Whether you’ve made a spelling error or need to change your name for any reason, understanding the Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy is essential. Name changes on airline tickets can be tricky, but knowing the airline’s guidelines helps you navigate the process with ease. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps to change your name on a Lufthansa Airlines ticket, explore the associated fees, and provide helpful tips to avoid any issues.
What Does the Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy Entail?
The Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy offers guidelines for making minor corrections to your name or for more significant changes. However, the airline has clear rules about what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to altering your booking.
- Minor Name Corrections
If you’ve made a minor mistake while booking your ticket, such as a typo in your name, Lufthansa allows you to correct it without much hassle.
- Correction Limit: You can correct up to three characters in your first, middle, or last name.
- No Additional Fee: Typically, there is no fee for minor corrections, but the airline may request proof of identity to ensure accuracy.
- Major Name Changes
For significant changes—such as changing the entire name or transferring your ticket to someone else—Lufthansa has stricter rules.
- Ticket Transfer Not Allowed: Lufthansa doesn’t allow you to transfer your booking to another passenger. If you need to change the name completely, you will need to cancel your existing booking and rebook a new flight.
- Full Name Changes: Changing a full name or transferring the ticket requires rebooking, and the new ticket may have a different fare.
Steps to Change Your Name on Lufthansa Airlines Ticket
Making a name change with Lufthansa depends on the nature of the change (minor or major). Here’s a simple guide on how to proceed:
- Minor Name Change (Online Process)
If you just need to correct a small typo, you can usually do this online through the Lufthansa website:
- Step 1: Visit the Lufthansa website and go to the “Manage Booking” section.
- Step 2: Enter your booking reference number and last name to locate your reservation.
- Step 3: Click the “Edit” option to change your name.
- Step 4: Update the name and correct the spelling (up to three characters) as needed.
- Step 5: Confirm the change, and the correction will be reflected in your booking.
- Major Name Change (Customer Service or Call Center)
If the change is significant and requires rebooking, you will need to contact Lufthansa’s customer service:
- Step 1: Call Lufthansa’s customer service at their official phone number or visit their contact page for further details.
- Step 2: Provide your booking details, and explain the need for a full name change.
- Step 3: If applicable, cancel the original ticket and rebook a new flight with the updated name.
- Step 4: If the name change results in a different ticket price, you may need to pay the fare difference.
For direct assistance, you can also reach Lufthansa’s customer service at +1-855-526-0372 for a quick resolution.
Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Fees
The cost associated with changing your name on Lufthansa tickets depends on the type of change and the fare conditions of your ticket. Below are the potential fees you might encounter:
- Minor Name Changes
- No Additional Fee: If you are making a minor correction (i.e., adjusting the spelling of your name), Lufthansa typically does not charge a fee, but you must stay within the allowed three-character limit for each name.
- Major Name Changes
- Rebooking and Cancellation Fees: If a full name change is required (i.e., changing the entire name or transferring the ticket to someone else), you will need to cancel the existing ticket and purchase a new one. Lufthansa may charge a rebooking fee or a cancellation fee, which can vary depending on the ticket class and the route.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, you will need to pay the difference in fare, in addition to any rebooking or cancellation fees.
- Special Fare Types
- Discounted Fares: Passengers with discounted or non-refundable fares may be subject to stricter rules. In such cases, the airline may charge higher fees, or changes may not be allowed at all.
- Flexible Fares: Passengers who have purchased a flexible ticket will likely experience fewer restrictions and may find it easier (and cheaper) to make name changes.
Important Considerations for Name Changes
- Exact Name Match Required
It’s critical that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport or other identification documents. If the names do not match, you may not be allowed to board the flight, especially for international travel. Always double-check your name when booking to avoid problems later. - Booking Through a Travel Agency
If you booked your flight through a travel agency, you’ll need to contact them directly to make any changes. Lufthansa can only assist with changes for tickets booked through their website or customer service. - International Travel
For international flights, Lufthansa is very strict about name matching. Make sure the name on your ticket matches exactly with your passport, as discrepancies can cause delays or prevent you from boarding. - Ticket Type Flexibility
If you purchased a flexible ticket, you may have more leeway in making name changes without significant fees. However, if you bought a non-refundable or restricted fare, you could face higher fees and more complex procedures for name changes.
When to Contact Lufthansa Customer Service for Assistance
If you’re having trouble with the online name change process or need help with a major name modification, contacting Lufthansa customer service is the best option.
- Dial +1-855-526-0372 for immediate assistance from a Lufthansa representative.
- Their team will help you understand your options and guide you through the process, ensuring that the name change is handled properly.
Conclusion
Navigating the Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy can be straightforward for minor corrections, but if you need to make a significant name change, it may require more effort and fees. It’s essential to keep your details accurate, especially when flying internationally, to avoid any complications. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Lufthansa customer service at +1-855-526-0372. They are available to guide you through the process and make sure your booking is correct before your flight departs.