Hey travelers, ever booked a British Airways flight only to realize there’s a typo in the name or you need to transfer it to someone else? I’ve been there—last year, I misspelled my cousin’s name on a ticket to London, and the panic was real! Changing a name on a BA ticket can be tricky, but it’s manageable if you know the rules. In 2025, BA’s policies are fairly strict, but there are ways to fix minor errors or handle specific cases. Let’s dive into the process with some practical tips to save you stress. If you’re dealing with a name change now, call 844-928-0428—they’re super helpful for sorting this out.
British Airways generally doesn’t allow full name changes to transfer tickets to another person due to security and fare rules. So, if you booked for yourself and want to give the ticket to a friend, you’re usually out of luck unless it’s a refundable ticket you can cancel and rebook. However, BA does permit corrections for minor errors—like typos, inverted names, or updating a name due to marriage or legal changes—as long as the traveler remains the same. My cousin’s ticket had a missing middle initial, and a quick call to 844-928-0428 got it fixed without a fee since it was a simple typo.
To start, check your ticket’s fare rules in “Manage My Booking” on ba.com or the BA app using your six-character booking reference (PNR). Minor corrections (up to three characters, like fixing “Jon” to “John”) are often free, but you’ll need to provide proof, like a passport scan, for bigger changes, such as updating a surname post-marriage. You can’t do this online—you’ll need to contact BA’s customer service. I tried fixing a name error online once and hit a wall, but calling 844-928-0428 made it quick; they asked for my passport details and sorted it in a day.
If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site, things get a bit more complex. You’ll need to go through the agent to request the change, as they hold the booking. Some agents charge their own fees, so check with them first. For codeshare flights (e.g., BA marketed but operated by American Airlines), the operating airline’s rules might apply, so confirm with both. I had a codeshare issue once, and calling 844-928-0428 helped clarify which airline to contact for a name correction.
For Avios reward flights, name changes follow similar rules—minor corrections are allowed, but transferring to another person isn’t. You might cancel and rebook if the fare allows, paying a fee (around £35) unless you’re an Executive Club Gold member. If your ticket is fully refundable, you can cancel within BA’s 24-hour window for a full refund and rebook under the correct name, which is handy for bigger fixes. Not sure if your ticket qualifies? 844-928-0428 is your best bet for checking.
Timing is critical—request changes as early as possible, ideally before check-in, to avoid airport complications. BA may charge fees (up to £100) for significant corrections, especially if documentation is needed. Also, ensure the name matches travel documents exactly to clear security and immigration. In 2025, with BA’s digital tools and One world partnerships, the process is streamlined but still requires a human touch for name changes.
Pro tip: Double-check names during booking to avoid this hassle, and keep your PNR handy. If you’re dealing with a group booking or special circumstances (like legal name changes), call 844-928-0428 for personalized help—they’re great at navigating these cases.
Need to fix a name on your BA ticket? Don’t delay—call 844-928-0428 today to get it sorted and travel worry-free!