Overview
Nok Air, a Thai low-cost carrier, permits full name changes to transfer tickets to another person, unlike many airlines that restrict changes to minor corrections. Minor spelling corrections are also allowed to ensure the name matches the passenger’s government-issued identification. Changes are subject to fees and specific conditions, and must be requested well in advance of departure. The policy applies to all fare classes (Nok Lite, Nok X-tra, Nok MAX), with Nok MAX offering the most flexibility.
Eligibility for Name Changes
- Minor Spelling Errors: Corrections of up to three characters in the first or last name are permitted to fix typos, typically allowed with minimal or no fees if requested early.
- Full Name Changes: Nok Air allows changing the passenger name to transfer the ticket to another person, subject to a name change fee and any fare difference if the new fare is higher. This applies to both legs of a roundtrip ticket.
- Legal Name Changes: Changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons are permitted with supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order, subject to fees.
- Non-Transferable Restrictions: Name changes are not allowed for partially used tickets or after one leg of a roundtrip has been flown.
- Infant Tickets: For Nok Infant tickets, the infant’s name cannot be transferred to another infant, but corrections are allowed with proper documentation.
- Group Bookings: For group bookings, name changes may be subject to specific conditions and fees, with restrictions closer to departure.
Process for Name Changes
Name changes can be requested through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Manage Booking section on the Nok Air website or mobile app. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and follow prompts to change the name. Payment for fees is typically required by credit card.
- Customer Support: Contact Nok Air’s Call Center via phone with booking details and supporting documents for verification. This is required for legal name changes or complex requests.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Nok Air ticket counter at the airport with valid ID and documentation. Changes must be requested at least a few hours before departure, and 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 may be free if requested shortly after booking, depending on fare rules.
- Full name changes incur a service fee per passenger for domestic flights and a higher fee for international flights, plus any fare difference if the new fare is higher. Payment must be made by credit card at the time of change.
- Nok MAX passengers are exempt from flight change fees but must pay the name change fee and any fare difference.
- Changes must be made at least a few hours before departure for name changes and a full day for flight changes, except for Nok MAX passengers, who have more flexibility.
- Changes are not permitted after check-in or for partially used tickets.
- For codeshare or interline flights (e.g., NokScoot), the operating carrier’s policy may apply, requiring coordination with the booking agency.
Important Notes
- Passengers must provide valid identification (e.g., passport for international flights, ID for domestic) and legal documents for corrections, particularly for legal name changes.
- The name on the ticket must match the government-issued ID exactly to avoid boarding or immigration issues, especially for international flights.
- Requests should be made as early as possible to avoid higher fees and ensure processing, as last-minute changes at the airport may be rejected.
- For third-party bookings, coordination with the agency is critical, as Nok Air may not process changes directly.
- Nok Air’s bankruptcy filing in July 2020 and ongoing rehabilitation may affect service reliability, so passengers should verify ticket status and act promptly.
- Contact Nok Air’s Call Center or visit the official website for the latest policy details and fee information.
