Overview
WestJet Airlines, a Canadian low-cost carrier, 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, as required by authorities like the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and Canadian regulations. Name corrections must be requested before departure and are subject to specific conditions and fees.
Key Policy Details
- Minor name corrections, such as fixing typos or spelling errors in the first or last name (up to three characters), are permitted to align with the traveler’s passport or ID. These corrections are free if requested within a short period after booking, typically a day, for tickets purchased directly through WestJet, except for UltraBasic fares. After this period, a fee applies based on fare type.
- Corrections for legal name changes, such as those due to marriage or divorce, are allowed free of charge with supporting documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Passengers must contact WestJet’s Contact Centre for these changes.
- Full name changes to transfer a ticket to another person are not permitted for flight-only bookings. For WestJet Vacations packages, one name change per booking is allowed outside a specific period before departure, typically a few weeks, for a fee plus any fare difference.
- Name corrections are only permitted for WestJet-operated flights (ticket numbers starting with WS) and not for codeshare flights or flights operated by partner airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, unless specified in the booking agreement.
- Bookings made through travel agents or third-party platforms, like Expedia, must have name corrections processed through the original booking provider, not directly with WestJet.
- The name on the ticket must exactly match the traveler’s passport or ID, using Latin characters without special symbols or hyphens, to avoid boarding issues, especially for international flights to destinations like London, Cancun, or Orlando. Middle names are optional but must match the ID if included.
- Name corrections must be requested at least two hours before departure and are not permitted after check-in, once the journey has commenced, or for UltraBasic fares, which are non-changeable.
How to Make Name Corrections
Name corrections can be made through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the WestJet website, access the Manage Trips 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 WestJet’s Contact Centre via phone, provide the booking reference and passenger details, request the correction, and submit necessary documents, such as a passport or marriage certificate. Fees may apply, and a confirmation email will be sent upon completion. For imminent travel, phone contact is required.
- In-Person: Visit a WestJet ticket counter or airport kiosk at least two hours before departure, 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 WestJet.
Important Notes
- Name corrections must be requested at least two hours before departure, ideally as soon as the error is noticed, as changes are not permitted after check-in or once the journey has started.
- Fees for name corrections vary by fare type and timing. Minor corrections within a short grace period are free for eligible fares (except UltraBasic), but other corrections or name changes for WestJet Vacations packages incur a fee, potentially plus fare differences. Fees are higher at the airport or via the Contact Centre compared to online.
- Passengers must ensure the name matches their passport or ID exactly to comply with security regulations, particularly for international flights. Passengers may be denied boarding if the name on the boarding pass does not match the 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 WestJet may not process corrections directly for such reservations.
- UltraBasic fare passengers cannot make name changes or corrections, as these fares are non-changeable and non-refundable.
