When planning a trip, making reservations can be challenging. British Airways understands that travellers may occasionally need to correct errors in their booking details, including their names. Meanwhile, British Airways’ Name Change policy is designed to provide help to the passengers regarding this process. However, this blog will explore every aspect of this policy, including key points, reasons to change the name, procedures, and fees.
What is British Airways Name Change Policy?
BA has set a name change policy to help the travellers while making the modifications to their name. Meanwhile, here are some key points of this policy:
- Travellers can change their name on the flight tickets, in case they have misspelt their names, legally changed their name, got married or got divorced.
- The airline only permits minor name changes. Additionally, the passengers can’t fully change their name or transfer their tickets to another person.
- Passengers can make the modifications by contacting the airline’s customer service.
- Additionally, travellers might be required to provide legal documentation to support a name change due to a legal name change.
- Most spelling mistakes can be easily corrected over the phone if all the flights on the ticket are operated by British Airways. The airline doesn’t charge for this type of change. However, if the taxes, fees, carrier-imposed charges or fuel surcharges on the ticket have changed since the booking was made, passengers have to pay the difference.
- Meanwhile, travellers should make any necessary name changes as soon as possible to avoid any problems when boarding their flight.
- It’s important to double-check the spelling of the traveller’s name when booking or cancelling a flight to avoid any issues.
- In case the flight bookings are made through a travel agent or on a travel website, passengers should contact them directly.
- Passengers can also change their name in British Airways Group booking before the ticket issuance for free. Meanwhile, after ticket issuance, they have to pay a service charge of £50.00 per change and must be carried out at least 48 hours prior to departure by calling the British Airways UK&I Sales department.
Reason and Circumstances for British Airways Name Change
Travellers can make modifications to their names for the following reasons and circumstances:
- Minor spelling mistakes: Passengers can modify their name changes on British Airways Flight tickets due to any minor mistakes. These minor mistakes can cause problems during travel.
- Legal Name Change: If the guests have legally changed their name, they have to update the changes.
- Married or Divorce: In case the traveller has got married or divorced after making the reservations. Additionally, they must make the necessary modifications to their names to match their new name.
- Before Ticket Issuance: If the passenger notices a mistake before the ticket is issued, the correction process is typically straightforward and free of charge.
- After Ticket Issuance: Corrections can still be made after the ticket has been issued. Meanwhile, additional fees may apply, depending on the nature of the change and fare type.
- For Group Bookings: Name corrections in group bookings may require approval from the group booking department, depending on the terms of the contract.
- For British Airways Holidays: Passengers can make changes to their names on tickets for these bookings by contacting its Customer Support team. Meanwhile, they have to pay fees for a name change.
Name change up to 3 letters
Travellers can also make small changes on BA flights for free before the ticket issuance by visiting its official site. Additionally, they just have to provide some proof like a passport or other legal identification documents for the spelling. However, passengers can request name changes of up to 3 letters/characters for travel on BA flights via the call centre. Whereas it may apply some charges.
Name change due to Marriage
- Passengers can request name changes after marriage/divorce to match a passport by contacting the airline’s customer service helpline directly.
- However, they can either call their customer service hotline or use their online chat service.
- Passengers should make sure to have a booking reference number and any relevant documentation. Meanwhile, the documentation includes your marriage certificate or legal name change documentation.
- Travellers have to provide the documents to the agent and he/she will update the name on the booking and issue a new ticket with the updated name.
- Whereas, depending on the circumstances, there may be a fee for updating the traveller’s name on the ticket.
How to change the name on British Airways flight tickets?
Passengers can make changes to their names on British Airways flight tickets through various methods such as:
- By visiting BA’s official website or mobile app.
- Through calling the airline’s customer service.
- By messaging customers via the chat option.
- In case the booking is made by a travel agency passengers may directly contact the agency.
Steps to make name changes by website

Travellers can correct their small mistakes through the airline’s official site with the following steps.
- Firstly, visit the official website of British Airways and go to the managed booking option.
- Then, fill in your booking reference number and last name.
- After that, tap on the Find My Booking option and select the flight you want to change the name for
- Next, click on “Edit passenger details and fill in the new name and make sure it matches the name on the passport or other travel document.
- After that, save the changes, review the updated details and pay the applicable fees if any.
- Lastly, once all the process is done confirm the changes and receive a confirmation email from the airline.
Steps for name changes via calling
British Airways name change can also be done offline by calling the airline’s customer service. Additionally, it is the best option for the passengers who are making the major changes:
- Firstly, Call the customer service number as per your region from the airline’s website.
- After that, choose to speak to a customer service representative.
- Then, explain to the representative about the need to change the name on your booking.
- Next, provide details like your booking reference number and any other relevant information they may require to verify your identity.
- Then, explain the reason for the name change and provide the correct name.
- After that, the representative will inform about applicable name change fees and will ask for the confirmation acceptance of these charges.
- Lastly, once the name change has been processed, the agent will provide travellers with an updated confirmation.
British Airways Name Change Fees
Here are some key points about the name change fees of this airline:
- British Airways allows passengers to correct minor spelling mistakes on their tickets free of charge. However, in case of circumstances like major corrections or bookings made with another travel agent fees may be charged.
- The fee for changing a name on the flight reservations depends on the type of ticket purchased and the destination of travel.
- Name changes aren’t allowed for all types of tickets. However, passengers should check the terms and conditions of their ticket before attempting to make changes.
- Name changes on flight reservations can usually be made up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time, but it is recommended to make changes as early as possible to avoid any issues or additional fees.
Meanwhile, given below is the cost of administration for making the changes via call centre:
Reasons for Name Change | Administration Fees |
Name Change up to 3 letters (Call Centre UK/IE) | £45/€50 |
Name Change up to 3 letters (Call Centre North America) | $60 |
Passport/Marriage Name Change | £45 |
Conclusion:
This blog is about British Airways Name Change including the key points, steps to change, reason and circumstances for name modifications. Additionally, the policy reflects the airline’s commitment to providing flexibility and convenience for its passengers. Meanwhile, by understanding the policy and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a hassle-free travel experience with the airline.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Passengers can make name changes under the airline’s 24-hour cancellation policy. Meanwhile, it is not possible to completely change the name of the person booked to travel as tickets are non-transferable.
Travellers are not allowed to transfer their tickets to another person’s name. However, if they want to make the booking under another person’s name, they have to cancel the current reservation and make a new one.
If you have changed your name for any reason, including marriage, divorce or by deed poll, the names on your ticket and passport must match for you to travel. Meanwhile, You will have to contact one of British Airways’ agents using their chatbot or call them and request to make changes.
How can I change the name of a passenger on a ticket?
You can make changes to your name on the flight ticket by calling the airline’s agent, or website, chat option, or via the mobile app. Meanwhile, you just have to request for name change and pay the applicable fees.