Transferring an airline ticket to another person is certainly not allowed by most airlines, as it can lead to suspicious or fraudulent activities, which is unsafe for other passengers on board. However, alternatives are available for travelers willing to make another person travel on their behalf. The context of transferring tickets can be taken in two contexts: one is changing the name on tickets, and another is assigning the ticket to someone else. There might be some instances when the airline allows people to change their whole name on the ticket with the proper legal procedure.
Do Airlines Allow Transferring Tickets?
Most airlines don’t permit travelers to transfer tickets to another person or change their entire name on tickets, unless it is a legal requirement. But they can cancel their tickets for a travel credit to book another ticket in another person’s name. Major U.S. airlines don’t allow the transfer of tickets, which includes:
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Spirit Airlines
- American Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines Transfer Ticket to Another Person
Alaska Airlines generally does not permit travelers to transfer their tickets to another person unless it’s part of a group travel. However, they can correct their name spellings on the tickets up to two or three letters for free through the official website or app, and more than that will be done by contacting the customer support department, as per the Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy.
But changing the whole name to transfer the ticket to someone else is not allowed on Alaska Airlines when buying a single-person ticket. Additionally, travelers will have to pay an extra fee for making these modifications, and a cancellation fee will also be charged if they cancel the flight.
American Airlines Ticket Transfer
American Airlines passengers will not get to change the name on the tickets, according to American Airlines’ Name Change Policy. The policy mentions all guidelines and conditions under which travelers can correct their names on the existing tickets.
- The Entire Name change is not allowed, as these tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, especially the Economy ones.
- Minor Name correction can be done by the passenger himself.
- Travelers can make changes, cancel the flight, and get a full refund within 24 hours of booking it.
- After this risk-free window, a fee will be charged for any extra service of changing the name.
Frontier Airlines Transfer Ticket
Frontier Airlines permits travelers to transfer their tickets to another person, which certainly depends on their fare type. If their ticket allows an ownership transfer, then the airlines will not interrupt the passenger. The cost of changing the name will depend on the half or full change:
- $75 for only the First name change, and the last name will remain the same.
- $125 for the full name change, both first and last name, after deleting the previous one.
NOTE: Frontier Airlines will not allow the transfer of tickets if it is a non-transferable ticket.
Delta Airlines Ticket Transfer to Someone Else
Delta Air Lines doesn’t allow travelers to make changes to their extreme name changes on existing reservations. The Delta name change policy fairly allows changes, like typing errors and reversed names, as these are very common mistakes. Through a simple procedure, passengers can rectify their names on their tickets.
Significantly big changes in names due to a person’s circumstances, like after marriage or divorce. For this change, travelers are required to provide legal documents that support their statement (a marriage certificate or a court order of divorce registration).
Transferring Tickets on Southwest Airlines
Travelers cannot transfer a Southwest Airlines ticket to any other person. These tickets are non-transferable and should be occupied by the passenger who booked them. They can cancel the tickets for free and generate a refund, which will be returned to the original mode of payment within 2-3 days. Another ticket can be booked in the desired person’s name. Flight credits can also be provided instead of refunds to use them for future travel.
The traveler will only receive a refund if the reservation is cancelled within 24 hours, according to the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy.
Spirit Airlines Transferring Tickets
Spirit Airlines tickets are non-transferable to an extent, but travelers can share their pool points with their family and friends. Therefore, there are a few chances and instances where the airline might allow them to transfer their tickets to someone else. And the fees will be applied with some extra restrictions on these transferred tickets.
These situations are very less and specific, and every passenger might not get this chance due to non-durability.
NOTE: The fee will depend on the type of ticket purchased, and transferring tickets will be checked twice at the time of Spirit check-in.
Possibility of Ticket Transfer on Qatar Airways
The possibility of ticket transfer on Qatar Airways is almost negligible, but travelers can benefit from the flexibility of name corrections, cancellation facilities, and booking options. Tickets cannot be transferred by any passenger on Qatar Airways due to their non-transferable nature. It is subject to the airlines’ security policy, as many misuses can be done on these kinds of tickets.
So to change the passenger’s name, they must cancel the original ticket and book a new one. There may be cancellation fees applicable depending on the fare rules.
United Airlines Transfer Ticket Policy
To change the ownership of a United Airlines ticket, flyers must cancel the ticket within 24 hours of booking, as the tickets are non-transferable. And this is the only available and possible way of changing the name. They can cancel your ticket and receive an eCredit for future use, subject to applicable cancellation fees. However, name mistakes can be corrected for some letters, and adding a prefix or a suffix is also permitted by the airlines. But for legal name changes, they will be required to provide their government-approved documents for verification of the request, like a marriage certificate or a divorce agreement, under the United Airlines Name Change Policy.
Process of Transferring a Ticket To Another Person
Although there are fewer chances of getting an opportunity to transfer the ticket to someone else. But this is a process that a passenger needs to follow to do the same if their booked airline allows:
- Check the Policies: Before making any commitments to someone, the passenger is required to check their specific airline policies regarding the situation, or contact them for confirmation.
