Lufthansa Name Change Policy: A Complete Guide
Travel plans can change in an instant, and sometimes, even small errors like a misspelled name on your flight ticket can cause big headaches. Fortunately, airlines like Lufthansa understand this and provide passengers with options to correct such issues. If you’ve booked a flight and realized the name isn’t quite right, here’s everything you need to know about the Lufthansa name change policy.
Why Name Accuracy Matters
Before we dive into the specifics of the Lufthansa name change policy, it's important to understand why it matters so much. Airlines and security agencies require that the name on your ticket exactly matches the name on your travel documents (like your passport or national ID). Even a single-letter mistake can prevent you from boarding your flight or passing through airport security.
Lufthansa takes this seriously, but also provides reasonable solutions when errors are made during booking.
Lufthansa Name Change Policy Overview
Lufthansa allows passengers to request name corrections and, in some cases, name changes under specific terms and conditions. The policy differs depending on the type of change needed and the fare conditions of the ticket purchased.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of changes allowed:
1. Minor Name Corrections
If your name is spelled incorrectly due to a typo, Lufthansa typically allows minor corrections. These include:
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Misspelled first or last names (e.g., “Jon” instead of “John”)
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Switching two letters (e.g., “Smiht” instead of “Smith”)
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Adding/removing middle names or initials (if not required by your destination)
These kinds of errors can often be corrected without much hassle, especially if reported within 24 hours of booking. In many cases, minor corrections are free or involve a small administrative fee.
2. Major Name Changes
Lufthansa usually does not permit complete name changes that imply a different passenger will be flying. If you’re trying to transfer your ticket to another person, that is generally not allowed under most fare types.
However, exceptions might apply:
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Legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) can be accommodated with supporting documentation.
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Corporate bookings or group tickets might have different rules allowing limited name changes under specific contracts.
It’s important to contact Lufthansa or the travel agency you booked through to discuss the specifics.
How to Request a Name Change on Lufthansa
If you realize you’ve made an error and need to request a Lufthansa name change, here are the steps to follow:
1. Act Quickly
The sooner you notice the error, the easier and cheaper it is to fix. Ideally, review your confirmation email immediately after booking and double-check all passenger details.
2. Contact Customer Service
You can reach Lufthansa’s customer service directly through:
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The official Lufthansa website
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Lufthansa mobile app
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Phone support or email
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Your travel agent, if the booking was made through one
3. Provide Required Documents
For corrections or legal name changes, Lufthansa may ask for:
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A copy of your passport or ID
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Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change document (if applicable)
4. Pay Any Applicable Fees
Depending on your ticket type and the nature of the correction, you may be charged a service fee. The fee varies depending on the fare class, route, and time of the request.
Lufthansa Name Change Fees
While Lufthansa name change fees vary, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
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Minor corrections within 24 hours: Often free
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After 24 hours: €25–€100 service fee (depending on ticket type)
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Legal name changes: May involve document verification and an administrative fee
Please note that fare differences may also apply if the change requires reissuing the ticket.
Tips to Avoid Name Change Issues
To avoid needing a Lufthansa name change, keep these tips in mind when booking:
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Always double-check spelling before finalizing your booking
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Use the exact name as it appears on your passport
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Avoid nicknames or abbreviated forms of your name
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Be extra careful when booking for others, especially in group travel
Final Thoughts
Mistakes happen, and Lufthansa’s name change policy provides a practical and fair way to handle them. Whether it's a simple typo or a legal name change, Lufthansa offers solutions to ensure your travel plans go smoothly. However, the best approach is to always check your ticket details as soon as possible and act quickly if any errors are found.
If you need to request a Lufthansa name change, don’t delay—reach out to their customer support and get your ticket corrected before your travel date creeps up. It’s always better to handle these issues early than risk being denied boarding at the gate.
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