Overview
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier of Pakistan, 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, such as a passport or national ID card. Full name changes to transfer tickets to another person are not permitted, as tickets are non-transferable. Corrections are subject to specific conditions and fees, and must be requested well in advance of departure.
Eligibility for Name Corrections
- Minor Spelling Errors: Corrections of up to three characters in the first or last name are permitted to fix typos, typically free if requested within a short period after booking for tickets purchased directly from PIA.
- Legal Name Changes: Changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons are allowed with supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order, subject to a fee.
- 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.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person; corrections are only for the original passenger.
- Single-Word Names: For passengers with a single name on their passport, the name should be entered in both the first and last name fields during booking to avoid issues.
Process for Name Corrections
Name corrections can be requested through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Manage Booking section on the PIA website. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and follow prompts to correct minor typos. Documentation for legal changes must be submitted separately via email or at a PIA office.
- Customer Support: Contact PIA’s Call Center via phone or email with booking details and supporting documents. This is required for legal name changes or corrections exceeding three characters.
- PIA Offices or Airport Counter: Visit a PIA ticketing office or airport counter with valid ID and documentation. Corrections may be processed before check-in, but fees may be higher, and availability is not guaranteed.
- 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 short period after booking for tickets purchased directly from PIA.
- Corrections after the initial 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.
- Legal name changes require a fee, typically a moderate amount, unless made within the risk-free period.
- Corrections are not permitted after check-in, for partially used tickets, or within a short time before departure.
- For codeshare or partner flights, 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, national 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, ideally within the risk-free period for free corrections, to ensure processing and avoid higher fees.
- For third-party bookings, coordination with the agency is critical, as PIA may not process changes directly.
- Passengers should verify booking details immediately after reservation to avoid complications, especially given PIA’s ongoing privatization efforts and operational changes.
- Contact PIA’s Call Center or visit the official website for the latest policy details and fee information, as policies may vary due to the airline’s restructuring.
