Can I change passenger after booking?

Can I Change a Passenger After Booking a Flight?

The short answer is: Generally, no, you can’t change the number of passengers after a flight booking is finalized. Airlines operate on pre-determined passenger manifests, and altering the headcount after the initial booking requires a significant administrative process. Think of it like a restaurant reservation – you can’t just show up with five extra people after booking a table for two.

However, the story isn’t entirely black and white. While you can’t simply add or remove passengers, there’s often flexibility with names. If you’ve made a typo in a passenger’s name during the booking process, most airlines allow corrections, usually within a reasonable timeframe before departure. This usually involves contacting the airline’s customer service directly or using online tools provided by the airline to rectify the error. This name correction is typically a straightforward administrative adjustment.

The crucial difference lies between changing the identity of a passenger and changing the number of passengers. Correcting a spelling mistake in a name is permissible; adding or deleting a passenger requires a more complex procedure, often treated as a cancellation and rebooking.

Attempting to substitute one passenger for another after the booking is complete is also considered a significant change. This usually falls under the umbrella of “flight alterations” and will be subject to the specific fare rules associated with your ticket. This is where things can get expensive. Depending on the airline’s policy and the type of ticket you purchased (e.g., refundable vs. non-refundable), you might face significant fees, potentially exceeding the initial cost of the ticket. In some cases, it might even be impossible to make the change entirely.

Therefore, the best practice is to double-check all passenger details – names, dates of birth, passport numbers, etc. – with utmost care during the initial booking process. This will avoid potentially costly and time-consuming corrections or alterations later. If you anticipate needing to change passenger details, carefully consider the fare rules and associated fees before completing your booking. Contacting the airline directly beforehand to clarify their policies on passenger name changes is always advisable.