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WestJet Name Change Policy: Fees & Rules Explained

Can You Change the Name on a WestJet Ticket?

Flight booking must be precise, particularly in regards to names of passengers. The smallest spelling mistake, even an update of a legal name can be stress-inducing prior to travelling. The question that is always asked by many travelers flying with WestJet is whether it is possible to change the name on an already booked ticket as well as rules that may be applied. Knowing the strategy of the airline will save time, money, and last-minute problems at the airport.

This guide covers all the information regarding changing or correcting a name on a WestJet ticket and the rules, eligibility, procedures, fees, and special cases (group and third-party booking).

Understanding WestJet?s Name Change Policy

One should know how WestJet classifies name requests before proceeding to implement any changes. The airline differentiates between the minor corrections of the name and the total change of the name, and each of them has its own regulation.

The Westjet Airlines name change policy is not very flexible as the name can change based on the nature of the change in terms of the kind of ticket bought and the nature of change. As a rule, WestJet pays significant attention to the security and adherence to the state-issued identification, and thus, the information on the ticket must be identical to the travelling documents.

Key points to understand:

  • Changes of names do not match changes of routes or dates.
  • In the majority of cases, it is the non-transferable tickets to another individual.
  • The only corrections that can be made are corrections of actual mistakes or change of legal name.
  • As far as possible, one should request ahead of time so that there are no delays in traveling.

This knowledge of the basics will assist you in determining whether the request would be classified as a correction or a complete change of name.

Name Correction vs. Name Change: What?s the Difference?

This is an important distinction since it will help you know whether your request will be approved. The WestJet Airlines name correction policy allows the passenger to correct minor cases of spelling errors or formatting without altering the identity of the traveler. Amendments are mostly made in cases where the ticket owner is the same individual.

Some acceptable examples of corrections in names are:

  1. Typography mistakes (e.g. Jonh instead of John)
  2. Missing or extra letters
  3. Wrong heading or honorific.
  4. Reversed first and last name
  5. Changes in legal name are resultant of marriage or divorce (documented)

On the contrary, a name change is one that does not change the passenger but replaces the passenger altogether and such is seldom permitted. The Westjet Airlines name change policy is very restrictive when it comes to such requests particularly the discount fares and promotional fares.

Terms and Conditions for WestJet Name Change and Corrections

Each airline has special conditions that are associated with the changes of tickets, and WestJet is not an exception. These regulations promote equity and adherence to the aviation security laws. The following is a summary of the common terms that you are expected to know about:

  1. The tickets are usually not transferable.
  2. The same traveler has to be reflected in corrections.
  3. The requests should be placed prior to check-in.
  4. Identification issued by the government is compulsory.
  5. Extra fare variations could be enforced.
  6. Changes are totally prohibited in some fare classes.

Early recognition of these terms would save your request the unwarranted denial.

Eligibility Rules Under WestJet?s Name Policies

Not all tickets are eligible to an update of names. It is eligible depending on the type of fare, channel of booking and timing. In general, eligibility often functions as follows:

  • Economy Basic fares: Fewest or no changes allowed.
  • Econo and Standard fares: Minor corrections are accepted.
  • Premium and Business fares: Additional flexibility.
  • Reward bookings: Loyalty subject to rules.

The Westjet Airlines name change policy can also be different based on the domestic and international flights because international flights have stricter passport clearances.

Group Booking Name Change Rules

Group bookings have slightly different rules since there are two or more passengers who are booked on one reservation. The following steps are usually followed prior to making the list, group bookings usually cannot be made flexibly; however, any changes have to be made according to strict schedules.

Important guidelines for group name changes:

  • Requests should be made mostly prior to issuing tickets.
  • After issuing the tickets, they can only be changed to a certain extent.
  • Each group can be permitted one or two free corrections by airlines.
  • Documents to support the same may be needed.
  • Fees may apply per passenger

In the case of large groups, it is better to directly organize the changes with the group travel department of WestJet.

