Overview
Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of Vietnam, 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, particularly for international flights where strict ID verification is required. Middle names are significant in Vietnam due to common first and last names, so accuracy is critical to avoid boarding issues.
Key Policy Details
- Minor name corrections, such as fixing typos, adjusting transliteration errors, or correcting name order (e.g., middle name and first name swapped), are permitted, typically up to a few characters. These are often free if requested within a short period after booking, usually a day, for tickets purchased directly through Vietnam Airlines.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage or divorce, are allowed with supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Fees may apply depending on fare conditions.
- 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 Vietnam Airlines-operated flights (PS-coded flights) and not for codeshare flights or flights operated by partner airlines, such as Air France or Delta, 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 Vietnam Airlines.
- The name on the ticket must exactly match the traveler’s passport or ID, including middle names, using Latin characters without special symbols for international flights. For passengers with long names exceeding the system’s character limit, customer service assistance is required.
- 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:
- Online: Visit the Vietnam 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 e-ticket will be sent.
- Customer Service: Contact Vietnam Airlines 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 ID. Fees may apply, and a confirmation email will be sent upon completion.
- In-Person: Visit a Vietnam Airlines ticket office or airport counter at hubs like Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat, 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 Vietnam 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. Early arrival at the airport is recommended if corrections are needed at check-in.
- 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, especially for changes at the airport or through third parties.
- Passengers must ensure the name matches their passport or ID exactly, including middle names, to comply with security regulations, especially for international flights to destinations like Sydney, Tokyo, or Paris. Vietnamese naming conventions (family name, middle name, given name) may cause confusion, so input names as they appear on the passport.
- 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 Vietnam Airlines may not process corrections directly for such reservations.
- For names exceeding the system’s character limit, passengers should contact customer service or visit a ticket office for assistance, as truncation may cause issues at check-in or immigration.
