Overview
UTair Aviation, a Russian airline operating as Utair, allows minor name corrections on tickets for spelling errors 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, adhering to Russian aviation regulations and international standards. Due to sanctions and operational restrictions, passengers should verify the latest policies with Utair or their booking agent, as changes may be affected by current limitations.
Key Policy Details
- Minor name corrections, such as fixing typos in the first or last name, are permitted to align with the traveler’s passport or ID, typically limited to a few characters. These corrections may be free if requested within a short period after booking, often a day, for tickets purchased directly through Utair’s website or app.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage or divorce, may be allowed with supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, subject to airline approval and potential fees.
- 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 Utair-operated flights (UT-coded flights) and not for codeshare flights or flights operated by partner airlines, such as Turkish 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 Utair.
- The name on the ticket must exactly match the traveler’s passport or ID, using Latin characters for international flights or Cyrillic for domestic Russian flights, without special symbols, to avoid boarding issues. For passengers with a single name, specific input rules may apply, such as using FNU in the first name field.
- Name corrections are not permitted after check-in, once the journey has commenced, or for certain promotional or non-refundable fares.
How to Make Name Corrections
Name corrections can be made through the following methods, subject to operational constraints due to sanctions:
- Online: Access the Manage Booking section on the Utair website, 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 Utair customer support via phone or email, 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, if feasible under current restrictions.
- In-Person: Visit a Utair ticket office or airport counter at hubs like Vnukovo, Surgut, or Tyumen, 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 Utair.
Important Notes
- Name corrections must be requested before check-in, ideally as soon as the error is noticed, as online check-in closes a day before departure and airport check-in closes shortly before the flight.
- Fees for name corrections vary by fare type, route, and timing. Minor corrections within a short grace period may be free, but other corrections may incur a fee, potentially including a handling charge if processed through a third party.
- Passengers must ensure the name matches their passport or ID exactly, using the appropriate character set for domestic or international travel, to comply with security regulations, especially for flights to destinations like Baku, Tashkent, or Yerevan.
- 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 promptly, as Utair may not process corrections directly for such reservations.
- Due to U.S. and EU sanctions, including restrictions on Utair’s Boeing fleet and an EU flight ban, operational challenges may limit the ability to process name corrections or rebookings, particularly for international flights. Passengers should verify options with Utair or their agent.
