Overview
Kenya Airways, the flag carrier of Kenya, prohibits full name changes or ticket transfers to another person, as tickets are non-transferable per their Conditions of Carriage. However, minor name corrections are permitted to fix spelling errors or update names due to legal reasons, ensuring the name matches the passenger’s government-issued identification.
Eligibility for Name Corrections
- Minor Spelling Errors: Corrections of up to three characters in the first or last name are allowed to fix typographical errors, typically without a fee if requested promptly.
- Legal Name Changes: Changes due to marriage, divorce, gender transition, or other legal reasons are permitted with supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Title or Gender Updates: Minor updates to titles (e.g., Mr. to Ms.) or gender markers are allowed without a fee, provided documentation supports the change.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person; corrections are only for the original passenger.
- Infant Tickets: Name corrections for lap infants under a certain age without purchased seats are typically free, though documentation is required.
Process for Name Corrections
Name corrections can be requested through the following methods:
- Customer Support: Contact Kenya Airways’ Global Contact Centers or local offices via phone or email with booking details, identification, and supporting documents. This is the primary method for most corrections.
- Airport Ticket Counter: Visit a Kenya Airways ticket counter at the airport with valid ID and documentation. Minor corrections may be processed at check-in, subject to time constraints.
- Third-Party Bookings: For tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms, changes must be requested through the original booking channel.
Fees and Conditions
- Minor corrections, such as fixing typos of up to three characters, are often free if requested shortly after booking, but fees may apply depending on fare type and timing.
- Legal name changes may incur a service fee, varying by route, fare class, and booking channel. Significant changes may require ticket reissuance, incurring fare differences.
- Corrections are not permitted after check-in or for partially used tickets.
- Name changes are not allowed for multi-city bookings, bookings affected by schedule changes, or cancelled bookings, and must be handled offline.
- Fees apply for corrections on Kenya Airways-operated flights but not on interline or codeshare flights, where the operating carrier’s policy prevails.
Important Notes
- Passengers must provide valid identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license) and legal documents for corrections, especially for legal name changes.
- The name on the ticket must match the passport exactly for international flights to avoid boarding or immigration issues.
- Requests should be made as early as possible, ideally well before departure, to ensure processing and minimize fees.
- For third-party bookings, coordination with the agency is required, as Kenya Airways may not process changes directly.
- Check fare rules and contact Kenya Airways’ customer service or visit the official website for the latest policy details and fee information.
