Looking to change your name on an airline ticket can become a complicated process, especially in the case of international carriers such as Turkish Airlines. This article will walk you through the name change policy of Turkish Airlines with some vital information for both frequent flyers and first-time travelers. All these procedures will help you save time, money, and stress when dealing with name changes on your Turkish Airlines bookings.
Understanding Turkish Airlines Name Change Policy
Turkish Airlines has quite a strict policy when talking about name changes on tickets. Generally, a name change in the case of most bookings is not permissible. This rule serves several purposes:
- Avoidance of ticket reselling: Since the carrier limits changes of name, it tries to avoid cases of unauthorized resale of tickets.
- Security standards: Consistency in the names of passengers helps to uphold the standards of security.
- Compliance with international regulations: There are countries that, in passenger details, have some requirements, so this limitation enables Turkish Airlines to comply with these regulations.
Exceptions to the Rule
As per the Turkish Airlines name change policy, it doesn’t allow a provision for a name change. However, there is an exception to this rule. Turkish Airlines does provide a relaxation to this policy in some cases as mentioned below
- Minor corrections: Small spelling errors or typos in passenger’s names.
- Legal name changes: Circumstances under which the passenger legally changed his or her name by marriage, court order, or otherwise.
- Special cases: These are exceptional cases that may need a complete name change. It will be dealt with individually by the Turkish Airlines customer service staff.
Notably, even in special cases, a change of name is not guaranteed and may come with an associate fee.
How to Change Your Name on Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines Miles And Smiles Name Change
The process is much easier for members of the airline’s Miles & Smiles loyalty program, especially for Turkish nationals. If you fall into this category, then the good news is that you can modify your name and surname information right from your membership account. The step-by-step procedures are as follows:
- Visit the official webpage of Turkish Airlines: www.turkishairlines.com
- Log in to your membership account for Miles&Smiles.
- Click on the profile settings or account information section.
- Tap Update personal information
- Add new name details
- Review the changes and save
While this step updates the information regarding membership, it is of paramount importance to note that the same may not be updated automatically regarding already booked flights. Thus, you have to call Turkish Airlines customer service so that your updated information can be reflected on your tickets regarding any upcoming flights.
Read Also: What Terminal Is Turkish Airlines At JFK?
For Other Passengers
In cases where passengers are not Miles & Smiles members, or if they are not citizens of Turkey, it’s a bit different. Turkish Airlines won’t allow any kind of self-service regarding name change on their website for general bookings. You have to contact the customer service of Turkish Airlines in case you have a request for a change of name. This approach will aid them in being able to consider each case individually while following the company’s policy.
Turkish Airlines Name Change Request Process
To request a change in name on Turkish Airlines, the following steps must be followed in detail:
- Gather Information: Gather all information that may be required which will help you in this process. This includes the booking reference number, flight details, and the correct name information.
- Reach out to Turkish Airlines customer service: You can reach Turkish Airlines customer service by phone at +1 800 874 8875 (US) open 24/7 or at +90 212 444 0 849 (International). You can also reach them on WhatsApp, Twitter (@TK_HelpDesk), and Facebook Messenger.
- Describe what happened: Clearly state the reasons for the alteration in your name. Be prepared to fully explain, particularly if your situation doesn’t fit common scenarios such as marriage or legal name changes.
- Provide any requested documents: You may be asked to email or fax some supporting documents. Send them immediately so that your request is processed without any further delay.
- Ask if there is a fee: Confirm if a fee is charged for making the change in your name. The amount of fees charged will vary depending on your case and the ticket type in question.
- Follow-up: If your application requires further review, make sure to obtain a case reference number and inquire about an estimated processing time.
Required Documents
The type of document that will have to be uploaded depends on the purpose of the request. Following are some of the more common documents requested:
- Marriage-related name changes: Marriage certificate
- Legal name changes: Court order or legal document indicating change of name
- Minor corrections: Copy of your passport or any form of government-issued identification showing the correct spelling of your name
- Other conditions: Any other document that may prove your case, for example, adoption papers, divorce decree
Make sure all copies are clear, readable, and duly authenticated, if necessary. Having these on hand could greatly help in accelerating the name change request process.
Turkish Airlines Name Change Cost
The Turkish Airlines Name Change Cost varies to a great extent due to several aspects. Though there is no disclosure of any specific fee to the public due to the case-by-case analysis for the name change request, prepare for one if needed. It may range from a minimal fee in the case of small rectification to huge amounts for more significant alterations.
Factors Affecting Fees
Several elements can influence the Turkish Airlines Name Change Fees:
- Type of name change: Small spelling adjustments might cost less than full name changes.
- Class of ticket: Ticket fare class is normally based on travel class, such as economy, business, or first class.
- Time of request: Requests made closer to the date of flight departure could attract higher charges.
- Frequency of changes: If other modifications were made to your reservation, an additional fee may be paid.
