Booking flights often requires precision. From selecting the right dates and routes to ensuring that every personal detail is accurate, travelers must pay attention to every field. One of the most common mistakes passengers make when booking a flight is entering their name incorrectly. A single misplaced letter, a forgotten middle name, or a reversed surname can create significant stress at the airport. If you are flying with LATAM Airlines and realize that your ticket has a name error, it is crucial to know how to fix it promptly. This guide provides a comprehensive look at how to correct a misspelled name on a LATAM Airlines ticket, covering policies, procedures, fees, documentation, timing, and best practices.
Why Accurate Names Are So Important
Airlines and governments require that the name on your ticket matches the name on your official identification, such as a passport or national ID. This rule exists for several reasons:
- Security compliance: Aviation authorities mandate that airlines maintain accurate passenger records to prevent fraud and identity misuse.
- Immigration checks: Border officers compare boarding passes and tickets with passports. Even small discrepancies can trigger delays or denials.
- Operational efficiency: Airlines rely on precise passenger manifests. Errors create complications at every step, from check-in systems to boarding.
- Legal requirements: Incorrect names can violate international travel regulations, exposing the airline and passenger to issues at destination points.
For these reasons, airlines, including LATAM, treat name accuracy as a top priority. While small corrections may be allowed, significant changes are more restricted.
Name Correction vs. Name Change
Before diving into LATAM’s policy, it is important to distinguish between two terms:
- Name correction: A small adjustment to fix typographical errors or formatting issues without changing the identity of the traveler. Examples include correcting “Jonh” to “John,” swapping letters, or adding a missing accent mark.
- Name change: Replacing the passenger with a completely different person. For example, transferring a ticket from “Maria Lopez” to “Daniel Fernandez.” Airlines, including LATAM, generally prohibit full transfers because they effectively resell the ticket.
LATAM Airlines allows name corrections under specific conditions but does not permit full name changes or transfers.
LATAM Airlines Policy on Name Corrections
LATAM Airlines recognizes that mistakes happen. The airline has structured guidelines to help passengers correct minor errors while ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Permitted corrections: Minor typographical errors, swapped letters, accidental double entries, or missing middle names.
- Non-permitted changes: Completely replacing one traveler’s name with another, altering the primary passenger on the booking, or using nicknames instead of legal names.
- Timing restrictions: Corrections are usually allowed before travel begins. Once a passenger has already flown part of the itinerary, making changes to the name for remaining segments may not be possible.
- Documentation requirements: LATAM may request a valid passport or national ID to verify the correct spelling. In cases of legal name changes (such as marriage), official certificates must be provided.
- Channel restrictions: Some corrections can be made online through the “Manage Booking” section, but most require assistance through LATAM customer service or at ticket offices.
Steps to Correct a Misspelled Name on a LATAM Airlines Ticket
Correcting a misspelled name involves a systematic approach. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Review Your Ticket Immediately
As soon as you receive your e-ticket, compare the name on the booking with your passport. Look for any typos, missing letters, or incorrect sequence. Acting quickly gives you more options and minimizes fees.
Step 2: Check LATAM’s Website
Log into the LATAM Airlines website or mobile app and go to the “Manage Booking” section. Some small corrections, such as accents or character swaps, may be available online without direct assistance.
Step 3: Contact LATAM Customer Service
If you cannot resolve the issue online, call LATAM’s customer support center. Have your booking reference, ticket number, and correct name ready. Explain the error clearly and request a name correction.
Step 4: Provide Documentation
In most cases, LATAM will request a copy of your government-issued ID. For simple spelling mistakes, showing your passport is sufficient. For legal name changes, additional documents like marriage certificates may be required.
Step 5: Pay Applicable Fees
Depending on the severity of the correction and timing, LATAM may charge an administrative fee. The fee covers the reissuance of your ticket and system updates.
Step 6: Confirm Updated Ticket
Once the correction is made, LATAM will issue a revised ticket. Review it carefully to ensure the corrected name matches your identification exactly.
Step 7: Travel With Confidence
Bring your corrected e-ticket and your matching ID to the airport. Keep all documents handy to avoid last-minute issues.
Fees for Correcting a Misspelled Name on LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines typically charges a service fee for processing name corrections. The exact fee depends on several factors:
- Type of correction: Minor typographical adjustments may incur lower fees compared to significant changes.
