Understanding the Air France Name Change Fee is essential for travelers who notice a spelling error, mismatched document detail, or need a legal name update after booking. Air France follows strict global aviation rules that require the passenger’s name to match their passport exactly, which is why even a small typo can lead to check-in delays or boarding denial. The airline allows several types of corrections, but each comes with specific eligibility, limits, and possible charges depending on the fare, route, and booking channel.
At Air France, name changes fall into different categories—from simple typo fixes to mandatory legal updates. Minor mistakes are usually handled quickly with minimal or no fees, while major modifications may require supporting documents and could involve additional charges. This optimized overview explains the key Air France Name Change Fees, correction types allowed, and the process travelers should follow to avoid last-minute issues or costly ticket rebooking.
Quick Overview: Air France Name Change Fee
- Air France Name Change Fee: Applies when passengers need to correct or update the name on their ticket. Minor spelling fixes are usually inexpensive, while major corrections require documentation and may involve higher charges.
- Minor Corrections (Typos): Small errors such as missing letters, swapped characters, or middle‐initial adjustments are often free if corrected early. At the airport, charges typically range from €15 to €30.
- Major Name Changes: Legal updates including marriage, divorce, or court orders require official documents. Fees vary by fare type and route, generally $100 to $250. Processing usually takes 24–48 hours.
- Ticket Transfers Not Allowed: Air France does not allow name changes that transfer the ticket to another person. Such cases require canceling and rebooking at the current fare.
- Partner Airline Bookings: If your trip includes Delta, KLM, or another SkyTeam partner, request corrections at least 72 hours before departure.
- 24-Hour U.S. Rule: Tickets booked from the U.S. may be corrected or canceled within 24 hours of purchase without penalty.
- ID Match Requirement: The name on your ticket must exactly match your passport or government ID — including spelling, order, and middle names.
Pro Tip: Always review your booking details immediately after purchase. Early corrections are cheaper and sometimes free. For urgent name correction support or guidance before check-in, you can reach the 24/7 customer assistance line at +1-877-593-4887.
For booking or name correction help, call +1-877-593-4887
What Is the Air France Air Ticket Name Change Fee?
The Air France Air Ticket Name Change Fee is the charge applied when passengers need to correct or update the name on their flight booking due to spelling errors, formatting issues, or legal name changes. Air France requires the passenger name to match the passport exactly, which is why even small discrepancies must be corrected before travel. Although tickets are non-transferable and cannot be reassigned to a different person, Air France does allow legitimate corrections to ensure smooth check-in and compliance with global aviation security standards.
Air France Name Correction Explained
A name correction is a modification that ensures the booking reflects the passenger’s exact legal name as shown on a government-issued ID or passport. This process may include small adjustments, document-verified updates, or full reissuance depending on the type of correction needed.
Minor vs. Major Corrections
Air France classifies name changes into minor and major corrections based on the type and extent of the error. This distinction helps determine whether a simple update is allowed or a ticket reissue and additional fee may apply.
Minor Corrections:
- Small spelling errors (1–3 characters)
- Reversed first and last names
- Missing or incorrect spacing
- Adding, removing, or adjusting a middle name or initial
- Incorrect capitalization or formatting
Major Corrections:
- Full legal name changes after marriage, divorce, or court orders
- Multiple-character corrections requiring documentation
- Reissuing the ticket with updated legal details
- Corrections involving identity documentation verification
Factors Affecting Fees
- Fare category (Light, Standard, Premium Economy, Business, La Première)
- Flight type (short-haul, long-haul, international, transatlantic)
- How the ticket was booked (Air France website, mobile app, travel agency, OTA)
- Timing of the correction request (early changes are often cheaper)
- Whether partner airlines such as KLM or Delta are included in the itinerary
- Whether a full ticket reissue is required due to legal documentation
Types of Name Corrections Allowed
Air France allows certain name corrections to ensure your ticket matches your official ID for smooth and secure travel.
Minor Corrections (Typos & Spelling Errors)
These are the most common Air France name corrections and include the following:
- 1–3 letter spelling mistakes
- Minor spacing or formatting issues
- Missing or incorrect middle initial
- Typo in the first name or last name
- Incorrect accents or mismatched special characters
Cost:
- Usually free online when corrected early
- €15–€30 if corrected at the airport desk
- Free within the 24-hour risk-free period after booking
Major Corrections (Legal Name Updates)
A major correction is required when the name change is based on legal updates, such as:
- A recent marriage resulting in a new last name
- A court-approved legal name change
- The ticket was booked under your previous legal name
Required documents:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court-issued name change order
- Updated passport or official government ID
These updates may include the applicable Air France Change Name Fee based on your fare type.
