Changing Name on existing Airline Reservation?

[Jbart74]

Can anyone tell me if this is still allowed by the major US airlines and/or TSA? I have been offered a free trip to Mexico next week due to an illness in my friend's family which is precluding him from going. Can I pay a change fee to change his ticket to my name?

Thanks
John

 

[Luanne]

As far as I know, no you can't. But you could try contacting the specific airline to see. I know for sure United won't do it any more, they haven't for quite awhile now.

 

[DeniseM]

Probably not - post 9-11 laws don't usually allow that.

 

[camachinist]

Regardless, if you can't make the change, cancel the reservation and consult the fare rules (post the fare basis code and airline here if you want my help) for reticketing information and fees. Be aware, generally, that you cancel a ticketed reservation up to midnight of the day of flight at the departure airport. After that, a non-refundable ticket goes to zero status and has no residual value. Get your info now, but wait as long as possible to cancel.

If the ticket is refundable, simply have your friend get a refund to orignal form of payment. There are other, less savory strategies we use in manipulating cancellations and refunds, but the above are the "official" ones

Lastly, if your friend made the reservation through a TA (travel agent), IME he'll need to change/cancel through them. They "own" the reservation.

Good luck and hope he gets well soon!

Pat

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Each airline is different but I do not beleive that it is as simple as changing the name for any of them.

Most tickets are nonrefundable and will require the cancellation of the original ticket, which may involve a fee of up to $150 unless the airline waives it due to the illness of the original passenger. The original passenger will then recieve a "credit" or a "voucher" for the balance. Some airlines allow the original passenger to purchase a ticket for any person with the credit/voucher, while I understand that others do not. In any event, the OPs new ticket would then be purchased at the current price. -- Suzanne

 

[Talent312]

You could petition the court to officially change your name to his and then apply for a DL or passport in your new name, but you would likely need more than one-week in which to complete this.

 

[Jbart74]

You could petition the court to officially change your name to his and then apply for a DL or passport in your new name, but you would likely need more than one-week in which to complete this.

OK, that's the best answer yet. Any more lofty ideas out there? I guess I'm just gonna have to pray for last minute specials to Mexico.

Thanks for the thoughts.