Overview
Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Türkiye, allows minor name corrections on tickets for spelling errors or legal name changes but does not permit full name changes to transfer tickets to another person. The policy ensures the name on the ticket matches the traveler’s passport or government-issued ID for security and compliance purposes. Name corrections are subject to specific conditions and fees, depending on the fare type and timing of the request.
Key Policy Details
- Minor name corrections, such as fixing typos or inverted first and last names, are permitted, typically up to a few characters in the first, middle, or last name. Corrections are free if requested within a short period after booking, usually a day, for tickets purchased directly through Turkish Airlines.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage, divorce, or adoption, are allowed with supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. These may be free if within the initial grace period.
- Full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are not permitted. The original booking must be canceled, and a new ticket purchased, subject to availability, fare conditions, and cancellation fees.
- Name corrections are only permitted for Turkish Airlines-operated flights (TK flights) and not for codeshare flights or flights operated by partner airlines unless specified in the booking agreement.
- Bookings made through travel agents or third-party platforms must have name corrections processed through the original booking provider, not directly with Turkish Airlines.
- The name on the ticket must exactly match the traveler’s passport or ID, including first and last names, up to a maximum character limit, using only alphabetic characters and specific formats for special cases, such as FNU for passengers with a single name. Middle names are optional but must match the ID if included.
- Name corrections are not permitted after check-in, once the journey has commenced, or for tickets booked with Miles&Smiles points or certain promotional fares.
How to Make Name Corrections
Name corrections can be made through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Turkish Airlines website, access the Manage Booking section, enter the booking reference and last name, select the option to edit passenger details, make the correction, upload required documents if needed, and pay any applicable fees. A confirmation email with the updated ticket will be sent.
- Customer Service: Contact Turkish Airlines customer support via phone, WhatsApp, or the feedback form, provide the booking reference and passenger details, request the correction, and submit necessary documents, such as a passport or ID. Fees may apply, and a confirmation email will be sent upon completion.
- In-Person: Visit a Turkish Airlines ticket office or airport counter, provide the booking reference and identification documents, and request the correction. Fees may apply, and a confirmation email will 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 will coordinate with Turkish Airlines.
Important Notes
- Name corrections must be requested before check-in, ideally as soon as the error is noticed, as changes are not permitted after check-in or within a few hours of departure.
- Fees for name corrections vary by fare type, route, and timing. Minor corrections within the initial grace period are typically free, but other corrections may incur a fee, potentially significant, plus any fare difference if rebooking is required.
- Passengers must ensure the name matches their passport or ID exactly, adhering to specific formatting rules for special characters or single names, to comply with security regulations, especially for international flights to destinations like Istanbul, London, or New York.
- For legal name changes, original or certified copies of supporting documents must be provided for verification.
- Passengers with bookings through third-party platforms should contact their booking agent, as Turkish Airlines may not process corrections directly for such reservations.
- Minor mismatches, such as title errors (Mr. vs. Ms.) or missing middle names, may not always prevent boarding if the first and last names match the ID, but passengers should correct these in advance to avoid potential issues.