Changes Not Allowed (Ticket Transfers)
According to the official Name Air France Change Fee Policy:
- Tickets cannot be transferred to any other person
- Full name changes that result in a new traveler identity are strictly prohibited
- Any major modification requires valid and verifiable legal documents
Attempting to transfer a ticket or change the traveler entirely requires canceling and rebooking a new reservation.
Air France Name Change Fees – Full Breakdown
Clear, up-to-date breakdown of likely costs and what affects them. Use this section as the authoritative fee reference for U.S. searchers.
Fee by Ticket Type (Economy, Premium, Business)
Minor corrections are often free online for flexible fares; lower-fare tickets have limited flexibility.
- Economy Light / Saver — Limited flexibility. Minor typo fixes: typically free online or €15–€50 / $15–$60 at airport. Major changes often require reissue.
- Economy Standard / Flex — Minor fixes frequently free if done early; larger corrections: €30–€80 / $30–$100.
- Premium Economy — Greater flexibility; expect €50–€120 / $50–$140 for bigger updates.
- Business / La Première — Most flexible. Minor corrections usually complimentary; major legal updates may still require documentation and occasional fees (varies).
Tip for users: Check fare rules in your confirmation email—“flex” fares usually remove or lower name-change fees.
Fee by Route (Domestic, USA–Europe, International)
Route matters because ticketing rules and partner carriers change the cost.
- Domestic / Short-haul (within Europe) — Lower administrative fees for minor fixes: €15–€50.
- USA ↔ Europe — Stricter passport matching; expect $100–$250 for major corrections or reissues (USD shown for US users).
- Long-haul / Intercontinental — Higher processing and partner-carrier rules; major legal updates $150–$300 or more depending on reissue and fare difference.
Note: Fees shown are typical ranges — exact cost depends on fare rules, booking channel, and whether a partner airline operates the flight.
Air France’s Name Change Fees by Correction Type
Quick lookup table for common correction scenarios and likely outcomes.
- Minor typo (1–3 letters, spacing, accents)
- Online: Usually free if requested in advance.
- Airport/Agency:€15–€30 / $15–$35.
- Docs: Not usually required.
- Middle initial/name addition or small formatting fixes
- Online: Often free.
- Airport:€15–€30.
- Docs: Rarely required.
- Major legal change (marriage, divorce, court order)
- Cost:$100–$300 (may be higher if ticket reissue/fare difference applies).
- Docs:Marriage certificate / divorce decree / court order + updated passport/ID required.
- Ticket reissue with fare difference
- Cost:Varies — depends on current fare market; may be significant for non-refundable or low-fare tickets.
- Ticket transfers / passenger swaps
- Not allowed. Must cancel & rebook — effectively a new ticket purchase.
Air France Name Change Fee Refund
Wondering if you can get your Air France name change fee refunded? Here’s a complete guide for U.S. travelers, including eligibility, process, and timelines.
When Refund Is Allowed
- Air France or KLM made an error during booking or ticket issuance
- Legal name changes supported by official documentation
- Corrections made within the 24-hour risk-free window after booking (U.S.)
- Fares that include free modifications
When Refund Is Not Allowed
- Passenger errors without supporting documents
- Non-refundable fare rules apply
- Attempted ticket transfers
- Corrections not approved by Air France
Refund Process & Timeline
- Submit a refund request via the Air France website or contact customer service
- Provide supporting documents for verification
- Air France reissues the ticket, and eligible fees are refunded
- Refund processing typically takes 7–14 business days
For urgent refunds or complex name changes, call +1-877-593-4887.
How To Change Name On Air France Ticket?
Air France offers multiple ways to correct passenger names on tickets. Depending on your situation—online, by phone, at the airport, or via a travel agency—you can select the method that’s most convenient. Minor corrections are quick, while legal name changes or complex itineraries may require additional verification.
Online via Manage Booking
Changing your name online is the fastest and cheapest method. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Air France Manage Booking portal.
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Select Modify Passenger Details or Modify Name.
- Upload supporting documents if required.
- Pay the applicable Air France name change fee.
- Receive the updated e-ticket instantly for minor corrections.
Tip: Online changes are usually instant and cheaper than airport or phone options.
By Calling Air France Customer Service
For legal name changes, passport issues, or partner airline bookings, call Air France customer service:
- Dial +1-877-593-4887 (U.S. support).
- Provide your booking reference and any required documents.
- Agents can verify documents, calculate fees, and reissue tickets.
- Useful for complex itineraries or urgent corrections.
Note: Phone support is available 24/7 and is recommended for international routes.
At Airport Ticket Counter
For last-minute corrections or same-day travel, visit an Air France ticket counter:
- Present your original ID and ticket.