Third-Party Booking Name Change

When you booked your flight with WestJet using a travel agency, an online booking service, or any other third party, the process of changing the name will be more organized. Mostly, it is not possible to make changes to tickets issued by an external agent when traveling by WestJet. Rather, the traveler has to contact the reservation source in which he/she needs to contact the original source of reservation, which they have control over. The agency will proceed to liaise with WestJet to find out whether the correction or change is allowed or not. Although the minor spelling fix can still be done, they are also subject to the fare terms made during the booking. Service fees imposed by the third party might also be added to those fee levied by the airlines and that is why advance verification is necessary.

Documents Required for Name Change or Correction

As per the Westjet Airlines name correction policy, the airline demands documentation on majority of the name requests to ensure security and correctness. This is a summary of the brief view before going into details: documentation confirms that the correction is a reflection of the same passenger.

Such documents as:

  • Photo ID (passport or driver license) given by the government.
  • Marriage certificate (in case of a change in surname)
  • Divorce order (to change names)
  • Legal changes of names by court order.
  • Booking reference number

Unfinished or incongruent documents can result in the denial of the request.

WestJet Name Change and Correction Fees

Depending on the kind of request, route as well as the fare class, Westjet Airlines name change fee differ. Better knowledge of costs can assist travelers to be more planned. The general fee overview is shown below. Real fees can be different on the basis of ticket conditions.

Type of Request

Approximate Fee

Minor spelling correction

Low or no fee

Legal name correction

May apply

Full name change

Higher fee

Same-day correction

Additional charges

Third-party booking

Airline + agency fee

The fee associated with changing the name of the West Jet Airlines is usually more expensive during international fares and discounted fares. Secondly, in case the correction causes a difference in fare, passengers will have to pay the difference.

In the case of minor typographical error corrected at early stages, the Westjet Airlines name change fee can be waived.

How to Change or Correct a Name via ?Manage My Booking?

WestJet provides self-service option online where changes that may be made are applicable. It is usually the quickest way.

This is a brief summary: online adjustments can be used only in case of small corrections.

Steps to follow:

  1. Go to the WestJet official site.
  2. Click on "Manage trips"
  3. Type in your booking reference and surname
  4. Click on the passenger details section.
  5. Make some edits to the name when presented with the opportunity.
  6. Hide uploads (where necessary)
  7. Review applicable Westjet Airlines name correction fee and move to pay. 
  8. Confirm and save changes

The online system will not always provide an editable option on all tickets, particularly on the complex requests.

How to Change or Correct a Name by Phone

Certain requests cannot be done via the customer support, such as legal name changes or intricate itineraries.

Prior to enumerating steps, it is important to note that phone support enables one to be guided individually.

Procedures to alter a name through telephone:

  1. Contact the WestJet customer service 1 (888) 937-8538.
  2. Choose the reservation assistance.
  3. Give booking reference and passenger information.
  4. Elaborate on the type of correction or change.
  5. Furnish documents where applicable.
  6. Pay applicable charges
  7. Be confirmed through email.

Phone support is usually recommended where online changes are inexistent.

Important Tips to Avoid Name Issues

Changes can be avoided by taking little precautions.

Helpful tips include:

  • Confirm booking by checking spelling.
  • Include your real name as stated on your passport.
  • Do not use nicknames or abbreviated names.
  • Check confirmations emails on an immediate basis.
  • Take action promptly in case you notice a mistake.
  • Timely intervention raises the possibility of corrections free of charge.

Conclusion

You can change or amend a name on a WestJet ticket in most cases, but it will greatly depend on the nature of the change or the terms of the fare that is linked to your ticket. Upon the occurrence of minor spelling mistakes and legal name corrections, such mistakes are usually pardoned but when it comes to total replacements of passengers, this is not allowed. It is better to act promptly and know the regulations and select the necessary approach online or by phone, which will make the process easier and less costly. Being informed and attentive at the time of booking will help the travelers to travel without worries and with the right travel documents.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Can I transfer my WestJet ticket to someone else?

As a rule, you cannot transfer your WestJet ticket to another individual because the tickets are normally not transferable, and the name change is limited.

How many characters can I correct in my name

You are usually allowed to make minor changes regarding your name, the number of characters depends on the fare rules.

Is the Westjet Airlines name correction policy different for international flights?

The WestJet name correction policy is stricter when dealing with international flights where the name on the passport has to be similar with that of the customer.