Overview
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier of the Philippines, 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 driver’s license. 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, with a risk-free period for free changes shortly after booking.
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 PAL. Examples include correcting "Jon" to "John" or "Marie" to "Maria".
- 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 a fee unless made within the one-day period.
- Name Order Reversal: Swapping first and last names (e.g., "Barry Stuart" to "Stuart Barry") or correcting inverted names is permitted, subject to a fee if outside the risk-free period.
- Prefix or Suffix Adjustments: Adding or removing prefixes (e.g., Mr., Ms.) or suffixes (e.g., Jr., Sr.) is allowed, typically with a fee depending on timing and fare type.
- Gender Corrections: Corrections to the gender on the ticket are permitted once per ticket, often free, and reflected on the same booking reference.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person; corrections are only for the original passenger. A new ticket must be purchased for a different traveler.
- Middle Name Flexibility: A missing middle name is not an issue as long as the first and last names match the valid ID.
Process for Name Corrections
Name corrections can be requested through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Manage Booking section on the Philippine Airlines 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 PAL office.
- Customer Support: Contact PAL’s Customer Service via phone or email with booking details and supporting documents. This is required for legal name changes, corrections exceeding three characters, or complex requests.
- Airport Counter or PAL Office: Visit a PAL ticket counter or sales office at the airport 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 within a one-day period after booking for tickets purchased directly from PAL.
- Corrections after the one-day period or exceeding three characters incur a fee, typically a moderate amount, depending on the point of sale, fare type, and timing, plus any fare difference if the ticket is reissued.
- Legal name changes or name order reversals require a fee, which may be refunded upon submission of supporting documents.
- Corrections are not permitted after check-in, for partially used tickets, or within a short time before departure, at the airline’s discretion.
- Only one correction per ticket is allowed; additional corrections are treated as name changes and may incur higher fees.
- 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, government-issued ID for domestic) and legal documents for corrections, particularly for legal name changes, to avoid boarding or immigration issues.
- The name on the ticket must match the government-issued ID exactly, as mismatches can lead to boarding denials, especially for international flights.
- Requests should be made as early as possible, ideally within the one-day risk-free period for free corrections, to avoid fees and ensure processing.
- For third-party bookings, coordination with the agency is critical, as PAL may not process changes directly.
- Passengers with single names should enter the name in both the first and last name fields during booking (e.g., Pedro/Mr.) and bring two valid IDs at check-in.
- Contact PAL’s Customer Service or visit the official website for the latest policy details and fee information, as policies may vary.
