If you’ve booked a ticket and noticed a mistake in your name, don’t panic. The Philippine Airline change name process is designed to help passengers correct errors and travel without trouble. Whether it’s a small typo or a full legal name change, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — including policies, fees, processes, documentation, and helpful tips.
Keep reading to understand how you can modify your name on a Philippine Airlines ticket with ease and stay compliant with airline regulations.
What Is the Philippine Airline Change Name Policy?
The Philippine Airline change name policy allows passengers to correct or amend their names on flight bookings under specific conditions. This process is particularly important because any discrepancy between the name on your ID and your ticket can lead to boarding denials or delays.
The airline differentiates between:
- Minor corrections (typos, spelling errors, etc.)
- Major changes (full name change due to marriage, legal change, etc.)
Philippine Airlines does not allow full ticket transfers to another person. Only the original passenger can make name corrections or updates, and only under certain terms.
Why Correcting Your Name on a Ticket Matters
Airlines, including Philippine Airlines, must follow strict aviation security protocols. If your name on the booking does not exactly match your government-issued ID, you may be denied boarding.
Here’s why getting the Philippine Airline change name process right is crucial:
- To pass through airport security without issues
- To avoid boarding denial or last-minute rebooking
- To ensure your travel documents and airline ticket are legally consistent
Types of Name Changes Allowed by Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines typically allows the following types of name corrections:
- Typographical Errors:
Common mistakes like “Jonh” instead of “John” or missing letters can be corrected. - Spelling Adjustments:
If the name on your passport says “Macdonald” but your ticket says “McDonald,” this can usually be updated. - Legal Name Changes:
Passengers who have recently changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal court order can submit documents to update their name accordingly. - First and Middle Name Swaps:
If your first and middle names were mistakenly reversed, Philippine Airlines can usually correct this with proper ID proof. - Missing or Extra Characters:
For example, “Analee” versus “Ana Lee” — minor fixes can often be made without issue.
What Name Changes Are NOT Allowed?
- You cannot change the entire name and transfer the ticket to someone else.
- You cannot change the passenger identity (i.e., from one person to another).
- You cannot use a nickname or alias that doesn’t match your ID.
In these cases, you may be required to cancel your ticket and book a new one, subject to fare rules and availability.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Request a Philippine Airline Change Name
If you’ve made a mistake on your ticket, follow these steps to request a name correction with Philippine Airlines:
Step 1: Gather Your Booking Information
Have your ticket number, booking reference (PNR), and travel dates ready. You’ll also need a valid government-issued ID or passport.
Step 2: Identify the Type of Change
Determine whether it’s a minor spelling error or a full legal name change.
Step 3: Contact Customer Support
You can reach out to Philippine Airlines via:
- Their official customer service phone number
- The nearest PAL ticketing office
- The “Manage Booking” section on their website (for certain changes)
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
You may be asked to submit:
- A copy of your government-issued ID
- A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (for legal name changes)
- A sworn affidavit (if needed for clarification)
Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fees
Fees may apply based on the nature of the name correction and the fare conditions.
Step 6: Get Confirmation
After processing, you’ll receive an updated e-ticket with your corrected name.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Name on a Philippine Airlines Ticket?
The cost of a Philippine Airline change name request varies depending on several factors:
- Type of correction (minor typo vs. legal name change)
- How close the request is to the flight date
- Fare type (economy, premium economy, business)
- Whether the flight is domestic or international
Typical fees may range from USD 50 to USD 200, depending on the complexity of the change.
Some promotional or low-cost tickets may have stricter rules or may not be eligible for any name changes at all.
Philippine Airlines Name Change Policy for Domestic vs. International Flights
Domestic Flights:
- Name corrections are typically more flexible and cost-effective.
- Minor spelling errors can often be fixed by contacting the hotline or PAL office.
International Flights:
- Name changes must strictly follow passport details.
- Legal documents are often required for even small adjustments.
- Fees may be higher due to international regulations and tax implications.
Can You Change a Name Online?
Currently, the Philippine Airline change name feature is not fully supported online for all changes. While you may manage other aspects of your booking digitally (like seat selection or meals), name changes — especially for anything beyond minor typos — require direct contact with PAL staff.
That said, you can start the process online by:
- Visiting the “Manage Booking” section
- Reviewing your ticket details
- Initiating a support request for corrections
Helpful Tips Before Booking to Avoid Name Issues
To prevent having to deal with a Philippine Airline change name issue, follow these best practices:
- Double-Check Your Booking Details: Always match your name to your ID before hitting confirm.
- Use Full Legal Names: Avoid nicknames or initials unless they exactly match your travel ID.
- Book Early: Booking early gives you more time to fix any errors before your travel date.
- Save All Documents: Keep a copy of your booking confirmation and ID for reference.
- Use the Same Name Format: Use the same name order and spelling as your passport or ID.
Philippine Airlines Customer Support Contact
For personalized assistance with a Philippine Airline change name, reach out to their customer care team:
- Visit Official Website
- Ticketing Offices: Visit the nearest PAL city office
- Call Center: Available for both domestic and international travelers
- Social Media: Philippine Airlines is responsive via Facebook and Twitter
Common FAQs on Philippine Airline Change Name
Q1. Can I change my last name after getting married?
Yes, submit your marriage certificate and request a name update through customer support.
Q2. What if I made a typo in my middle name?
Minor spelling errors can usually be corrected easily, often with a copy of your ID.
Q3. How long does it take to process a name change?
Simple corrections may be done within 24–48 hours. Legal changes can take longer.
Q4. Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
No, Philippine Airlines does not allow ticket transfers. The name change must apply to the same passenger.
Final Thoughts
Handling a name correction might seem stressful, but the Philippine Airline change name policy is built to accommodate genuine errors and legal updates. By understanding the rules, preparing the right documents, and contacting the right channels, you can ensure your journey goes smoothly without last-minute hassles.
Always double-check your details at the time of booking — and if you need to make changes, act early to avoid fees and complications.
