Travel planning often seems straightforward: you pick your destination, choose your flights, and secure your ticket. But what happens if, after booking, you realize the name on the ticket is not correct or worse, that someone else needs to take your place? This is a common question among travelers who fly with LATAM Airlines, one of the largest carriers in Latin America.
The issue of passenger names on flight tickets is more complex than it might appear. While it might seem harmless to swap one name for another, airlines view tickets as personal, non-transferable contracts tied directly to the traveler. This means most carriers, including LATAM Airlines, enforce strict rules about name changes and transfers.
This article provides an in-depth look at LATAM Airlines’ policies on ticket name changes and transfers. We will explore why airlines take such a strict approach, what limited corrections are allowed, the implications for passengers, and strategies to avoid complications.
Why Passenger Names on Tickets Must Match Identification
Airlines do not treat names on tickets as flexible details. They must exactly match the traveler’s government-issued identification—whether a passport for international travel or a national ID for domestic flights.
There are several reasons behind this:
- Security regulations
Aviation authorities require airlines to collect accurate passenger data before flights. This information is shared with immigration and security agencies. Any mismatch between the name on the ticket and the traveler’s ID can raise red flags. - Fraud prevention
Allowing name transfers would create opportunities for ticket reselling. For example, someone could buy discounted tickets in bulk and resell them at higher prices. To protect fare integrity, airlines insist tickets remain with the original passenger. - Operational consistency
Airline systems, baggage tags, boarding passes, and loyalty program records all rely on the correct passenger name. Incorrect information creates disruptions across the system. - Immigration and border control
Immigration officers check that the boarding pass matches the travel document. If a name is wrong, the traveler could be denied entry or boarding.
Because of these factors, LATAM Airlines—like most international carriers—adopts a strict stance on ticket names.
LATAM Airlines’ General Policy on Name Changes
The key point to understand is that LATAM Airlines does not allow ticket name transfers. Once a ticket is issued in a passenger’s name, it is non-transferable. You cannot simply switch the ticket to another person.
However, LATAM does allow limited name corrections. These corrections are designed to fix typographical errors or minor discrepancies, not to replace one traveler with another. The distinction between a correction and a transfer is crucial.
What Is Considered a Name Correction?
A name correction means adjusting the name on a ticket so that it matches the passenger’s official identification. Examples include:
- Correcting a misspelled first or last name (for example, “Jonh” to “John”).
- Fixing swapped first and last names (such as “Smith John” to “John Smith”).
- Adding or adjusting middle names or initials if required.
- Correcting missing accents or diacritical marks, particularly for Spanish and Portuguese names.
In all these cases, the goal is to ensure the ticket reflects the same person already booked, not to replace them with another traveler.
What Is Considered a Name Change or Transfer?
A name change or transfer occurs when you attempt to substitute one passenger with another. Examples include:
- Changing “Maria Gonzalez” to “Carlos Lopez.”
- Trying to give your ticket to a friend or family member.
- Rebooking under a completely different name because the original passenger cannot travel.
LATAM Airlines does not permit these kinds of changes. If the original passenger cannot travel, the ticket is forfeited, and a new booking must be made for the replacement traveler.
Fees for Name Corrections
While LATAM Airlines does not allow outright name changes or transfers, name corrections are possible but may involve a fee. The amount depends on several factors:
- Timing of the request
- Corrections requested soon after booking may be processed with minimal or no charge.
- Last-minute corrections, especially at the airport, are more complicated and may incur higher fees.
- Route type
- Domestic flights within Latin America may carry lower correction fees.
- International flights often involve higher administrative costs due to coordination with immigration records.
- Fare type
- Basic economy or promotional fares tend to be more restrictive, with stricter conditions and higher charges.
- More flexible fare classes may allow limited corrections at reduced cost.
- Sales channel
- Tickets booked directly on LATAM’s website or mobile app are easier and often cheaper to correct.
- Tickets purchased through travel agencies or third-party websites may require additional processing fees.
