Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy

Avianca Airlines Name Change: When booking a flight, even a small spelling mistake in a passenger’s name can cause stress at the airport. To help travelers avoid last-minute complications, Avianca Airlines has established a clear and structured name change policy. This policy allows passengers to correct minor errors, update legal name changes, and understand when a name change is permitted or restricted.

This guide explains the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy in detail, including eligibility, types of name corrections, fees, documentation requirements, and step-by-step instructions. Whether you have made a typo during booking or your name has changed due to legal reasons, this page will help you navigate the process with confidence.

Understanding the Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy

The Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy is designed primarily to correct passenger name errors rather than allow full ticket transfers. According to airline regulations, flight tickets are generally non-transferable, meaning you cannot replace one passenger’s name with another person’s name. However, Avianca does permit specific types of name corrections under defined conditions.

The name on your airline ticket must exactly match the name on your passport or government-issued photo ID. Even minor mismatches can result in denied boarding, especially for international flights. For this reason, Avianca encourages passengers to review booking details carefully and request corrections as soon as an error is discovered.

Types of Name Corrections Allowed by Avianca Airlines

Avianca Airlines allows different categories of name corrections depending on the nature of the error. These are generally divided into minor corrections and legal name changes.

Minor Name Corrections

Minor corrections typically include spelling mistakes or formatting issues that do not change the identity of the passenger. Examples include:

Misspelled first or last name (up to a few characters)
Incorrect order of first name and last name
Missing middle name or middle initial
Typographical errors caused during booking

These corrections are usually allowed, provided the request is made before check-in and the passenger remains the same individual originally booked on the ticket.

Legal Name Changes

Legal name changes may be accepted when supported by official documentation. This applies in cases such as:

Marriage or divorce
Name change due to a legal court order
Correction of name on passport or government ID

In such cases, passengers must submit valid documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-issued name change certificate. Avianca reviews these requests individually.

Name Changes That Are Not Permitted

While Avianca Airlines is flexible with corrections, there are important limitations. The airline does not allow full name changes that result in a different passenger traveling on the same ticket. This means:

Changing the ticket to another person is not allowed
Replacing the passenger’s full name with a completely different name is prohibited
Transferring tickets between travelers is not permitted

If you are unable to travel and want to give your ticket to someone else, you may need to cancel the reservation and book a new ticket, subject to fare rules and cancellation fees.

Fees Associated with Avianca Airlines Name Change

The cost of correcting a name on an Avianca Airlines ticket depends on several factors, including the fare type, route, and timing of the request. In some cases, minor spelling corrections may be free of charge, especially if corrected shortly after booking.

However, for more complex corrections or legal name changes, a name change fee may apply. Additionally, if the correction requires ticket reissuance, passengers may need to pay any applicable fare difference between the original ticket and the new one.

Fees and rules can vary based on domestic or international travel, promotional fares, and booking conditions. It is recommended to contact Avianca Airlines directly for the most accurate fee information.

How to Request a Name Change on Avianca Airlines

Avianca Airlines offers multiple ways to request a name correction or update. The method you choose may depend on how and where you booked your ticket.

Online Name Correction

For minor spelling errors, passengers may be able to request a correction through the “Manage Booking” section on the official Avianca Airlines website. You will need your reservation code and last name to access the booking.

Customer Service Assistance

If your request involves a legal name change or cannot be completed online, contacting Avianca Airlines customer service is recommended. A representative will guide you through the process and inform you of any required documentation or fees.

Travel Agency Bookings

If you booked your ticket through a travel agent or third-party website, you may need to contact the original booking source. In many cases, Avianca works with the agency to process the name correction.

Important Guidelines to Remember

Before requesting a name change, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Request the correction as soon as you notice the error
Ensure the corrected name matches your passport or ID exactly
Have supporting documents ready for legal name changes
Complete the process before check-in or departure

Making changes early reduces the risk of additional fees and travel disruptions.

Impact of Name Changes on International Flights

Name accuracy is especially critical for international travel. Immigration and security authorities require that the name on the airline ticket exactly match the passport. Even a small discrepancy can result in denied boarding or delays at immigration checkpoints.

For international itineraries with Avianca Airlines, passengers are strongly advised to double-check their ticket details immediately after booking and resolve any name issues well before the travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy

Can I change my full name on an Avianca ticket?

Full name changes that result in a different passenger are not allowed. Only corrections or legal name Updates for the same passenger may be approved.

Is there a deadline to request a name correction?

Yes, name corrections should be requested before check-in and departure. Last-minute requests may not be accepted.

Do all name corrections require a fee?

Not always. Minor spelling corrections may be free, while more significant changes may involve a fee and fare difference.

Conclusion

The Avianca Airlines Name Change Policy provides flexibility for passengers who need to correct or update their names, while maintaining strict security and ticketing standards. By understanding what types of changes are allowed, what fees may apply, and how to submit a request, travelers can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth journey.

Always review your booking details carefully and act quickly if you notice an error. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contacting Avianca Airlines directly is the best approach.