- Pay the applicable fee (usually €15–€30 for minor corrections).
- Availability is subject to the airport’s operational hours.
Caution: Risk is higher near departure, and fees may be slightly more than online.
Through Travel Agency Booking
If your ticket was booked via Expedia, MakeMyTrip, Priceline, or local agents:
- Contact the agency directly to request the correction.
- Provide proof of error or legal documentation.
- Air France will verify the change before reissuing the ticket.
- Additional service fees may apply depending on the agency.
Important: Air France cannot modify third-party bookings without agency approval.
Required Documents for Name Corrections
To correct a name on your Air France ticket, you may need different documents depending on the type of change.
For Minor Spelling Fixes
For small typos or minor spelling errors on your Air France ticket, the required documents are usually minimal:
- Government-issued ID matching the name on your ticket
- Passport for international flights
- Booking reference number (optional, but helpful)
Note: If the change involves more than 3 letters or the name format does not match your passport, additional documentation may be requested.
For Legal Name Change Requests
If your name change is due to marriage, divorce, or a legal court order, you must provide official documents to support the correction:
- Marriage certificate (if name changed after marriage)
- Divorce decree (if reverting to a previous name)
- Court-issued name change document
- Updated passport or government ID
- Booking reference number
Tip for USA travelers: Ensure all documents are legible and notarized if required, to avoid delays in processing.
Processing Time for Air France Name Changes
- Instant corrections: Minor spelling fixes done online via the Air France “Manage Booking” portal. Changes reflect immediately in your e-ticket.
- 24–48 hours: Legal name updates that require supporting documents, including marriage, divorce, or court orders.
- 3–5 days: Multi-segment international itineraries or tickets booked with partner airlines (e.g., KLM, Delta) may take longer.
Pro Tip for USA passengers: Submit requests at least 72 hours before departure for partner airline tickets to ensure all changes are confirmed.
Air France Name Change Fee Policy – Key Rules
Understanding Air France’s name change policy can save you time, money, and stress at the airport.
ID Must Match Exactly
Ticket names must exactly match your passport or government-issued ID. Any mismatch may lead to denied boarding or additional fees.
24-Hour Correction Window
Minor spelling mistakes can usually be corrected free of charge within 24 hours of booking, if your flight is at least 7 days away.
Fare Type Impacts Changes
Lower or discounted fares may restrict name changes or require higher fees, while premium fares allow more flexibility.
Partner Airline Rules
For tickets involving partner airlines (KLM, Delta, etc.), provide at least 72 hours’ notice for name corrections.
Non-Transferable Tickets
Air France tickets cannot be transferred to another person; only the original traveler can make changes.
Tips to Avoid Air France Name Change Fees
Simple preventive measures ensure your travel goes smoothly without extra fees.
Double-Check Passenger Details
Verify all names before booking to prevent mistakes that may require paid corrections.
Match Your Passport Format
Use your full legal name exactly as on your passport, including middle names if applicable.
Avoid Nicknames or Abbreviations
Never use nicknames or shortened forms; they must match official IDs.
Keep Legal Documents Handy
For legal name changes, scan and save documents like marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders.
Review Fare Rules Before Booking
Understand your ticket’s fare rules to know if name changes are allowed and what fees may apply.
Required Documents for Name Corrections
Correct documentation ensures a smooth Air France name update process.
For Minor Spelling Fixes
- Passport or government-issued ID
- Booking confirmation (optional)
For Legal Name Change Requests
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- Court-issued name change document
- Updated passport or official ID
Processing Time for Air France Name Changes
Knowing expected processing times helps you plan travel without disruptions.
- Instant corrections: Minor typos via online portal
- 24–48 hours: Legal name updates requiring documents
- 3–5 days: Multi-segment or partner airline itineraries
Conclusion
Correcting your name on an Air France ticket is straightforward if done early. Minor spelling errors can often be fixed instantly or for a low fee, while legal name changes require proper documentation such as a passport, marriage certificate, or court order. The Air France Name Change Fee depends on the type of correction, fare class, timing, and route, so understanding these rules is crucial to avoid unnecessary charges.
Acting promptly, using the correct documents, and ensuring your ticket name matches your passport exactly can help prevent denied boarding or additional costs. For partner airline bookings like KLM or Delta, allow at least 72 hours for processing. Always double-check passenger details before final payment, and contact Air France customer support at +1-877-593-4887 for clarification or urgent assistance.
By following these steps, travelers can make minor and major corrections efficiently, minimize fees, and enjoy a smooth journey on both domestic and international flights. Staying informed about fare restrictions, early correction windows, and ID requirements ensures compliance with Air France rules and reduces travel stress.