- Route and destination: Fees may differ for domestic and international flights.
It’s always best to ask about the exact fee you will be charged in your particular case when you speak to Turkish Airlines customer support.
Turkish Airlines Name Change Policy for Particular Cases
Turkish Airlines Name Change After Marriage
If you have recently got married and want to alter your last name on your ticket issued by Turkish Airlines, here is a detailed analysis of the steps:
1. You should immediately contact Turkish Airlines’ customer service after your marriage.
2. You need a name update because you are getting married, and give them the details of the booking.
3. Keep your marriage certificate handy for submission as proof of the name change.
4. Ask how they are going to treat your name change specifically because of marriage; some airlines have special ways of handling such cases.
5. Ask if there are fees required to make this kind of name change and if so, if waivers may be available.
6. In case it is subject to approval, make sure that the name change is implemented in all journey sectors, including your connecting flights.
Turkish Airlines Name Change Online
Although Turkish Airlines doesn’t provide the facility for changing names online to the majority of their passengers, you can initiate your request through their website:
- Visit the official website of Turkish Airlines: www.turkishairlines.com
- Click the “Contact Us” or “Feedback” link, which is usually at the bottom of the homepage.
- Identify the option that means “Booking Changes” or “Name Change Requests”.
- Fill in the Turkish Airlines Feedback form for name change with maximum possible information about your request.
- Add your booking reference, flight details, and a reason for the name change.
- Submit the form and note down any reference number provided
- Follow up with a call to Turkish Airlines customer service if you don’t receive a response within a few days
How to Successfully Go Through the Turkish Airlines Name Change Policy?
Time is of the essence when it comes to name change requests. If you notice a name error follow these steps immediately after booking:
- Contact Turkish Airlines customer service within 24 hours of the booking
- Inform them that it has just happened, and must be rectified immediately
- Be able to prove how it is supposed to be spelled
Airlines are usually more lenient with changes being made a short time after tickets are purchased, and this could save you time and money.
Prepare Your Information
Before reaching out to Turkish Airlines, have all the following information and documentation ready:
- Booking reference number
- Full details of the flight itinerary.
- Correct Name Information as it appears on your Official ID.
- Supporting documents: marriage certificate, court order, etc.
- Credit card used at time of original booking in case fees need to be collected.
Think about Other Possibilities
If a name change is not possible or too expensive, what are your next options that you are going to take? Here is what you can do –
- Cancel and rebook: If your fare type permits cancellations, this could be a cheaper way.
- Transfer your ticket: Usually not allowed, but in some exceptional cases Turkish Airlines may allow transfer of the ticket to another person. Always check with customer service for this possibility.
- Use the ticket as it is: For very minor errors that will not hinder you from traveling, you might be able to use the ticket without changing it. Check with the airline if an error upon checking in or immigration matters.
Conclusion
Changing the name on a ticket issued by Turkish Airlines requires a lot of patience, preparation, and knowledge about their policies. While the attitude towards the change of passenger names on tickets is relatively strict, there might be certain scenarios under which such a change is allowed. Quick acting, good preparation with all the necessary documents at hand, and effective communication with the customer service department of Turkish Airlines are the keys to every successful application for a name change.
Name change isn’t always possible, and even if it is, a lot of money may be involved in making the alterations. Always check the passenger name very well while booking your order for any possible problems that may happen in the future. If there’s anything you are quite not sure about regarding your reservation, always contact Turkish Airlines customer service about the latest policies for the most current and correct information.
Detailed instructions and tips in this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process of changing your name on a Turkish Airlines ticket if such a need arises. Be it a Miles&Smiles member who wants to update his/her profile or a passenger dealing with some particular situation of name change, this guide gives you the info you need to approach the process confidently.
Although the process of a name change can be somewhat complicated, ultimately, it is knowledge of the process and being proactive that helps make the journey with Turkish Airlines smoother. Always be accurate with your bookings, and never hesitate to reach out to the airline for help whenever needed. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Changing the passenger name on a booked flight is not usually supported by Turkish Airlines. Minor spelling errors or changes due to legal necessity may be entertained as exceptions, but you need to talk to customer service.
Yes, Turkish Airlines does have customer support available on WhatsApp at +90 850 333 0 849. It’s around the clock, but certain changes to bookings may need calling directly into the main customer service.
You can reach Turkish Airlines customer service by phone at +1 800 874 8875 (US) or +90 212 444 0 849 (International). You can also reach them on WhatsApp, Twitter (@TK_HelpDesk), and Facebook Messenger.
It is mostly due to security reasons and prevention of ticket fraud. It also allows airlines to meet regulatory obligations and saves their revenue from ticket reselling.
Turkish Airlines does not transfer tickets to another person’s name usually. There can be exceptions in rare cases, but only in extreme situations.
Generally, a confirmed ticket in the direction of Turkish Airlines cannot be changed to another person. You can contact customer service in exceptional cases, but rarely it is allowed.