Czech Airlines, now a holding company with flight operations managed by Smartwings, enforces a strict name change policy to comply with aviation security regulations, requiring the name on the ticket to match the passenger’s government-issued ID or passport exactly. Tickets are non-transferable, meaning full name changes to another person are not permitted. Minor corrections for typos are allowed under specific conditions, but significant changes typically require cancellation and rebooking with associated fees. Below is a summary of the policy based on available information.
General Rule
Czech Airlines prohibits full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person for all fare types, including LITE, PLUS, FLEX, BUSINESS LITE, and BUSINESS, as tickets are non-transferable. Minor corrections for spelling errors, typically up to three characters, are permitted for tickets booked directly through Czech Airlines or Smartwings channels, provided changes are requested before check-in begins, typically one hour before departure for most flights. The policy applies to unused tickets for flights operated by Smartwings under the Czech Airlines brand (OK/064 code). For codeshare or interline flights (e.g., with SkyTeam partners like Delta or Air France), the operating airline’s policy applies. Tickets booked through third-party platforms or travel agencies must be amended through the original booking source. For international flights, the name must be 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, up to three characters (e.g., correcting “Jonh” to “John”).
- 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, though this may be treated as a name change requiring cancellation and rebooking.
Fees
Minor corrections of up to three characters may be free if requested within one day of booking or if the error was made by Czech Airlines, Smartwings, or their agents. Beyond this period, a name correction fee, typically in euros, applies, varying by fare type, route, and timing. Significant changes, such as legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or adoption) or middle name adjustments, typically require cancellation of the original ticket and rebooking, incurring a cancellation fee, a new ticket purchase, and a possible fare difference if the new fare is higher. Additional service charges may apply for changes through travel agencies, airport counters, or the Contact Centre. For specific fee details, contact Czech Airlines’ Contact Centre.
Process
- Contact Centre: Contact Czech Airlines’ Contact Centre via phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp, or social media (e.g., X, Facebook) with the booking reference (six-digit alphanumeric code), ID, and supporting documents (e.g., passport). Online corrections through the “My Booking” section are not available for name changes.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Czech Airlines or Smartwings ticket counter or check-in desk (e.g., at Václav Havel Airport Prague) at least one hour 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.
Restrictions
- No Ticket Transfers: Full name changes to another person are not permitted. The original ticket must be cancelled (subject to the fare’s cancellation conditions) and a new ticket purchased for a different traveler.
- Codeshare/Interline Flights: Name corrections for flights operated by partner airlines (e.g., SkyTeam partners), even if booked through Czech Airlines, are subject to the operating airline’s policy.
- Post-Check-in Changes: Corrections are not permitted after check-in begins, typically one hour before departure, or sixty minutes for flights to Beirut or Riyadh.
- Character Limit: Minor typo corrections are limited to three characters in the first, middle, or last name.
- Fare Type Restrictions: Non-refundable fares (e.g., LITE, PLUS, BUSINESS LITE) have stricter rules, often requiring cancellation and rebooking with significant fees.
- Single Correction Limit: Only one name correction is permitted per ticket. Additional changes require cancellation and rebooking.
- Other Modifications: Changes to date of birth or gender cannot be made alongside a name correction.
Free Correction Period
Minor corrections (e.g., typos up to three characters) are free if requested within one day of booking for tickets purchased directly through Czech Airlines or Smartwings channels and for flights at least seven days away, or if the error was made by the airline or its agents. For bookings made in error, a full refund is available within one day of purchase for tickets booked directly, allowing rebooking with the correct name. This does not apply to third-party bookings or non-refundable fares like LITE or PLUS.
How to Request a Name Change
- Phone: Contact Czech Airlines’ Contact Centre with the booking reference, ID, and necessary documents ready.
- Email: Email the Contact Centre with the booking reference, correction details, and supporting documents.
- Live Chat/WhatsApp: Use live chat or WhatsApp on the Czech Airlines website, providing the booking reference and correction details.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Czech Airlines or Smartwings ticket counter or check-in desk at least one hour before departure with the ticket, ID, and supporting documents.
- Social Media: Reach out via Czech 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, especially for international flights, to avoid boarding issues.
- Timing: Request corrections at least one day before departure to avoid complications, as changes are not permitted after check-in begins. For flights to Beirut or Riyadh, allow extra time due to earlier check-in deadlines.
- Middle Name Concerns: For domestic flights, missing middle names may be overlooked if the first and last names match, but international travel requires an exact match. Some passengers report that Czech Airlines may allow boarding with minor discrepancies (e.g., “Claudio Santos” instead of “Claudio Marques Santos”), but this is not guaranteed and should be confirmed in advance.
- Third-Party Bookings: Changes through third parties are complex, as Czech Airlines requires the agency to handle the request, potentially causing delays or additional fees.
- Agent Errors: If the error was made by Czech Airlines, Smartwings, 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’s Roman alphabet spelling exactly, without spaces or special symbols.
- Smartwings Transition: As Czech Airlines’ flight operations are now managed by Smartwings, confirm whether the ticket is under the OK/064 code to ensure the correct policy applies.
