Booking a flight ticket seems simple enough, but even a small spelling mistake in your name can cause major problems at check-in or during boarding. Airlines are strict when it comes to passenger identification, and the name on your ticket must exactly match the one on your passport or government-issued ID. If you’ve made a typo or entered the wrong details, understanding the Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy can help you correct it before your trip.
Lufthansa provides passengers with a clear process for correcting name errors, though the airline makes a distinction between name corrections and name changes. This article explains what you can and cannot do under the Lufthansa policy, how to make corrections, and what documents you may need to submit.
Importance of Correct Name Details on Lufthansa Tickets
When you book a flight with Lufthansa, your ticket information is transmitted to multiple systems—security, immigration, and other travel databases. For this reason, the name on your ticket must match your identification exactly. Even a single-letter mismatch can lead to boarding denial or delays at the airport.
To prevent such issues, Lufthansa allows passengers to make limited name corrections when the intent is to fix an error rather than transfer the ticket to another person. The policy ensures compliance with international security regulations while providing flexibility for genuine mistakes.
Understanding Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy
The Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy differentiates between name corrections (for typos and minor mistakes) and name changes (transferring a ticket to someone else). Here’s the key difference:
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Name Correction: A minor adjustment to the existing passenger’s name due to spelling mistakes, missing letters, or reversed names.
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Name Change: A complete change of ownership or transfer of the ticket to a new traveler, which Lufthansa strictly prohibits.
Under Lufthansa’s policy, only name corrections are allowed. The airline’s goal is to ensure that the ticket holder remains the same person as originally booked, even if minor details need to be fixed.
Types of Name Corrections Allowed
Lufthansa allows different types of corrections depending on the nature and extent of the error. These typically include:
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Spelling Errors: Fixing simple mistakes such as “Jonh” to “John” or “Smiht” to “Smith.”
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Name Order Errors: If first and last names are swapped during booking, they can be corrected to match the passport.
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Missing Middle Name or Initials: You can add or correct a middle name if it’s missing or entered incorrectly, as long as the identity remains the same.
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Legal Name Change: If you have legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, Lufthansa allows you to update your ticket accordingly by providing legal documentation.
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Minor Typographical Mistakes: Any small typo that does not alter the identity of the passenger.
These corrections are usually permitted once per ticket and must be completed before the first flight segment is used.
Restrictions Under the Lufthansa Name Correction Policy
While Lufthansa provides flexibility for genuine mistakes, there are clear boundaries on what is and isn’t allowed:
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You cannot transfer your ticket to another person under any circumstance.
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Full name changes are not permitted unless supported by official documentation (for example, in case of marriage or legal name change).
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Corrections must be completed before check-in; last-minute requests at the airport may not be processed.
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If your itinerary includes partner airlines (codeshare or interline flights), the correction may be restricted by the partner carrier’s rules.
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Some promotional or discounted fares may not qualify for any name correction.
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Lufthansa may charge a service fee depending on the correction type and booking channel.
Understanding these restrictions helps travelers avoid costly surprises later.
Name Corrections Due to Marriage or Divorce
If you’ve changed your last name due to marriage or divorce and your ticket reflects your old name, Lufthansa allows you to correct it after submitting valid proof. You must provide official documents such as:
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Marriage certificate or divorce decree
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Updated passport or government ID showing the new name
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Original booking details and ticket number
The airline will review the documents, and once approved, your name will be corrected to match your legal identification. In such cases, Lufthansa typically waives penalties since the change is legally mandated.
How to Request a Name Correction on Lufthansa Tickets
Here is the step-by-step process to correct your name on a Lufthansa ticket:
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Review Your Ticket Immediately: As soon as you receive your booking confirmation, check every letter of your name. The sooner you spot an error, the easier it is to correct.
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Determine the Type of Correction: Identify whether it’s a minor typo, a name order issue, or a legal name change.
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Prepare Supporting Documents: Have your passport, ID, or legal name change documents ready for verification.
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Contact Lufthansa Customer Service:
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If you booked directly through Lufthansa (online or via their app), contact their reservation department or visit the “Manage Booking” section on their website.
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If you booked through a travel agent or a third-party website, you must request the correction through them, as Lufthansa will only modify tickets issued by its own system.
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Submit the Request: Provide your booking reference, ticket number, and copies of supporting identification documents.
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Pay Any Applicable Fees: Depending on your fare type and booking class, there may be a service charge for reissuing your ticket.
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Receive the Updated Ticket: Once processed, Lufthansa will issue a new e-ticket reflecting the corrected name. Make sure to verify that all details are now accurate.
Fees and Processing Time
The cost of name corrections varies depending on the type of change and where you booked your ticket. Minor spelling corrections are often free if done shortly after booking. However, if the correction requires ticket reissuance, Lufthansa may charge a service fee—usually between $50 and $150.
Processing times can range from a few hours to a few days, depending on how you submit your request and whether additional verification is needed. For international flights or legal name changes, allow extra time for processing.
Special Considerations for Partner Airlines
If your Lufthansa itinerary includes flights operated by partner airlines under codeshare agreements, additional conditions may apply. For example, Lufthansa may be able to correct the name on its own segments but might not be authorized to do so for another carrier’s flights. In that case, the correction request must be approved by the partner airline.
Therefore, when booking connecting flights involving multiple airlines, it’s especially important to double-check passenger information before confirming your ticket.
Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Lufthansa Bookings
Preventing mistakes is always easier than fixing them later. Follow these simple steps when booking your Lufthansa flight:
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Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
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Double-check spellings before making payment.
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Include middle names only if they appear on your ID.
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Avoid using nicknames, abbreviations, or initials.
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For group bookings, verify every passenger’s details before ticketing.
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Save a copy of your booking confirmation and ID for quick verification if needed.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Airlines have strict ticketing systems connected to global travel databases. Once a ticket is issued, even minor changes require revalidation or reissue. Acting quickly after booking ensures your correction is processed without extra costs or delays. Waiting too long, especially close to your departure date, may result in additional fees or the need to cancel and rebook the ticket.
Conclusion
The Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy offers passengers a reasonable way to correct name errors, provided the request is genuine and submitted before travel. While full name transfers are not allowed, small spelling corrections and legal name updates are generally accepted. Acting promptly, providing proper documentation, and ensuring accuracy from the start can save travelers unnecessary hassle.
If you booked through a travel agency or online portal, you can also reach out to their support team for assistance with Lufthansa ticket name corrections. Always review your ticket information as soon as it’s issued to ensure smooth and worry-free travel
