Overview
Virgin Atlantic Airways allows minor name corrections on tickets for spelling errors or legal name changes, and in some cases, permits transferring tickets to another person for package holidays. The policy ensures the name on the ticket matches the traveler’s passport or government-issued ID for security and compliance purposes. Name changes or corrections are subject to specific conditions, fees, and fare rules, particularly for flights operated by Virgin Atlantic or Delta Air Lines.
Key Policy Details
- Minor name corrections, such as fixing typos in the first or middle name (up to three characters) or correcting name order, are permitted free of charge if made within a short period after booking, typically a day, for tickets purchased directly through Virgin Atlantic. Corrections must align with the traveler’s passport, and the original surname and date of birth must remain unchanged.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage, divorce, or adoption, are allowed free of charge with supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For surname corrections exceeding three characters, approval from Virgin Atlantic Sales Support is required, along with documentation.
- Full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are not permitted for standard flight-only bookings. However, for package holidays booked through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, one name change per booking is allowed without a fee, subject to availability and fare differences, if changed before the original travel date.
- Name corrections are only permitted for flights operated by Virgin Atlantic or Delta Air Lines (ticket numbers starting with 932). For codeshare flights or flights operated by other airlines, name changes may not be allowed, requiring cancellation and rebooking under the correct name, with refunds possible if within policy parameters.
- Bookings made through travel agents or third-party platforms must have name corrections processed through the original booking provider, not directly with Virgin Atlantic.
- The name on the ticket must exactly match the traveler’s passport, using full first and last names. For non-standard names (e.g., single-letter names or single names), specific formats like FNU (First Name Unknown) or title inclusion are used. Middle names and titles are optional but must match the ID if included.
- Name changes or corrections must be requested at least two hours before departure and are not permitted after check-in, once the journey has commenced, or for certain promotional or non-refundable fares.
How to Make Name Changes or Corrections
Name changes or corrections can be made through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Virgin Atlantic website, access the My 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 Virgin Atlantic customer support via phone, web chat, or the Contact Us page, provide the booking reference and passenger details, request the correction or name change, and submit necessary documents, such as a passport or marriage certificate. Fees may apply, and a confirmation email will be sent upon completion.
- In-Person: Visit a Virgin Atlantic airport counter, provide the booking reference and identification documents, and request the correction or name change. Airport staff will process the request if eligible, and a confirmation email will be sent. This is useful for urgent changes before departure.
- Travel Agency: For bookings made through a travel agency, contact the agency directly to request the correction or name change, provide required documents, and pay any applicable fees. The agency will coordinate with Virgin Atlantic.
Important Notes
- Name changes or corrections must be requested at least two hours before departure, ideally as soon as the error is noticed, to avoid complications at check-in or boarding.
- Fees for name changes vary by fare type, ticket class, and timing. Minor corrections within the initial grace period are typically free, but other changes, especially for package holidays, may incur a fee plus any fare difference if the new fare is higher. No refunds are issued if the new fare is lower.
- Passengers must ensure the name matches their passport exactly to comply with security regulations, particularly for international flights to destinations like New York, Barbados, or Johannesburg. For maiden names post-marriage, travel under the original name is allowed with valid ID.
- 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 Virgin Atlantic may not process changes directly for such reservations.
- For non-standard names or names exceeding the system’s character limit, specific formatting rules apply, and assistance from customer service may be required to ensure compliance with passport details.
