Overview
Virgin Australia allows name changes and corrections on tickets for domestic and international flights, subject to specific conditions and fees based on fare type. The policy ensures the name on the ticket matches the traveler’s passport or government-issued ID for security and compliance purposes. Name changes are permitted for transferring tickets to another person, unlike many airlines, but fees and fare differences may apply. Passengers should act promptly to avoid complications at check-in.
Key Policy Details
- Name changes, including minor corrections for spelling errors or transferring the ticket to another person, are permitted for a fee per passenger, depending on the fare type and route. Minor corrections, such as fixing typos or adjusting name order, may be free if made within a short period after booking, typically a day, for tickets booked directly with Virgin Australia, provided the booking was made at least a week before departure.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage or divorce, are allowed with supporting documents like a marriage certificate, driver’s license, or court order. These may be subject to a fee unless within the grace period.
- Name changes for domestic flights incur a fee per passenger, while international flights have a higher fee. For Choice fares booked before a specific date, an additional reissue fee may apply. Infant name changes are free before check-in but incur a fee after check-in. Group bookings and flight credit rebookings for the same route may allow one fee-free name change.
- Name changes are only permitted for Virgin Australia-operated flights (VA-coded flights) and not for codeshare flights or flights operated by partner airlines, such as Qatar Airways, unless specified in the booking agreement.
- Bookings made through travel agents or third-party platforms must have name changes processed through the original booking provider, not directly with Virgin Australia.
- The name on the ticket must exactly match the traveler’s passport or ID, using Latin characters without special symbols for international flights. For passengers with a single name, specific formats like FNU may be used. Middle names are optional but must match the ID if included.
- Name changes must be completed at least an hour 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 Australia website, access the Manage Booking portal, enter the booking reference and last name, select the option to edit passenger details, make the correction or name change, upload required documents if needed, and pay any applicable fees. A confirmation email with the updated ticket will be sent.
- Customer Service: Contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre via phone, 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 Australia ticket counter or kiosk at the airport, provide the booking reference and identification documents, and request the correction or name change at least two hours before departure. 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 or name change, provide required documents, and pay any applicable fees. The agency will coordinate with Virgin Australia.
Important Notes
- Name changes or corrections must be requested at least an hour before departure, ideally as soon as the error is noticed, to avoid complications at check-in. Changes are not permitted after check-in or once the journey has started.
- Fees for name changes vary by fare type and route, with domestic flights typically incurring a lower fee than international flights. Additional reissue fees may apply for certain fares, and fare differences are charged if the new fare is higher. No refunds are issued if the new fare is lower.
- Passengers must ensure the name matches their passport or ID exactly to comply with security regulations, particularly for international flights to destinations like Bali, Fiji, or Doha.
- 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 Australia may not process changes directly for such reservations.
- For domestic flights without checked baggage, ID checks may occasionally be skipped if online check-in is completed, but passengers should not rely on this and must ensure names are correct to avoid issues, especially for international travel.