- Booking channel: Tickets purchased directly from LATAM are easier to correct. If you booked through a third-party agency, you may need to pay both the airline’s fee and the agency’s service charge.
- Route type: Domestic corrections may have lower costs than international tickets.
- Timing: Early corrections are usually cheaper. Corrections requested close to departure, especially at the airport, often cost more.
Although LATAM does not advertise a fixed global fee, passengers should expect administrative charges. These fees reflect the reissuance of the ticket rather than a complete fare change.
Documentation Needed for Name Corrections
When correcting a misspelled name on LATAM, you will usually need:
- Passport or ID: To verify the correct spelling.
- Supporting legal documents: For name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court orders. These documents must match the government ID.
- Booking confirmation: Proof of the ticket that requires correction.
Providing accurate and complete documentation ensures faster processing.
Correcting Names on Different Ticket Types
Domestic Tickets
Domestic itineraries within Latin America may allow quicker corrections. Fees are generally lower, and minor spelling issues are easier to resolve.
International Tickets
International itineraries face stricter regulations due to immigration checks. LATAM is less flexible with corrections on international routes, and documentation becomes more critical.
Group Bookings
If the error exists in a group booking, corrections must be processed individually. Group coordinators should double-check all names before finalizing to avoid multiple correction fees.
Common Scenarios and Solutions
- Simple typo
- Example: “Martn” instead of “Martin.”
- Solution: Contact LATAM early. Likely processed with a modest fee.
- Swapped first and last names
- Example: “Gonzalez Maria” instead of “Maria Gonzalez.”
- Solution: Customer service can correct the order with ID verification.
- Missing middle name
- Example: Omitted “Juan” in “Carlos Juan Ramirez.”
- Solution: Usually accepted as a correction, depending on passport requirements.
- Legal name change
- Example: Marriage from “Laura Perez” to “Laura Torres.”
- Solution: Provide marriage certificate and passport. Processing may involve higher fees and longer wait times.
- Attempted transfer to another passenger
- Example: Changing “Daniel” to “Sofia.”
- Solution: Not permitted. The original ticket must be canceled and rebooked under the new name.
When Name Corrections Are Not Allowed
There are limits to what LATAM will accept:
- Completely different passengers: Tickets cannot be transferred to another person.
- Corrections after partial travel: Once part of the itinerary is flown, further changes may not be permitted.
- Excessive errors: If the correction changes the identity substantially, LATAM may require cancellation and rebooking.
Tips to Avoid Name Correction Hassles
- Use your passport when booking: Always enter your full legal name exactly as it appears.
- Double-check before payment: Review every field on the booking form before confirming.
- Check your email confirmation immediately: Detecting errors early reduces costs.
- Avoid nicknames: Always use legal names, not informal versions.
- Book directly with LATAM: Direct bookings make corrections easier and cheaper than third-party agents.
- Keep documents handy: Store digital copies of your passport and ID for quick reference.
Frequently Asked Questions About LATAM Name Corrections
Can LATAM waive the correction fee?
In some cases, particularly for small typos detected immediately after booking, LATAM may waive or reduce the fee. This depends on the circumstances and customer service discretion.
How long does it take to process a correction?
Minor corrections may be processed within hours. Legal name changes may take longer, depending on document verification.
Can I correct my name at the airport?
Yes, but it is not advisable. Fees are usually higher, and processing at the counter can delay your check-in process.
What if I do not correct the name?
You risk being denied boarding, facing issues with immigration, or needing to buy a new ticket at last-minute prices.
Final Thoughts
Correcting a misspelled name on a LATAM Airlines ticket is possible, but it requires attention to detail, timely action, and sometimes an administrative fee. LATAM permits minor corrections to ensure that your ticket matches your identification, but full transfers to another person are not allowed. The process generally involves contacting customer service, providing documentation, and paying a service fee. Acting early is the best way to minimize costs and avoid travel disruptions.
Travelers can prevent such problems by always booking with their passport in hand, double-checking every detail, and booking directly with LATAM whenever possible. If mistakes happen, do not panic—follow the proper steps, provide the right documents, and your corrected ticket will ensure a smooth journey.
