Central Mountain Air, a regional airline based in Smithers, British Columbia, operates a name change policy that complies with aviation security regulations, ensuring the name on the ticket matches the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport. Tickets are non-transferable for most fare types, meaning full name changes to another person are generally not permitted, except for the Flex+ fare. Minor corrections for typos or legal name changes are allowed under specific conditions, often with a fee, except for Flex+ fares, which allow name changes without additional cost. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Central Mountain Air prohibits full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for most fare types, except for the Flex+ fare, which allows name changes at no extra cost. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted for all fare types, provided changes are requested at least two hours before departure. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by Central Mountain Air for flights they operate. For itineraries involving codeshare or interline partners (e.g., Air Canada, WestJet), 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 (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.
- Middle Name Additions: Adding or deleting a middle name to align with the ID or passport.
- Flex+ Fare Name Changes: For Flex+ fare tickets, full name changes to another traveler are permitted without additional cost, subject to availability.
Fees
For most fare types, a name change fee applies per passenger for minor corrections or legal name changes, typically in Canadian dollars, unless the error was made by Central Mountain Air or its agents. For Flex+ fare tickets, name changes, including full name changes to another traveler, are free, though fare differences may apply if the new ticket is more expensive. If a correction or name change requires rebooking into a higher fare class, a fare difference may be charged, along with applicable taxes. No refunds are provided for lower fares. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or airport counters. For specific fee details, contact Central Mountain Air’s reservations team.
Process
- Customer Service: Contact Central Mountain Air’s reservations 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 “My Trips” section.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Central Mountain Air ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Vancouver, Prince George, or Smithers 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. For Flex+ fare name changes, no additional documentation is required beyond the new traveler’s ID.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers (Except Flex+): Full name changes to another person are not permitted for most fare types. Only Flex+ fare tickets allow full name changes to another traveler.
- Codeshare/Interline Flights: Name corrections or changes for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., Air Canada, WestJet), even if booked through Central Mountain Air, are subject to the operating airline’s policy.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections or name changes are not permitted after check-in begins, typically two hours before departure, due to security and operational constraints.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Non-Flex+ fares (e.g., Standard, Value) require a name change fee for corrections, and full name changes are not allowed. Flex+ fares allow free changes, including full name changes, subject to availability.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction or change 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 or change.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections or legal name changes may be free if the error was made by Central Mountain Air or its agents, or for Flex+ fare tickets, which allow complimentary name changes, including full name changes to another traveler. 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 Central Mountain Air, allowing rebooking with the correct name. This does not apply to third-party bookings, where the agency’s policy prevails.
How to Request a Name Change
- Phone: Contact Central Mountain Air’s reservations team via phone with the booking reference, ID, and necessary documents ready.
- Email: Email the reservations team at the designated customer service address with the booking reference and supporting documents, detailing the correction or change needed.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Central Mountain Air ticket counter or check-in desk at least two hours before departure with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Central Mountain 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 or change process.
Practical Notes
- Verification: Always provide a government-issued ID or legal documents to support the correction or change request. The corrected name must match the ID or passport exactly to comply with security regulations.
- Timing: Request corrections or name changes at least two hours 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 Central Mountain Air to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties are complex, as Central Mountain Air may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays or additional fees.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Central Mountain Air or an agent, emphasize this when requesting a correction, as it may qualify for a free change.
- Flex+ Fare Advantage: Opt for Flex+ fares for maximum flexibility, as they allow full name changes to another traveler at no extra cost, ideal for group or corporate travel.
- Small Aircraft Considerations: Due to Central Mountain Air’s use of small aircraft (e.g., Beechcraft 1900D, Dornier 328), check-in procedures are strict, and last-minute changes may not be accommodated.
