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Japan Airlines Name Change Policy | Fees & Rules

What is the Name Change Policy for JAL Flights?

All seems to go well unless, you have missed upon filling the write spelling of your name. Not just for Japan Airlines, but also being one of the flagship air carriers, looks forward to having exactly the same name on the reservation is not just something like a bureaucratic red tape thing, but it's also a security requirement on which your complete trip relies. Knowing about the Japan Airlines Name Correction Policy will help you to be on the right path when you are booking your tickets with JAL.

Types Of Name Change on Japan Airlines Flight Ticket

Some of the important guidelines to keep in mind for a smooth run are as explained below:

1. Full Name Cannot Change After Booking

Japan Airlines does not allow for complete name changes or transferring the ticket to another passenger after the booking has been closed. This also implies that:-

  • You cannot swap your ticket to someone else. 
  • If a different passenger has to travel, a new booking must be processed under that person?s name only. 
  • The passenger cannot even update the ticket to reflect a completely different name, for instance, like ?Elijah Smith? to ?Elizah Smith.?

Note: the regulation is for the safety, international travel regulations, and identity verifications. Here, the airline is supposed to make sure that the person boarding the plane is the same as the name that appears on the official documents. 

2. Minor Corrections, But Have Rules

Complete name changes are not possible under the Japan Airlines Name Change Policy. However, the minor name corrections are only in specific situations, but it's only under strict conditions, which are usually before departure. However, you are supposed to get in touch with JAL?s Customer Care Department at + 123 456 789. The many listed corrections are as follows:-

  1. Spelling mistakes can be fixed. 
  2. Small formatting errors, like Mr/Ms/Mrs can be edited, and hyphen placement can also be done.

3. Major Name Change

In case you need to change your name completely, but the reason is

  • Divorce 
  • Legal Name Change After Marriage 
  • Court-ordered Name Update

Then too, JAL cannot help with the name change on your confirmed ticket, but instead, the process according to Japan Airlines Name Change Policy is:-

  • Cancel the original ticket first. 
  • Apply for the Refund under the policy regulations. 
  • Make a new purchase with your upgraded legal name.

4. Legal Name Changes & Passport Updations

So, if you have legally changed your name, do not worry, as you can update your new name by getting in touch with the JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) profile by contacting the JMB center at the earliest. Please note here that this process does not guarantee that your ticket name changes automatically, as it simply updates the ?membership information? for frequent flyer purposes. So, do not get confused here, as updating your frequent flyer program profile is quite different from updating a flight ticket. As the ticket may still require you to either cancel or rebook to reflect the new legal name change.

Japan Airlines Name Change Fee

According to the Japan Airlines Name Correction Policy, they do not usually permit changing a name altogether on a ticket after it has been issued, so that you can transfer the ticket to another person. Complete transfers to another passenger will, at all times, involve the cancellation of the original booking and the subsequent purchase of a new booking, which will involve the cancellation and rebooking fees applicable according to your fare regulations.

When making minor corrections to the name (e.g., spelling error, omitted letter, or error in name order), JAL usually permits them without a special fee to be made, provided that the correction is made promptly after booking. Nonetheless, there is a chance that JAL needs a new ticket issue in accordance with circumstances, and that can provoke administrative fees as well as the difference in fares between the former and new ticket prices.

Where a significant correction (such as a legal name change following marriage) is made, or a rule implies the necessity to reissue the ticket, the airline may impose a service fee, which depends on route, fare type and timing of the request.

What are the Steps to Correct the Name on JAL Tickets?

Go through the many steps that are important to help you process the requirement of name change, they are as mentioned:- 

  • Review your ticket immediately

After booking, carefully check your e-ticket or confirmation email. Make sure your first name, last name, and spelling match your passport exactly. Even small typos should be corrected early.

  • Verify the kind of name error

Determine if the problem is a small spelling error, a letter that is missing, or a name order error. JAL does not permit passenger transfers or full name changes; only small adjustments are permitted.

  • Speak with JAL customer support right away

Contact JAL Reservations via phone 1 (800) 525-3663 or through their established channels. Since there aren't many choices for online corrections, speaking with an agent directly is typically necessary.

  • Keep your booking details ready

Provide your booking reference number (PNR), flight details, and personal information to help the agent locate your reservation quickly.

  • Submit supporting documents if asked

JAL may request a copy of your passport or government-issued ID to verify the correct name spelling.

  • Follow agent instructions carefully

If the correction is allowed, JAL will update the ticket. If not, you may need to cancel and rebook under the correct name as per fare rules.

Note: The Japan Airlines Name Change Fees are not applicable on minor name fixes. Contact the JAl directly as small errors can be updated, where as full name change is not allowed.

Tips for Avoiding Name Change Corrections 

  • Always make sure to keep your passport as it is

Type your name as it appears on your passport, including spelling and order. Airlines and immigration systems are dependent on passport data, and therefore, any sort of slight discrepancy can lead to problems.

  • Double-check before payment

Review the passenger details screen before clicking on Book or Pay. It is the least difficult time to correct errors without charges or worrying.

  • Keep off-the-record abbreviations to a minimum

Don't add nicknames, leave out surnames, or shorten first and middle names. Only use your entire legal name.

  • Be careful with middle names

If your passport has a middle name, enter it in the relevant field or use it in conjunction with your first name if the reservation system requests it.

  • Watch for auto-fill errors

Travel applications and browsers will occasionally add incorrect or out-of-date names. Look through the auto-filled information manually each time.

  • Limit special characters

Check your passport; they may contain accents, hyphens, or symbols, but only when they are clearly described and are in the airline system.

  • Make reservations in advance and check them

Verify your e-ticket immediately it is received. The sooner it is pointed out, the simpler the corrections and their approval.

  • Booking platforms that are trusted

Reputable airlines and travel agents reduce data entry errors and offer better assistance when issues arise.

Conclusion

The Japan Airlines Name Change Policy is not complex, but an easy one to follow. Name mistakes are an honest mistake that cannot be managed by oneself; you have to seek support and do right by the name change regulations. Do not hesitate if you have any queries or doubts to connect, as the sooner you clear your doubt, you can have a peaceful your trip will be.

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