Can I Change My Name On the Ethiopian Airlines Flight?

Thousands of passengers are forced to correct their names on plane tickets annually. From bride and grooms updating their last names after marriage to passengers discovering spelling errors in their bookings, name corrections are a common part of air travel. Understanding the correct procedures and timing for correcting names is essential since mistakes can lead to denied boarding or serious travel issues. 

Whether the alteration is due to a new marriage, keyboard errors when booking, or missing name entries, being ready with the proper information and documentation can turn a potentially stressful experience into an acceptable process.

One of the best airlines in Africa – Ethiopian Airlines is quite a name. So, if you have booked a reservation with Ethiopian Airlines and need to change names, here is what you must keep in mind. Let us take a look at Ethiopian Airlines’ name change policy. 

Does Ethiopian Airlines Allow Name Changes? 

Ethiopian Airlines has a flexible name change policy and allows the same under certain circumstances. Let us look at some of the scenarios where Ethiopian Airlines allows name change.

1. You have misspelled your first, middle, or last name during booking and must amend the same. You can only change the order of the words or add a maximum of three letters, not more than that. 
2. A passenger has more than a single name. During the reservation, just one name had been added. Ethiopian Airlines makes provision for including the second name.
3. Ethiopian Airlines also allows amendment of titles from Mr. to Mrs, Ms. to Mrs, etc. 
4. Name changes in case of marriage or divorce are allowed. For example, you booked your reservation under your maiden name, but wish to change it to your husband’s family name as you got married. 

When Does Ethiopian Airlines Not Allow A Name Change?

There are certain situations when name changes aren’t allowed by Ethiopian Airlines. Here they go: 

• You cannot change or transfer a name from one ticket to the other. In such cases, you have to cancel the previous ticket and book afresh. 
• If you have purchased your ticket from any travel agency, then too you cannot change your name. 

How to Change Your Name on Your Ethiopian Airlines Reservation?

You can initiate a name change request by visiting Ethiopian Airlines’ official website and filling out the form. 

Enter your ticket number which starts with 07121. It is thirteen characters long. You must even enter your email address. Then, upload a copy of your marriage certificate or passport for proof of your actual name. You will have to upload it by clicking on the Choose File tab. 

Your form will be reviewed and an Ethiopian Airlines representative will connect to you shortly. 

If you have concerns with filling out the form, you must get in touch with Ethiopian Airlines customer service. 

Does Ethiopian Airlines Charge For Changing Your Name?

Name change isn’t free of cost with Ethiopian Airlines. They will charge you a service fee of USD 50.00 for initiating a name change. 

Important Guidelines for Adding A Passenger Name to Your Ethiopian Airlines Reservation

Here are some things to make note of while entering your name during reserving your Ethiopian Airlines ticket. 

1. Your surname must be entered in the field for your last name. Your first and middle name should be entered in the field for your first name.
2. Your first name should be no longer than 29 characters. The same goes for your last name. This limit includes spaces as well. 
3. Adding first and last names is mandatory if booking online. So they can’t be left blank. When you don’t have a first name type “FNU” in the field for the first name. If your last name doesn’t exceed then enter “LNU” in the last name field. 
4. If a passenger has a single-lettered last name, enter it twice in the last name field. 
5. Middle names must be neutered in the field for the first name just as it appears on your passport. 
6. If your first or last name has special characters you must omit them when entering your name. 

Conclusion

Handling airline name change policies with Ethiopian Airlines should not be cumbersome. While the policies are rigid, they are imposed for security purposes but provide reasonable amounts of flexibility for actual needs. Provided that you know what is needed, have supporting documents ready, and request early on, name changes can be handled efficiently. Remember that the key to successful travel is being detail-oriented in the initial booking process and acting quickly when changes are required. Having this knowledge at your fingertips, you can meet any name changes with ease and confidence.

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