You can fix minor corrections on your KLM Airlines ticket, like a misspelled name or letters in the wrong order, either through Manage Your Booking or by reaching out to their support team. Just make sure you do it at least 72 hours before your flight. Bigger changes, like switching the ticket to someone else, aren’t something they allow.
Your name on the KLM ticket does not match your passport or ID? Don’t take it lightly, as this issue is critical, so much so that you might not be allowed to board the flight eventually. Yes, you read that right, having a different or incorrect name on your flight ticket is equal to showing up with a fake identity to KLM Airlines. Therefore, you need to understand the urgency of this mistake and fix it as soon as possible. If you don’t want to wave goodbye to your flight from the terminal window, learn what and how name mistakes you can fix on a KLM Airlines ticket. This guide breaks down KLM Airlines name change policy for minor corrections, legal name changes, and why full name changes are not allowed.
Don’t risk your flight just because of a mistake. Change your name on your KLM Airlines flight ticket easily by contacting our experts at +1 (800) 419-9920.
Do KLM Allow Name Changes?
Before the policy, it is more important for you to know that KLM treats name corrections very differently from name changes because it never allows any passenger to change their full name, which is similar to transferring a ticket to another person, while name corrections and legal name changes are allowed as long as the person remains the same. It is because KLM Airlines, like others, sees ticket booking as a contract signed between you and the airline, in which no substitution is possible. Therefore, KLM does not allow full passenger name changes or transferring a ticket to someone else, but does allow minor name corrections and updates for a legal name change.
|
Type of Modification |
What It Is |
Allowed by KLM? |
|
1. Minor Name Correction (Typo) |
Fixing small spelling errors (1-3 letters), reversed first/last names, or missing middle names. |
Yes. Generally easy and often free or low-cost. |
|
2. Legal Name Change |
Changing a name due to life events like marriage, divorce, or a court order. The passenger remains the same person. |
Yes. Requires official documentation (e.g., marriage certificate). May incur a reissue fee/fare difference. |
|
3. Full Passenger Name Change / Transfer |
Changing the name entirely to transfer the ticket to a completely different person. |
No. Tickets are non-transferable. You will likely need to cancel and rebook. |
1. Minor Name Corrections
It is a big relief for you because KLM Airlines understands that typographical errors often occur and can be corrected. Here, you can check what type of minor name corrections you can make on your KLM Airlines ticket.
- When there is a difference of only up to 3-4 characters in your first or last name.
- If you need to reverse your first and last name on the ticket, like Bruce Williams instead of Williams Bruce.
- When you need to add or delete a middle name, middle initial, or title of your name, such as Dr., Ms., Sgt., or Mrs.
- If you entered your nickname, which is common, like Mike, it can be changed to your full name, Michael.
2. Legal Name Changes
Although the complete change of name is strictly prohibited in the KLM name change policy, you can still change your full name on the ticket if your name has legally changed after the booking. As long as the person who originally purchased the ticket remains the same, KLM Airlines gives you the flexibility to upgrade your legal name on the ticket regardless of whether you have to change a part of your name or your entire name. Obviously, you will also need to provide your legal documents to support your request for a legal name change. Here are the documents that you may need to legally update or change your name on a KLM Airlines ticket.
- Your PNR or booking reference number.
- A photocopy of your new or updated Passport or any government-issued photo ID.
- An official document, like a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Court Order, or other legal name change document that specifies the reason and proves your name has legally changed.
Aware Tip: Ensure the name on your KLM ticket matches the name on your most current travel document before your flight. If your passport/ID is still in your old name, it is safer to travel with the old name on the ticket.
3. Full Name Change
KLM Airlines is not an exception, as it also does not allow transfer of ticket or full name change without any specific legal reason, like other airlines. Name changes, like from Mark Johnson to Philip Hughes, are not allowed.
What You Need To Know About KLM Name Change Policy?
Understanding the KLM name correction policy or name change policy is as important as knowing the specific fare rules before the flight. If you do not want to be a part of operational interruptions at the airport due to a different name on your KLM Airlines ticket than your ID, you need to know these important rules of the KLM Airlines name change policy.
- If you booked a KLM Airlines partner airline flight and want a name correction on the ticket, you must act and request it at least 72 hours before departure.
- KLM Airlines can allow you to board the flight if only the first of multiple given names appears in your booking.
- You can not make changes or corrections to your name on the ticket on the same day of departure. So make sure you request at least 30 hours before a KLM Airlines flight.
- Transfer of ticket is acceptable under the KLM Airlines name change policy. If the name is changed for a legal reason, the original person must remain the same.
- If the last name matches the MRZ (machine-readable zone) on your passport, KLM Airlines allows you to use a maiden name.
How To Change Name On KLM Ticket?
No doubt, it is quite complex to change your name on a KLM Airlines ticket due to the airline’s strict policy, but with a generic reason for name change and the right method, you can easily change the name without taking too much stress about it. Here are the steps you can follow to change or correct your name on KLM Airlines.
1. Minor Name Correction
However, contacting KLM Airlines’s support team is also an action, but it is better if you use the KLM Airlines website for minor corrections and follow these steps:
- Go to KLM’s official website and navigate to My Trip.
- Use your booking reference and last name to access reservation details.
- Select the flight that you booked with a minor name error.
- Tap on the Edit Name option if available. Otherwise, contact KLM Airlines.
- Upload your required documents and enter the correct name.
- Submit the request and wait for verification.
2. Legal Name Change
As this type of error requires deeper verification and involves a more complex process, KLM does not provide the online method. So you need to directly call customer service. Here is what you need to do after calling KLM.
- First, clearly state that you require a Legal Name Change, and you have the required documents.
- The executive will assist you in submitting your request for a legal name change and uploading the required documents.
- You may need to pay the administration fee for the change, as you will get a reissued ticket after document verification.
3. Full Name Change
Since you can not directly change your full name on the KLM ticket, you have to go through a method that involves ticket cancellation. First, cancel the original KLM ticket and rebook a new ticket with the new name or another person’s name. However, it may also incur cancellation charges, and fare rules for the original ticket may still apply.
Final Thoughts
Now, having your name spelled incorrectly or different from your legal documents on your KLM Airlines ticket is not a big deal and problem to take too much stress, as you can fix your mistake or update your new legal name on the flight ticket with the required documents, a possible KLM name change fee, and contacting the airline’s support team. The process of changing your name on the ticket can be made even easier by calling AwareTravels at +1 (800) 419-9920.
You may also be interested in:
1. How Can I Change Name on United Airlines Ticket?
2. How to Change Passenger Name on a Delta Ticket?
3. How to Change Name on Alaska Airlines Ticket?
4. Can I Change Name on JetBlue Ticket?
FAQ’s
Can I change the name on a KLM ticket?
Yes, you can change your name on a KLM ticket if your name has legally changed after ticket booking or if there is a small mistake in your name, but you can’t transfer ticket or change the name to another person.
Can I change my name on a flight with KLM?
Yes, you can change your name on a flight with KLM as long as you request 72 hours before departure and the reason for the name change is legal, or you want a correction of up to a few characters.
Do KLM require middle names?
No, KLM generally does not ask for middle names as long as the name on your Passport is the same. If your passport also has a middle name, then you must also book a KLM ticket with your middle name.
How much to change name on flight KLM?
KLM Airlines generally does not charge a fee for minor corrections, but legal name changes often incur a fee from $0 to $200, depending on whether you request a name change at the airport or via a call with a travel agent.
