Overview
Porter Airlines, a Canadian carrier based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, 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 generally not permitted for Basic fares, as tickets are non-transferable, but may be allowed for Standard and Flexible fares with a fee. Corrections are subject to specific conditions and fees, with a risk-free period for free changes shortly after booking.
Eligibility for Name Changes
- Minor Spelling Errors: Corrections of up to three characters in the first or last name are permitted free of charge within a one-day period after booking for tickets purchased directly from Porter Airlines, provided the change is for the same person and supported by valid identification (e.g., correcting "Sara" to "Sarah").
- 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, typically free if requested within the one-day period or through the VIPorter program for account updates.
- Full Name Changes: Transferring a ticket to another person is not allowed for Basic fares, requiring cancellation and rebooking. For Standard fares, a name change is permitted with a moderate fee, and for Flexible (Freedom) fares, it may be free, subject to availability and fare differences.
- Non-Transferable Restrictions: Name changes are not permitted for partially traveled itineraries, after check-in, or for Basic fare bookings unless canceled and rebooked.
- Group Bookings: Name changes for group reservations require expert assistance through customer support and may incur additional fees.
- VIPorter Account: Corrections to names on VIPorter accounts for legal changes or spelling errors are free with proof submitted via the VIPorter feedback form.
Process for Name Changes
Name corrections or changes can be requested through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the My Bookings section on the Porter Airlines website. Enter the booking reference and last name, select the booking, and follow prompts to correct minor typos. Documentation for legal changes or full name changes must be submitted separately via email or at a Porter office.
- Customer Support: Contact Porter’s Call Centre via phone or email with booking details, passenger’s ID, and supporting documents. This is required for legal name changes, full name changes (Standard or Flexible fares), or group booking adjustments.
- Airport Counter: Visit a Porter ticket counter at the airport with valid ID and documentation. Corrections or changes 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 Porter Airlines.
- Corrections after the one-day period or exceeding three characters incur a fee, typically a moderate amount, depending on fare type, route, and timing, plus any fare difference if the ticket is reissued.
- Full name changes for Standard fares incur a fee, while Flexible (Freedom) fares may allow free changes, subject to availability and fare differences.
- Changes are not permitted for Basic fares, after check-in, for partially used tickets, or within a short time before departure.
- For codeshare or partner flights (e.g., Air Transat, Alaska Airlines), the operating carrier’s policy may apply, requiring coordination with the booking agency.
- Legal name changes may require a fee upfront, with potential refunds upon submission of supporting documents.
Important Notes
- Passengers must provide valid identification (e.g., passport for international flights, government-issued ID for domestic) and legal documents for corrections or changes, ensuring the name matches the ID exactly to avoid boarding or immigration issues.
- 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 Porter may not process changes directly.
- Name changes for Standard or Flexible fares require the new passenger’s name and date of birth and must be processed via the Call Centre or travel agency.
- Contact Porter’s Call Centre or visit the official website for the latest policy details and fee information, as policies may vary, especially for partner airline flights.
