Overview
Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), the flag carrier of Ukraine, has ceased all flight operations since February 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Prior to this, UIA allowed minor name corrections on tickets for spelling errors or legal name changes, subject to specific conditions and fees. Full name changes to transfer tickets to another person were not permitted. The name on the ticket had to match the traveler’s passport or government-issued ID for security and compliance purposes. As the airline is currently non-operational, passengers with existing bookings should contact UIA or their booking agent for assistance, though responses may be limited. The following details reflect the policy as it existed before operations were suspended.
Key Policy Details
- Minor name corrections, such as fixing typos or transliteration errors in the first or last name, were permitted, typically up to a few characters, to align with the traveler’s passport or ID. A fee was charged for such corrections, unless made within a short grace period after booking, usually a day, for tickets purchased directly through UIA.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage, were allowed with supporting documents like a marriage certificate. A fee was applied for these changes, except in specific cases like infant name updates.
- Full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person were not permitted. The original booking had to be canceled, and a new ticket purchased, subject to availability, fare conditions, and cancellation fees.
- Name corrections were only permitted for UIA-operated flights (PS-coded flights) and not for codeshare flights or flights operated by partner airlines, such as Air France or KLM, unless specified in the booking agreement.
- Bookings made through travel agents or third-party platforms had to have name corrections processed through the original booking provider, not directly with UIA.
- The name on the ticket had to exactly match the traveler’s passport or ID, using Latin characters without special symbols, to avoid boarding issues, particularly for international flights to destinations like New York, Bangkok, or Tel Aviv.
- Name corrections were not permitted after check-in, once the journey had commenced, or for certain promotional or non-refundable fares.
How to Make Name Corrections
Before operations were suspended, name corrections could be made through the following methods:
- Customer Service: Contact UIA customer support via phone, email, or social media, provide the booking reference and passenger details, request the correction, and submit necessary documents, such as a passport or marriage certificate. A fee was applied, and a confirmation email with the updated ticket was sent upon completion.
- In-Person: Visit a UIA ticket office or airport counter at Boryspil International Airport or other locations, provide the booking reference and identification documents, and request the correction. A fee was applied, and a confirmation email was 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 UIA.
Important Notes
- Name corrections had to be requested before check-in, ideally as soon as the error was noticed, as changes were not permitted after check-in or within a few hours of departure.
- Fees for name corrections varied by fare type and timing, with a standard fee for most corrections, except for minor changes within the grace period or specific cases like infant name updates. Additional fees could apply if processed through a third party.
- Passengers had to ensure the name matched their passport or ID exactly, using Latin characters, to comply with security regulations, especially for international flights.
- For legal name changes, original or certified copies of supporting documents were required for verification.
- Passengers with bookings through third-party platforms should contact their booking agent, as UIA did not process corrections directly for such reservations.
- Due to the suspension of operations since February 2022, passengers with unresolved booking issues, including name corrections or refunds, may face delays or lack of response. Contacting UIA or the booking agent is advised, though support may be limited.