- Extra Charges: Confirm all the additional charges that will be applied on transferring, and also check the timelines, as many U.S. Airlines don’t apply any fees when changes are made within 24 hours of booking the ticket.
- Ways of Making Changes: Travelers can make minor name changes from the official website of their airline through managing their trip section. Major changes require assistance that can be sought from the customer support department.
- Confirm Name Change: Enter new details or mail the documents to the customer support to change the ownership of the ticket. They need to ensure that the new name has been edited.
- Receive Email: Once the name is changed, the traveler will receive an email mentioning all the details about the name change and flight on the registered email.
NOTE: The mail will be received by both the original and the new passenger. The old one will receive the cancellation and Name change mail, while the other will get the updated mail of booking with flight details.
Reasons for Denied Ticket Transfer
There are multiple reasons for airlines to deny a passenger for transfer their tickets to someone else. The primary one remains the security of other on-board travelers, as mismatched identities can lead to many crimes that are not only harmful for crew members but also for the co-flyers.
- Security Issues: All airlines and airports run an identity verification at check-in before letting the traveler board the flight for security purposes and to protect others.
- Preventing Misuse: Airlines don’t allow passengers whose identities or names don’t match their records or the Fly list, then their boarding will be denied to stop them from bypassing the security check by using a ticket purchased from someone else.
- Dangerous Travelers: Authorities are this strict to prevent the misuse of tickets. As one person can buy it in their name and then sell it to another, making it a potential way to hide their identity. This can even lead to severe crimes and smuggling, like hijacking or terrorist attacks.
- Data Inconvenience: Almost every airline maintains the records of passengers’ PNR numbers for various operational purposes. Name mismatch on airline tickets can disturb these patterns and may cause many inconveniences.
- Fare Type: Non-refundable or highly discounted airline tickets are generally non-transferable. Travelers are required to use the tickets for themselves to receive the lowest price. Flexible fares don’t offer the entire ticket transfer to a different person.
Available Alternatives of Airline Ticket Transfer
There are a few alternatives available for the ticket transfer on airlines. Travelers can use them when there is no way left to change the name on tickets.
- Book a Transferable ticket: If the plans are uncertain and there are possible chances of ticket transferring, travelers can purchase a transferable ticket from the airlines that allow it.
- Cancel and Rebooking: Travelers can cancel their flights and rebook them under another person’s name. By cancelling within 24 hours of booking, they can get a full refund.
- Change the flight: If there is any shift in plan, passengers can change their flight to another day or time, instead of transferring it to someone else. It can cause them a slight nominal fee.
- Exceptions: In some cases, the airline might allow transferring the tickets to a different person, such as under the Military leave policy, and in case of death. However, they will have to provide proof for verification of their reasoning.
Conclusion
Airlines generally don’t grant permission for ticket transfers to someone else. Most United States Airlines, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Delta Airlines, etc, follow the same pattern of not allowing travelers to transfer their tickets. However, Frontier Airlines is one of the rarest airlines that offers ticket transfers to passengers for a fee; it offers both partial and full name changes on tickets. This is done to prevent the flyers from committing possible crimes and fraudulent activities. Additionally, they can choose from the available alternatives of airline ticket transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my airline ticket to another person?
No, most airlines do not allow passengers to transfer tickets to another person due to security and fraud prevention reasons. However, you can cancel your booking and rebook under a different name if needed.
Are there any airlines that allow ticket transfers?
Yes, Frontier Airlines is one of the few airlines that allows partial or full name changes (i.e., ticket transfers) for a fee, depending on the fare type.
Can I change the name on my ticket after booking?
You can usually make minor corrections, like fixing spelling errors or adding a middle name. Major changes (like a completely different name) are rarely allowed unless supported by legal documents such as a marriage certificate.
What happens if the name on my airline ticket doesn’t match my ID?
If the name on your ticket and ID doesn’t match, the airline may deny boarding. Always ensure that your ticket details match your government-issued ID exactly.
How can I legally change my name on a flight ticket?
For legal name changes (e.g., after marriage or divorce), you can request a correction by submitting official documents like a marriage certificate or court order to the airline.
Can I cancel my flight and rebook it in someone else’s name?
Yes, you can cancel your existing flight and rebook a new ticket in the other person’s name. If cancelled within 24 hours of booking, many airlines offer a full refund.
Does Southwest Airlines allow transferring tickets to another person?
No, Southwest Airlines tickets are non-transferable. However, passengers can cancel tickets for free and use travel credits for future bookings.
Can I transfer my American Airlines ticket to another person?
No, you are not allowed to transfer your American Airlines ticket to another person.
What is the fee for changing full name on Frontier Airlines?
What is the fee for changing full name on Frontier Airlines?
To change the entire name on Frontier Airlines tickets, you will have to pay $125 as the name change fee.
Are refundable tickets transferable?
Refundable tickets are generally not transferable, but they can be cancelled for a full refund, allowing you to book a new ticket for someone else.
What should I do if I made a spelling mistake in my name on a ticket?
You should immediately contact your airline or visit the “Manage Booking” section on their website. Most airlines allow minor spelling corrections (up to 2–3 letters) for free or a small fee.
