How to Change Passenger Name on Air Canada Ticket

To change a passenger name on an Air Canada ticket, call 1-833-341-3894. Get help with name corrections, legal updates, and required documents.

Mistakes happen — and one of the most common yet stressful ones in air travel is entering the wrong passenger name on a flight ticket. If you’ve booked with Air Canada and realized the name on your ticket doesn’t match your passport or ID, don’t panic.

While airlines are strict about passenger identity for security and legal reasons, Air Canada does allow certain name changes and corrections under specific policies.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing or correcting a name on an Air Canada ticket — from types of changes allowed to step-by-step instructions, documents required, fees, exceptions, and pro tips to avoid future issues.

Introduction
Air Canada’s Name Change Policy Explained
Name Correction vs. Name Change
Can You Transfer an Air Canada Ticket?
Types of Name Corrections Allowed
When Name Changes Are Not Permitted
Fees for Name Corrections
How to Request a Name Correction Online
Changing Names via Customer Service
Changing Name on Award/ Aeroplan Bookings
Name Changes for International Travel
Required Documents for Name Corrections
Minor vs. Major Name Corrections
Legal Name Change After Booking
Name Mismatch: What Happens at Airport?
Group Booking or Third-Party Changes
How to Avoid Name Errors in Future
Sample Email Format for Name Correction Request
Contacting Air Canada for Help
Final Thoughts and FAQ

1. Introduction

Your name must exactly match the one on your government-issued ID or passport. Even a small typo—like a missing middle name or incorrect letter—can lead to check-in denial, TSA issues, or visa complications.

Fortunately, Air Canada provides options to correct names, though under strict policies. It’s important to act quickly after noticing the mistake.

2. Air Canada’s Name Change Policy Explained

Air Canada allows limited changes to passenger names, known as “name corrections”, and does not permit full ticket transfers (i.e., giving your ticket to someone else).

🚫 Ticket transfers are not allowed

You cannot change the passenger entirely (e.g., from John Smith to Lisa Brown). The ticket must be used by the person originally booked.

✅ What is allowed:

Correcting spelling errors
Adding a missing middle name
Updating surname after marriage/divorce (with legal proof)
Changing title (Mr. to Ms., etc.)
Minor typos (1-3 characters)

3. Name Correction vs. Name Change

Name Correction:
✔ Small edits to fix typos or match travel documents
✔ Allowed by Air Canada

Name Change:
❌ Replacing one traveler with another
❌ Not allowed on Air Canada tickets

Always confirm the type of change you need. If you want to give your ticket to someone else, you’ll need to cancel and rebook.

4. Can You Transfer an Air Canada Ticket?

No. Air Canada does not allow ticket transfers. Tickets are non-transferable under both domestic and international fare rules.

If you want another person to fly, the original passenger must cancel the ticket (cancellation fees may apply), and a new ticket must be issued in the new traveler’s name.

5. Types of Name Corrections Allowed

Air Canada typically allows the following acceptable corrections:

Typographical errors (e.g., "Jonh" instead of "John")
Misspelled last names (e.g., "Smth" instead of "Smith")
Reversing first/last name fields
Addition/removal of middle names
Correction of prefix or suffix (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Jr.)
Legal name updates due to marriage or divorce (with supporting documents)

6. When Name Changes Are Not Permitted

Air Canada will not make name changes in these situations:

Not Allowed	Reason
Full passenger switch	Tickets are non-transferable
Changing to a different gendered name with no legal proof	Requires court/legal documentation
Third-party booking name mismatch	Must be corrected through travel agency
Significant name differences (e.g., “John” to “David”)	Not considered a correction

7. Fees for Name Corrections

🔹 Domestic Flights (Canada only):

Minor name correction: Free or $50 CAD depending on the fare
Legal name change (with proof): Usually free

🔹 International Flights:

Minor correction: $100 CAD approx.
Plus, fare difference may apply if the booking class changes

Note: If the ticket needs to be reissued due to name correction, additional fees may apply.

Always ask the representative if the correction requires reissuing the ticket.

8. How to Request a Name Correction Online

If you booked directly through AirCanada.com, follow these steps:

✅ Step-by-Step Guide:

Visit Manage Bookings
Login with your booking reference and last name
Click on “Edit Passenger Details”
If allowed, correct the name
Upload documents (if needed)
Confirm and submit

Note: This option is only available for minor corrections. If the system doesn’t allow it, call customer service.

