Condor Airlines, a German leisure airline, enforces 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 generally non-transferable, meaning full name changes to another person are not permitted except in specific cases, such as with Flex Option tickets. Minor corrections for typos or legal name changes are allowed under certain conditions, often with a fee. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Condor Airlines prohibits full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for most fare types, including Economy Zero, Economy Classic, and Economy Green, as tickets are non-transferable per international aviation rules. However, the Flex Option allows ticket transfers to another person for a fee. Minor corrections for spelling errors, up to three letters, or legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) are permitted for tickets booked directly on Condor’s website, provided changes are requested at least one day before departure. For group bookings of ten or more passengers, name changes for flights within Germany are free, but feeder flights (operated by partner airlines) do not allow name changes. For codeshare or interline flights (e.g., with Lufthansa, United Airlines), the operating airline’s policy applies. 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, up to three letters (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 “SMITH JOHN” to “JOHN SMITH”).
- Middle Name Adjustments: Adding or deleting a middle name to align with the ID or passport.
- Flex Option Transfers: For tickets with the Flex Option, full name changes to another traveler are permitted, subject to a fee and availability.
- Group Bookings: For groups of ten or more, name changes for flights within Germany are allowed without a fee, provided the booking is fixed at least eight weeks prior to departure.
Fees
Minor corrections of up to three letters are free for Classic Rate and Flex Option tickets if made online via the “My Booking” section on Condor’s website. Other name corrections or legal name changes incur a fee, typically in US dollars or euros, ranging from a moderate to a higher amount depending on fare type, route, and timing. For Flex Option tickets, transferring the ticket to another person involves a fee, which varies based on the ticket class and destination. Group bookings for flights within Germany allow free name changes, but feeder flights are subject to partner airline restrictions. If a correction or transfer requires rebooking into a higher fare class, a fare difference may apply, along with applicable taxes. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies or airport counters. For specific fee details, contact Condor’s customer service.
Process
- Online Changes: For tickets booked directly on Condor’s website, minor corrections (up to three letters) can be made via the “My Booking” section. Log in with the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code) and passenger’s last name, select the booking, and update the name. Supporting documents may be required for legal name changes.
- Customer Service: For corrections beyond three letters, legal name changes, or Flex Option transfers, contact Condor’s customer service via phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp, or social media (e.g., X, Facebook) with the booking reference, ID, and supporting documents. Group booking name changes can be requested by email until seven days before departure or by phone until one day before departure during business hours.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Condor ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Frankfurt or Munich airports) at least three 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., Expedia, Orbitz), 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. Flex Option transfers require the new traveler’s ID.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers (Except Flex Option): Full name changes to another person are not permitted unless the ticket includes the Flex Option, which allows transfers for a fee.
- Codeshare/Interline Flights: Name corrections or changes for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., Lufthansa, United Airlines) are subject to the operating airline’s policy, even if booked through Condor.
- Feeder Flights: Name changes for feeder flights in group bookings are not permitted.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections or changes are not permitted after check-in begins, typically two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
- Character Limit: Minor typo corrections are limited to three letters for online changes via Condor’s website.
- Timing: Name changes or corrections must be requested at least one day before departure. For group bookings, changes after seven days prior to departure require phone requests during business hours.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Economy Zero and other restricted fares may require cancellation and rebooking for significant changes, incurring cancellation fees and fare differences.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction or change is permitted per ticket. Additional changes require a new booking.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections of up to three letters are free for Classic Rate and Flex Option tickets if made online via the “My Booking” section. For group bookings of ten or more, name changes for flights within Germany are free if the booking is fixed at least eight weeks prior to departure. Corrections may also be free if the error was made by Condor or its agents. For bookings made in error, a full refund is available within one day of purchase for tickets booked directly with Condor and for flights at least seven days away, allowing rebooking with the correct name. This does not apply to third-party bookings or restricted fares.
How to Request a Name Change
- Online: For minor corrections (up to three letters) on Classic Rate or Flex Option tickets, use the “My Booking” section on Condor’s website. Log in with the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and update the name.
- Phone: Contact Condor’s customer service with the booking reference, ID, and necessary documents for corrections, legal name changes, or Flex Option transfers. For group bookings, phone requests are required for changes within seven days of departure.
- Email: For group bookings, email name change requests with the booking reference and supporting documents until seven days before departure.
- Live Chat/WhatsApp: Use live chat or WhatsApp on Condor’s website, providing the booking reference and correction details.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Condor ticket counter or check-in desk at least three hours before departure with the ticket, ID, and supporting 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 passport exactly to comply with security regulations.
- Timing: Request corrections or changes at least one day before departure to avoid complications, as changes are not permitted after check-in begins. For group bookings, adhere to the seven-day email or one-day phone deadlines.
- Middle Name Concerns: For domestic flights within Germany, missing middle names may be overlooked if the first and last names match, but international travel requires an exact match. Confirm with Condor to avoid issues.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties are complex, as Condor requires the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays or additional fees.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Condor 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.
- Flex Option Advantage: Consider purchasing the Flex Option for flexibility, as it allows ticket transfers to another traveler, unlike other fare types.
