China Airlines, the flag carrier of Taiwan, has a name change policy that adheres to aviation security regulations, ensuring 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, often with a fee. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
China Airlines does not allow full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for any fare type, including Discount, Basic, Standard, and Flexible. Minor corrections for spelling errors or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted, provided changes are requested before check-in begins, typically two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The policy applies to unused tickets issued by China Airlines. If the itinerary includes flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., SkyTeam partners like Delta or KLM), the operating airline’s policy may apply. Tickets booked through third-party platforms or travel agencies must be amended through the original booking source. The traveler’s name must be entered in Roman alphabet (A-Z) without spaces or special symbols, matching the passport exactly.
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 (e.g., correcting “CHUN-HAO WANG” to “WANG CHUN-HAO”).
- Middle Name Additions: Adding or deleting a middle name without character limitations (e.g., adding “RICHARD” to “EDWARD WONDER”).
- One-Letter Family Name: Correcting entries for unique cases, such as a one-letter family name (e.g., “E YOKOHAMA”).
Fees
Minor corrections, such as adding a middle name or fixing typos, may be free in some cases, especially if requested promptly and the error was made by China Airlines or its agents. Otherwise, a name change fee applies, typically in US dollars or local currency, varying by fare type, route, and timing. If a correction requires reissuing the ticket, a ticket reissuance fee may be charged, and a fare difference may apply if the new ticket falls into a higher fare class. No refund is provided for the booking service charge. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or airport counters. For specific fee details, contact China Airlines’ customer service.
Process
- Customer Service: Contact China Airlines’ customer service via phone, email, or social media (e.g., X, Facebook) with the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code), ID, and supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate for legal name changes). For example, the US customer service can be reached at the official contact number.
- Branch Office: Visit a China Airlines branch office or ticket counter (e.g., at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport) 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, Ctrip), 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.
- Name Length Restrictions: If a traveler’s name in Roman alphabet exceeds fifty letters, or if an adult and infant (not occupying a seat) have combined names exceeding thirty-six letters, consult a branch office or customer service center.
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., Delta, KLM), even if booked through China Airlines, 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.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction is permitted per ticket. Additional changes require a new booking.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Discount fare tickets have stricter rules and may require cancellation and rebooking, subject to fare differences.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth or gender cannot be made alongside a name correction.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections, such as adding a middle name, may be free if requested promptly (e.g., within one day of booking) and the error was made by China Airlines or its agents. Legal name changes with valid documentation (e.g., marriage certificate) may also be free at the airline’s discretion. For bookings made in error, a full refund is available within twenty-four hours of purchase if the booking was made directly with China Airlines and the flight is at least seven days away, allowing rebooking with the correct name.
How to Request a Name Change
- Phone: Contact China Airlines’ customer service with the booking reference, ID, and necessary documents ready. For example, use the official US contact number for assistance.
- Email: Email the customer service team with the booking reference and supporting documents, detailing the correction needed.
- Branch Office: Visit a China Airlines ticket counter or branch office with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via China Airlines’ 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 passport exactly to comply with aviation security rules.
- Timing: Request corrections as early as possible, ideally well before check-in, to avoid complications, especially for international flights where name mismatches can lead to denied boarding.
- Middle Name Concerns: Adding a middle name is often straightforward and may be free, but confirm with China Airlines to avoid issues, especially for international travel.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties can be complex, as China Airlines may require the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by China 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, with no spaces or special symbols, to avoid boarding issues.
- Fare Differences: If rebooking is required, be prepared for potential fare differences based on current ticket prices, especially for Discount fares.
