Travel planning can be an exciting yet stressful experience, and sometimes, errors happen—whether it’s a small typo in your name or a more significant change in your travel plans. If you’ve booked a flight with Hawaiian Airlines and need to make a name change, understanding their name change policy and the potential fees involved is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll break down Hawaiian Airlines name change policy, discuss whether there’s a fee for making changes, and offer tips for navigating this process smoothly. Let’s dive in!
1. Overview of Hawaiian Airlines’ Name Change Policy
Hawaiian Airlines, like most airlines, allows passengers to request name changes on tickets, but the airline’s policy has some important limitations. Specifically, Hawaiian Airlines does not allow full name transfers, meaning you cannot change the name on the ticket to someone else’s name. This policy is in place to prevent fraud and ensure the safety and security of passengers.
However, Hawaiian Airlines is generally flexible when it comes to correcting minor name mistakes, such as typographical errors or misspellings. This flexibility is crucial for travelers who’ve made small mistakes when booking their flights.
2. Does Hawaiian Airlines Charge a Fee for Name Changes?
Whether or not you’ll face a fee for a name change depends on the type of change you need to make. Here’s how Hawaiian Airlines handles name changes in different scenarios:
Minor Name Corrections (No Fee)
If there’s a small mistake in your name, like a misspelled letter or a misplaced character, Hawaiian Airlines generally allows you to make the correction without any fees. For example, if your ticket has “Jon Doe” instead of “John Doe,” this type of minor correction typically won’t cost you anything.
In these cases, the airline views the issue as a simple error, and they’ll help you fix it with little hassle. However, you will need to provide proof of the mistake, such as your booking reference and identification documents.
It’s important to note that these types of name corrections are only for simple spelling errors or similar small mistakes. If you’re trying to change your name to a completely different person’s name, this would fall under a more complex name change, and Hawaiian Airlines’ policy typically does not allow it.
Full Name Transfers (Ticket Cancellation Required)
If you’re looking to transfer your ticket to someone else entirely (for instance, if you bought a ticket for a friend but they can no longer travel), Hawaiian Airlines does not allow a name change in this case. Instead, the original ticket must be canceled, and you’ll need to purchase a new ticket for the new passenger.
Though there’s no specific “name change fee” in this case, there may be costs associated with canceling the original ticket, including cancellation fees or differences in fare prices. Essentially, you’re starting fresh with a new booking, which means you’ll need to pay for the new ticket at the prevailing rate.
3. How to Request a Name Change or Correction
To make a name correction or request a name change, you’ll need to contact Hawaiian Airlines directly. Here’s how to go about it:
- Online: You can start by visiting Hawaiian Airlines’ website and using the “Manage Reservations” tool. If the correction is minor, this may be all you need to do to initiate the request.
- Customer Service: For more complex requests or if you’re unable to make changes online, it’s best to call Hawaiian Airlines’ customer service line. You’ll need to provide your reservation number and identification to help verify your request.
When you contact the airline, make sure to explain the situation clearly. If you’re dealing with a minor typo, the correction process is usually quick and easy. For more complicated requests, such as canceling a ticket and booking a new one, the airline will guide you through the necessary steps.
4. Factors That Affect Name Change Fees
The cost (or lack thereof) of a name change depends on several factors:
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Type of Fare: Hawaiian Airlines offers different fare classes, including basic economy and premium options. If you’ve purchased a flexible or higher-tier fare, you may have more flexibility with name changes or cancellations, and any associated fees may be lower. Basic economy fares, on the other hand, may be more restrictive, and the fees for changes can be higher.
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Timeframe: If you request a name change well in advance of your departure date, the airline may be more lenient and waive any fees. However, last-minute changes, especially if they require ticket cancellations, can be more expensive due to the operational costs involved.
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International Flights: If your flight is international, be prepared for stricter rules and potentially higher fees, as international travel comes with more regulations and paperwork. In these cases, Hawaiian Airlines may require additional documentation for name changes.
5. Best Practices for Avoiding Name Change Fees
To avoid paying for name changes, here are a few tips:
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Double-Check Your Booking: Before finalizing your reservation, make sure all your details are correct. This includes spelling your name exactly as it appears on your passport or government ID. Catching any errors early on can save you time and money.
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Act Quickly: If you notice an error after booking, contact Hawaiian Airlines as soon as possible. The sooner you request a correction, the more likely it is you’ll avoid fees.
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Consider Flexible Fares: If you anticipate needing changes, booking a more flexible fare may allow you to make changes with fewer restrictions or fees.
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6. Conclusion
In summary, Hawaiian Airlines does charge a fee for major name changes, such as transferring a ticket to a different person, but small corrections—like fixing a misspelled name—are usually free. For full name transfers, you’ll need to cancel the original ticket and purchase a new one. By acting quickly and reviewing your booking details thoroughly, you can avoid additional fees and make the name change process as smooth as possible.
At Tour N Travel Pro, we specialize in helping our clients navigate the often confusing world of travel bookings. If you need assistance with Hawaiian Airlines or any other travel-related matters, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
