a name change fee applies, typically in US dollars or Philippine pesos, starting at a base amount and varying by fare type, route, and timing. Legal name changes with valid documentation may be free at the airline’s discretion, but a fee may apply if ticket reissuance is required. If a correction results in a higher fare class, a fare difference may be charged. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or airport counters. For specific fee details, contact Cebu Pacific’s customer service.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly through Cebu Pacific’s website or app, access the “Manage Booking” section. Enter the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code) and last name, select the booking, and update guest details (first or last name) within twenty-four hours of booking. For changes beyond this period, contact customer service. Upload supporting documents (e.g., passport, marriage certificate) as required.
- Customer Service: Contact Cebu Pacific’s customer service via phone, live chat, email, or social media (e.g., X, Facebook) with the booking reference, ID, and supporting documents. Live chat requires messaging “live agent” repeatedly to connect with a representative.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Cebu Pacific ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport) 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, 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. For international flights, the name must match the passport exactly.
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., AirSWIFT), even if booked through Cebu Pacific, are subject to the operating airline’s policy.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not permitted after check-in begins, typically two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
- Character Limit: Corrections are limited to four characters in the first or last name for minor typos.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Promo fares are non-refundable and non-transferable, with stricter rules for name changes, often requiring cancellation and rebooking.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction is permitted per ticket. Additional changes require a new booking.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth, nationality, or salutation cannot be made alongside a name correction, though these can be updated once separately via “Manage Booking” up to two hours before the flight.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections of up to four characters or middle name additions are free within twenty-four hours of booking for tickets purchased at least seven days before departure, or if the error was made by Cebu Pacific or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation (e.g., marriage certificate) may be free at the airline’s discretion, particularly for fully refundable GO Flexi tickets. For bookings made in error, a full refund is available within twenty-four hours of purchase if booked directly with Cebu Pacific and the flight is at least seven days away, allowing rebooking with the correct name.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: Use the “Manage Booking” section on Cebu Pacific’s website or app for direct bookings within twenty-four hours of purchase. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and update guest details. For changes beyond this period, contact customer service.
- Phone: Contact Cebu Pacific’s customer service with the booking reference, ID, and necessary documents ready.
- Live Chat: Access live chat on the website or app, repeatedly messaging “live agent” to connect with a representative, and provide the booking reference and documents.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Cebu Pacific ticket counter or check-in desk at least two hours before departure with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Cebu Pacific’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 aviation security rules.
- Timing: Request corrections at least four hours before departure to avoid complications, especially for international flights where name mismatches can lead to denied boarding.
- Middle Name Concerns: For domestic flights, missing middle names or minor discrepancies may be overlooked if the first and last names match, but international travel requires an exact match. Confirm with Cebu Pacific to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties are complex, as Cebu Pacific may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays or additional fees.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Cebu Pacific 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, using only Roman alphabet characters (A-Z) without special symbols (e.g., “ñ” as “N”).
- Poor Customer Service: Cebu Pacific’s customer service can be challenging to reach, particularly via live chat. Persistence (e.g., repeatedly messaging “live agent”) or using multiple channels (phone, social media) may be necessary.
