Overview
Malaysia Airlines allows minor name corrections on tickets to fix spelling errors or update names due to legal reasons, ensuring the name matches the passenger’s government-issued identification, particularly the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the passport. Full name changes to transfer tickets to another person are not permitted after ticket issuance, as tickets are non-transferable. The airline has updated its name entry guidelines to better accommodate Southeast Asian naming conventions, such as those with "Bin," "Binti," or "Anak." Corrections are subject to conditions and fees, with only one correction per reservation allowed.
Eligibility for Name Corrections
- Minor Spelling Errors: Corrections of up to three characters in the first, middle, or last name are permitted to fix typos, typically free if requested within a one-day period after booking for tickets purchased directly from Malaysia Airlines.
- Legal Name Changes: Changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons are allowed with supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, subject to fees.
- Name Order or Titles: Corrections to swap first and last names or update titles (e.g., Mr. to Ms.) are permitted, often free if requested early. For example, names like "Vincent Tan Ming Ban" should have "Tan" as the surname and "Ming Ban Vincent" as the given name.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person after issuance. If a different traveler is needed, the original ticket must be refunded per fare rules, and a new ticket purchased.
- Southeast Asian Naming Conventions: Names with "Bin," "Binti," or "Anak" must place these in the surname field (e.g., "Ahmad Faliq bin Hamedi" is split as "Ahmad Faliq" for first/middle name and "Bin Hamedi" for surname).
Process for Name Corrections
Name corrections can be requested through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Manage Booking section on the Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and follow prompts to correct the name. Documentation for legal changes must be submitted separately.
- Customer Support: Contact Malaysia Airlines’ Customer Service via phone or email with booking details and supporting documents. This is required for legal name changes or corrections exceeding three characters.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Malaysia Airlines ticket counter at the airport with valid ID and documentation. Corrections may be processed before check-in, but fees may be higher.
- Third-Party Bookings: For tickets booked through travel agencies, changes must be requested through the original booking channel, which may involve additional fees.
Fees and Conditions
- Minor corrections of up to three characters are free if requested within a one-day period after booking for tickets purchased directly from Malaysia Airlines.
- Corrections after the one-day period or exceeding three characters incur a fee, which varies by fare type, route, and timing, plus any fare difference if the ticket is reissued.
- Corrections are not permitted after check-in or for partially used tickets. Only one correction per reservation is allowed.
- Fees may be higher for changes made through customer service or at the airport compared to online requests.
- For codeshare or interline flights, the operating carrier’s policy may apply, requiring coordination with the booking agency.
Important Notes
- Passengers must provide valid identification (e.g., passport) and legal documents for corrections, particularly for legal name changes. The name must match the passport’s MRZ to avoid boarding issues.
- Requests should be made as early as possible, ideally within a one-day period for free corrections, to ensure processing and avoid higher fees.
- For third-party bookings, coordination with the agency is critical, as Malaysia Airlines may not process changes directly.
- The updated naming guidelines apply only to new bookings and do not affect existing reservations.
- Contact Malaysia Airlines’ customer service or visit the official website for the latest policy details and fee information.