How to Request a Name Correction with LATAM Airlines
Step 1: Review Your Ticket Immediately
After booking, check your confirmation email and e-ticket for accuracy. Early detection of errors makes the correction process simpler.
Step 2: Access Manage Your Booking
Use the LATAM Airlines website or mobile app to log in with your reservation code. Some minor corrections may be available online, though many require contacting customer service.
Step 3: Contact Customer Service
Call LATAM’s customer support center or visit an airport counter. Provide your booking reference, flight details, and the correct spelling of your name.
Step 4: Provide Identification
Be prepared to show your passport or ID to verify the correct name. For legal name changes, you may also need to submit supporting documents like a marriage certificate.
Step 5: Pay Applicable Fees
If a correction fee applies, complete payment as instructed by LATAM.
Step 6: Confirm the Updated Ticket
After the correction, LATAM will reissue your e-ticket. Double-check that the name now matches your ID exactly.
Documentation Requirements
To ensure the correction process runs smoothly, you may need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID).
- Proof of a legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Original booking confirmation or e-ticket details.
Scenarios Where Corrections May Not Be Accepted
While LATAM does allow certain corrections, some situations fall outside its policy:
- Attempting to change the ticket to a completely different person.
- Requesting corrections after the first flight segment has already been flown.
- Making excessive or multiple corrections that suggest a transfer rather than a typo.
- Using nicknames or informal names instead of legal ones.
In these cases, the only option is to purchase a new ticket.
Practical Tips to Avoid Issues
- Always book using your passport
Keep your passport nearby while booking to avoid spelling mistakes. - Double-check before payment
Carefully review all details before finalizing your booking. - Act quickly if you spot an error
The sooner you contact LATAM, the easier and cheaper it is to fix. - Avoid third-party agencies when possible
Booking directly with LATAM simplifies corrections and may save you additional fees. - Keep supporting documents ready
If your name recently changed, travel with both your ID and the legal documents supporting the change.
Common Questions from Passengers
Can I give my LATAM ticket to a friend or relative?
No, LATAM tickets are non-transferable. The original passenger must use the ticket.
Does LATAM allow free corrections for small typos?
Sometimes. Minor spelling errors caught immediately after booking may be corrected at no charge, depending on circumstances.
What if I only need to add my middle name?
LATAM usually allows this as long as the first and last names match your ID.
Can I fix my name at the airport?
It is possible but not recommended. Airport corrections are costly and risky if time is short.
What if I recently got married and changed my last name?
You can request a correction by providing your marriage certificate and updated identification.
Real-Life Examples
- Simple Typo
Carlos booked a ticket for his wife but accidentally typed “Anamaria” instead of “Ana Maria.” He noticed the mistake the same day and contacted LATAM. With proof of her ID, the correction was made for a small fee. - Legal Name Change
Laura recently married and changed her surname. She booked a ticket using her old name but then updated her passport. By submitting her marriage certificate and new passport, she was able to correct her ticket. - Attempted Transfer
Jorge could not travel and wanted to give his ticket to his brother. LATAM refused because tickets are non-transferable. Jorge had to cancel his flight under the fare rules and his brother purchased a separate ticket.
Why LATAM Airlines Maintains a Strict Policy
Passengers sometimes feel frustrated by the no-transfer rule, but from the airline’s perspective, it serves critical purposes:
- Protecting fare integrity: Prevents ticket reselling and black-market trading.
- Ensuring safety: Guarantees that the passenger list reported to authorities is accurate.
- Simplifying operations: Reduces errors in baggage handling, check-in, and boarding.
Conclusion
So, does LATAM Airlines allow ticket name change or transfer? The answer depends on how you define the request:
- Name transfers—giving your ticket to someone else—are strictly prohibited. LATAM tickets are non-transferable and must be used by the original passenger.
- Name corrections—fixing minor typos, adjusting spelling, or updating details to match legal identification—are permitted, usually with an administrative fee.
The best strategy is prevention. Double-check your name at booking, act immediately if you notice an error, and always book using your legal identification. While corrections are possible, transfers are not, making accuracy essential from the start.
