Travel mistakes happen more often than you think. One of the most common issues passengers face is entering the wrong name during flight booking. Since the name on the ticket must exactly match the name on the passenger's passport or government-issued ID, even a minor spelling mistake can cause problems at the airport. To help travelers avoid these issues, the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy provides guidelines for correcting or updating passenger details.
1. Airlines Name Change Policy
The Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy is a set of rules that determine how passengers can update or correct their names on booked tickets. It is designed to ensure that the name on the ticket matches the identification documents used during travel.
Name changes under this policy usually apply to:
Minor spelling corrections.
Legal name updates due to marriage or divorce.
Addition or removal of middle names.
It's important to note that the policy is meant for corrections and not for transferring tickets to another person, which is generally restricted.
2. Why Is the Policy Important?
Many passengers underestimate the importance of this until they face problems during check-in. Airlines operate under strict security regulations, and mismatched names can lead to:
Denied boarding.
Delays at airport security.
Additional charges for last-minute corrections.
By understanding and using the policy, passengers ensure smooth check-in, security clearance, and boarding without unnecessary stress.
3. Types of Name Changes Allowed
The Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy permits specific types of corrections, including:
Spelling Corrections: Fixing typos or letter errors in the name.
Legal Updates: Reflecting changes due to marriage, divorce, or official documentation updates.
Middle Name Adjustments: Adding or removing middle names to match identification.
However, completely transferring the ticket to another individual is generally not permitted.
4. How to Request a Name Change
Passengers can request name corrections under the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy through three main methods:
Online Portal – Log in to the Avianca website, open “Manage Your Booking,” and follow the prompts for name corrections.
Customer Support – Contact Avianca's call center and provide booking details along with supporting documents.
Travel Agency – If the ticket was booked through a travel agency, the change must be requested through them.
Always prepare identification documents before making the request, as proof is required for verification.
5. Documentation Required
To comply with the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy, passengers must provide documents such as:
A valid passport or government-issued ID.
Marriage or divorce certificates (for legal name updates).
Court-issued name change documents (if applicable).
Providing accurate documents ensures quick processing and avoids rejection of the request.
6. Fees for Name Corrections
The Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy specifies that name changes usually incur a fee. The amount depends on:
The type of correction (minor vs. major).
The class of ticket purchased (economy, business, or promotional).
Domestic vs. international routes.
Small spelling errors typically involve lower fees, while major changes may cost more. In certain cases, passengers might need to rebook if the correction is not allowed under fare conditions.
7. Timeframe for Making Corrections
Avianca Airlines emphasizes timing. Corrections should be made as soon as errors are noticed. Ideally, requests should be submitted at least 24–48 hours before scheduled departure.
Late corrections may be denied or require additional charges. Early action ensures the updated information reflects correctly in the airline system before boarding.
8. Restrictions to Keep in Mind
While the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy is flexible, there are some restrictions:
Full ticket transfers to another person are usually not allowed.
Promotional and discounted fares may have stricter rules.
Name changes are not permitted after completing the outbound flight on a round trip.
Passengers should always review their fare conditions before requesting corrections.
9. International Travel and Name Accuracy
International flights require even stricter compliance with the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy. Immigration authorities demand that the name on the ticket matches the passport exactly. Even a missing middle name or minor spelling error could cause serious problems.
Therefore, passengers traveling internationally should double-check their ticket details at the time of booking and correct errors immediately.
10. Tips to Avoid Name Change Issues
To make the most of the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy, passengers should follow these best practices:
Carefully enter names during the booking process.
Double-check ticket details immediately after purchase.
Keep copies of all documents handy for quick verification.
Contact Avianca as early as possible if a correction is needed.
Book directly through the airline to avoid third-party delays.
These steps help passengers minimize errors and save time and money on corrections.
11. What Happens If You Don't Correct the Name?
Not following the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy can result in:
Denied check-in or boarding.
Extra charges for urgent last-minute corrections.
Loss of the ticket's value if corrections are not possible.
Correcting names early not only avoids these risks but also ensures a stress-free journey.
Conclusion
The Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy gives passengers the chance to correct or update their names to match official identification. Whether it's fixing a simple typo, updating details after a legal name change, or ensuring international travel compliance, the policy is designed to help passengers travel without disruptions.
