Traveling is exciting, but sometimes mistakes happen when booking a flight. A common issue many passengers face is entering the wrong name on their ticket. Fortunately, Lufthansa Airlines has a straightforward name change policy that allows passengers to correct minor errors. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of Lufthansa airlines name change policy, including eligibility, fees, and the steps to make corrections.
Overview of Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy
Lufthansa Airlines understands that errors in ticket names can occur. Their policy is designed to accommodate passengers who need to make minor corrections to their names on their tickets. However, it’s important to note that Lufthansa allows only minor name corrections rather than complete name changes. The policy is intended for correcting spelling mistakes, typos, or small discrepancies between the passenger’s name on the ticket and their official identification.
Key Highlights:
- Minor Corrections Allowed: Lufthansa permits minor name corrections, such as fixing spelling errors or adjusting the order of first and last names.
- No Full Name Changes: Lufthansa does not allow passengers to transfer tickets to another person by changing the name entirely.
- Supporting Documentation: Depending on the nature of the correction, Lufthansa may require passengers to provide supporting documentation, such as a passport or ID.
Eligible Name Corrections
Lufthansa’s name change policy allows for the following types of corrections:
- Spelling Errors: Correcting typos or misspellings in the passenger’s name.
- Title Adjustments: Changing titles (e.g., from Mr. to Dr.) or correcting gender-based errors.
- Name Order: Swapping the order of first and last names if they were entered incorrectly.
Ineligible Name Changes
The following scenarios are not covered under Lufthansa’s name change policy:
- Full Name Changes: Changing the entire name to that of a different person is not permitted.
- Transferring Tickets: Tickets cannot be transferred to another individual by changing the name on the booking.
Steps to Request a Name Change
Requesting a name change with Lufthansa is a straightforward process that can be done online or via customer service. Here’s how to proceed:
Online Name Change Request:
- Log In to Your Account: Visit the Lufthansa website and log in to your booking account.
- Access Manage Booking: Go to the ‘Manage Booking’ section to locate your flight.
- Select Name Change: If eligible, select the name change option and enter the correct details.
- Submit the Request: Review the changes and submit your request for processing.
Name Change via Customer Service:
- Contact Lufthansa: Call Lufthansa’s customer service and provide your booking reference along with the correct name details.
- Provide Documentation: If necessary, provide any required documentation to verify your identity and the requested correction.
- Confirm the Change: Once the correction is approved, confirm the changes with the customer service representative.
Fees for Name Changes
Lufthansa may charge a fee for processing name changes, depending on the type of correction and the fare class:
- Minor Corrections: A nominal fee may apply for simple spelling corrections or adjustments.
- Documentation Fees: If additional verification is required, there might be an administrative fee for processing the documents.
- Fare Difference: In some cases, changing the name might involve a fare difference if the corrected name requires rebooking in a different fare class.
Timing of the Name Change Request
It is important to request a name change as soon as possible after discovering an error. Lufthansa recommends making name corrections well in advance of your departure date to avoid complications at the airport:
- Before Check-In: The best time to request a name change is before checking in for your flight.
- Post-Check-In: If you notice an error after checking in, you should contact customer service immediately, but changes might be more difficult to process.
Name Changes for Group Bookings
For group bookings, the process for name changes might differ slightly:
- Group Name Correction: Group name corrections are typically handled by the travel agent or the person who made the group booking.
- Special Conditions: Lufthansa may have specific rules for name corrections in group bookings, so it’s advisable to contact the airline directly.
Special Considerations
In certain cases, passengers might need to request a name change due to legal reasons, such as:
- Marriage or Divorce: If the passenger’s name has legally changed due to marriage or divorce, Lufthansa may allow a name correction upon presentation of legal documentation.
- Name Change Due to Gender Transition: Lufthansa supports name changes due to gender transition, but legal documentation may be required.
Tips for Avoiding Name Errors
- Double-Check Details: Always double-check your name and other personal details before finalizing your booking.
- Match with ID: Ensure the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport or ID exactly.
- Use Middle Names Cautiously: Avoid using middle names unless required, as they can sometimes lead to errors.
Conclusion
Lufthansa Airlines name change policy is designed to help passengers correct minor mistakes in their booking details. While full name changes or ticket transfers are not permitted, the airline offers flexibility for correcting typos, spelling errors, and other minor issues. By following the guidelines and acting quickly, you can ensure your ticket details are accurate, avoiding potential issues at the airport.