9. Changing Names via Customer Service

You can also request a name correction by contacting:

📞 Air Canada Reservations:

Canada/U.S.: 1-888-247-2262
UK: 00-800-669-92222
India: +91 124 497 3500

🕐 Hours:

24/7 for most regions

When calling, be prepared with:

Booking reference (PNR)
Full name on the booking
Correct name
Proof of identity (passport, ID, marriage certificate, etc.)

10. Changing Name on Award/Aeroplan Bookings

If you booked using Aeroplan points:

Contact Aeroplan Support directly: 1-800-361-5373
Minor corrections are usually free
Changing passenger is not allowed even on award bookings

For corrections on Star Alliance partner flights, Air Canada can assist but may need to contact the partner airline for approval.

11. Name Changes for International Travel

International flights often have stricter rules, especially for:

U.S. travel (TSA compliance)
European destinations (Schengen checks)
Middle East/Asia (strict visa rules)

Make sure:

Your passport matches your ticket
You correct any issues before visa application
You submit documentation when necessary

12. Required Documents for Name Corrections

Depending on the nature of the correction, you may need:

Type of Correction	Document Required
Minor spelling error	None or ID copy
Marriage/divorce name update	Marriage certificate, divorce decree
Legal name change	Court order or government document
Passport mismatch	Copy of passport showing correct name

Always submit clear, readable, color scans.

13. Minor vs. Major Name Corrections

✅ Minor Corrections (Allowed):

One to three letter changes
First name/last name switch
Missing middle name

❌ Major Changes (Not Allowed):

Changing more than 4 characters
Completely different first or last name
Giving ticket to someone else

14. Legal Name Change After Booking

If you changed your name after booking, Air Canada may accept legal documents like:

Government-issued ID with updated name
Marriage certificate or divorce documents
Legal affidavit of name change

Submit these by email or in person at the airport. A ticket reissue may be necessary, depending on destination.

15. Name Mismatch: What Happens at Airport?

If your name on the ticket does not match your ID, you might face:

Denied check-in or boarding
Delays at security
Visa denial (for international travel)
Extra verification or manual correction (if allowed)

You must correct your name at least 24 hours before departure to avoid travel disruption.

16. Group Booking or Third-Party Changes

If you booked via:

Expedia, MakeMyTrip, Priceline
A travel agency
A tour group

Then, Air Canada may not be able to correct the name directly.

📌 What to Do:

Contact the agency first
Ask them to initiate a correction
If denied, cancel and rebook may be the only option

17. How to Avoid Name Errors in Future

🛡️ Pro Tips:

Always double-check spelling before payment
Use passport name for international travel
Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations
Fill in full middle name if your ID includes it
Use autofill carefully; it often causes errors

18. Sample Email Format for Name Correction Request

Here’s a sample email template:

Subject: Request for Name Correction on Air Canada Booking [PNR: ABC123]

Dear Air Canada Customer Support,

I am writing to request a name correction on my existing booking with the following details:

Passenger Name (Incorrect): Jonh Smith
Passenger Name (Correct): John Smith
Booking Reference: ABC123
Date of Travel: July 20, 2025
Route: Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR)

Please find attached a copy of my passport for verification. I would appreciate it if you could correct the name at your earliest convenience.

Thank you,
John Smith
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Attach supporting ID or passport copy before sending.

19. Contacting Air Canada for Help

Here are key contact details for assistance:

Method	Details
📞 Phone	1-888-247-2262
🌐 Website	www.aircanada.com
📧 Email	Use website contact form
💬 Live Chat	Available on site and mobile app
📱 App	Manage booking and request support
✈️ In-Person	Visit Air Canada counter at airport

20. Final Thoughts and FAQ

Changing a name on an Air Canada ticket isn’t always easy, but if caught early and corrected properly, it can be done without disrupting your trip.

Remember:

You can’t transfer tickets to another person
You can fix typos and update legal names
You may be charged a fee, especially on international or reissued tickets
Always use the correct name as shown on your ID

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I change my Air Canada ticket to someone else's name?

No. Air Canada tickets are non-transferable.

❓ How long does a name correction take?

Usually within 24–48 hours, but longer if documents are needed.

❓ Will I get a new ticket after name correction?

Possibly. If a reissue is required, a new ticket with updated name will be sent.

❓ Can I correct my name at the airport?

Only minor corrections may be allowed at the airport. It’s best to do it before travel day.

❓ Do I need to include middle name when booking?

Yes, if your ID includes a middle name. It’s safest to match it exactly.