Changing the name on an Air Canada ticket is possible in certain situations, such as correcting a spelling mistake or updating your legal name after marriage, divorce, or another legal change.
Change your name on an Air Canada ticket with ease. Learn about name correction rules, legal name changes, fees, documents, and helpful travel tips.
However, Air Canada generally does not allow transferring a ticket to another person. The type of change you can make depends on the fare rules, the reason for the correction, and the supporting documents you provide.
In case you need to change your ticket, it is advisable to do so as soon as possible.
Quick Answer
It is possible to change your name on an Air Canada boarding pass when:
Your first or surname has a mistake.
Your name has been altered legally owing to marriage, divorce, or through a court order.
There is a difference between your booking name and your government-issued identification.
The policy of Air Canada does not allow passengers to change from one individual to another.
What Is Air Canada's Name Change Policy?
Air Canada's rules regarding name changes are structured in such a way that the name mentioned on the ticket must be similar to the government issued ID.
In general, the airline accepts:
Correcting misspellings
Correcting typos
Change in name with valid documents
To align with passport/official ID
The transfer of tickets from one individual to another is not accepted by the airline.
When Can You Change Your Name on an Air Canada Ticket?
You may request a name correction if your booking includes:
Minor Typographical Errors
Examples include:
Jon → John
Kathrine → Katherine
Micheal → Michael
Simple spelling mistakes are generally easier to correct than complete name changes.
Legal Name Changes
If your name changed after booking because of:
Marriage
Divorce
Court order
Other legal reasons
You may need documents such as:
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court-issued name change document
Updated passport or government ID
Situations Where Air Canada May Not Allow a Name Change
In general, Air Canada does not permit the following situations:
Transfer of a ticket to another person
Substitution of the original passenger with another person
Large changes in identification without relevant documents
If a person is unable to travel, buying a new ticket might be necessary according to fare rules.
How to Change Your Name on an Air Canada Ticket
Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Review Your Booking
Verify your reservation and identify the exact spelling mistake or required correction.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Depending on the reason, prepare:
Passport
Government-issued ID
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court order
Step 3: Contact Air Canada
Request a name correction through:
Air Canada's customer service
Official website (where applicable)
Travel agency (if booked through a third party)
Step 4: Pay Any Applicable Fees
Some corrections may be free, while others could require:
Administrative charges
Fare difference
Reissue fees
Fees depend on your ticket type and fare rules.
Step 5: Receive the Updated Ticket
After approval, verify that your updated itinerary exactly matches your government-issued identification.
Does Air Canada Charge a Name Change Fee?
Air Canada may charge a fee depending on:
Ticket type
Fare class
Route
Timing of the request
Nature of the correction
Simple spelling corrections are often easier to process than major changes. Some fare types may also require a fare difference if the ticket needs to be reissued.
Can You Change Your Name After Check-In?
Usually, no.
If you have already checked in, you may first need to cancel your check-in before requesting a correction. It's always recommended to update your booking well before your departure date.
Tips to Avoid Name Correction Issues
Type your name as per your passport.
Verify passenger details before paying for your reservation.
Read your confirmation email right after your booking is done.
Ask for corrections as soon as you detect any mistake.
Keep copies of all legal documentation if you have changed your name.
Common Reasons Travelers Request Name Changes
Passengers usually request corrections because of:
Typing mistakes during booking
Missing middle name
Passport mismatch
Marriage after booking
Divorce-related surname change
Legal name update
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the passenger name on an Air Canada ticket?
In most cases, no. Usually, tickets cannot be changed into other names by Air Canada.
Can I fix a spelling mistake on my Air Canada ticket?
Yes. Sometimes, it is possible to correct minor spelling errors in tickets.
Do I need documents for a legal name change?
Yes. Usually, marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or an ID issued by the government is required.
How long does an Air Canada name correction take?
The processing time depends upon the type of change, documents, and ticketing process used by the passenger. The sooner passengers apply for name changes, the more chances there are that travel will not be affected.
Will I have to pay for a name correction?
Depending upon the fare class and kind of name correction to be made, there can be some costs associated with it, but at times, no cost is involved.
Can I update my name if I booked through a travel agency?
Yes, passengers can apply for name change even if the tickets have been issued via travel agencies.
Final Thoughts
In case there is a wrong name on your Air Canada ticket, try not to delay making changes until the actual day of the flight. Carefully examine your ticket and make sure that you have all the necessary documentation for making a change in case Air Canada allows it, because Air Canada usually allows only correction in spelling or changing the legal name on the ticket, but never changes the ticket holder.