Overview
Swoop Airlines, a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier, ceased operations on October 28, 2023, after merging with WestJet. The following details reflect Swoop’s name change policy as it existed prior to the merger, based on available information. Swoop allowed minor name corrections for typos but did not permit full name changes to transfer tickets to another person. The policy ensured the name on the ticket matched the traveler’s government-issued ID for security and compliance purposes.
Key Policy Details
- Minor name corrections, such as fixing spelling errors in the first or last name, were permitted, typically for minor typos, and could be free if requested shortly after booking, often within a day, for tickets booked directly through Swoop Airlines.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage or divorce, were allowed with supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change order.
- Full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person were not allowed, as tickets were non-transferable per Swoop’s terms and conditions. The original booking had to be canceled, and a new ticket purchased, subject to availability and fare conditions.
- Middle names were not required for travel and could be added during online check-in for flights departing or landing in the United States or international destinations.
- Bookings made through travel agents or third-party platforms required name corrections to be processed through the original booking provider, not directly with Swoop.
- The name on the ticket had to match the traveler’s government-issued ID exactly, with provisions for using “LNU” (Last Name Unknown) in the first name field for passengers with only one legal name.
- Name corrections were not permitted after the journey commenced or for certain promotional fares.
How to Make Name Corrections
Name corrections could be made through the following methods when the airline was operational:
- Customer Service: Contact Swoop Airlines via social media or customer support, provide the booking reference and passenger details, request the correction, and submit necessary documents like a government-issued ID. Fees could apply, and a confirmation email with the updated ticket would be sent.
- In-Person: Visit a Swoop Airlines ticket counter at the airport, provide the booking reference and identification documents, and request the correction. Fees could apply, and a confirmation email would be sent.
- Travel Agency: For bookings made through a travel agency, contact the agency directly to request the correction, provide required documents, and pay any applicable fees. The agency would coordinate with Swoop.
Important Notes
- Name corrections had to be requested before departure, ideally at least a few days in advance, to avoid boarding issues. Changes were not permitted less than a few days before departure.
- Fees for name corrections varied based on fare type, timing, and whether processed at the airport. Minor corrections within a short grace period were often free, but other changes could incur a fee.
- Passengers were advised to ensure the name matched their ID exactly to comply with security regulations, particularly for international flights.
- For passengers with only one legal name, “LNU” was used in the first name field during booking, with the legal name in the last name field.
- Since Swoop Airlines has merged with WestJet, passengers with unresolved issues should contact WestJet’s customer support for assistance with prior Swoop bookings.
