When making a reservation for a flight, correct passenger data is necessary, and more specifically, the full name that is listed on the ticket. Unfortunately, errors may occur while inputting the first name or surname, and sometimes some passengers find themselves in a situation where they have to modify their personal data following a change of name. In case you are planning to fly with LATAM Airlines and found an error in your name, it may be useful for you to find out more about LATAM airlines name Change policies.

Name corrections at LATAM Airlines are allowed for eligible passengers in specific cases, depending on the kind of correction, the operating airline and the place of purchase of the ticket. Certain kinds of spelling mistakes may be modified under certain circumstances, while legal name changes will require additional documentation. Asking for replacing the original passenger with another one is not a case of correcting a spelling mistake and is not allowed with regular tickets.

Below is explained how to correct a name on a LATAM ticket and what should be done in order to avoid booking mistakes.

1. Understand the LATAM Airlines Name Change Policy

Before making the request for a change, you will need to find out whether your case falls into one of these three categories: correction, legal name change, or transferring the ticket to another passenger.

Based on the official information provided by LATAM, minor mistakes in the first or last name may be corrected for free once when the flight is fully operated by LATAM. This includes changing up to three letter spellings or reversing the order of first name and surname. At the same time, the flight and the cabin should stay the same.

The name change for the legal reason should be made with documents proving that. If the ticket was bought at a travel agency, LATAM recommends contacting the agency.

Study the official policy before making your request since there may be other terms regarding certain tickets.

2. Identify the Type of Name Correction You Need

The action you need to take will depend on the reason why your ticket name was incorrect.
Incorrect spelling of your name: If you happen to input the wrong letter in your name, then check with LATAM if this is also an error that can be corrected.

Interchange of the first name and last name: Check with the airline if there are ways to correct the booking if this was the problem in your name.

Your name was changed because of your marriage, divorce or for some other reason: If this was the reason for changing your name, then you need verification.

Unknowingly book with an incomplete or added part to the legal name: Contact LATAM if your ticket is affected by either of these name issues. And no, this is not a spelling correction.
This is not the same as where you spell your name wrong. We generally can’t transfer tickets but there may be some exceptions based on local laws.

3. Contact LATAM Airlines to Request a Correction

Contacting the airline via an official customer support service channel is one of the most significant actions that have to be performed. The LATAM instructions advise passengers needing a change of their name to get in touch with the Contact Center of LATAM.

The procedure goes as follows:

Go to the LATAM Airlines official website.

Navigate to the Help Center and click the part that deals with ticket changes and passenger name changes. Choose the right Contact Center or customer support department.

Say the name on the ticket as well as the name that needs to be written on it based on ID proof of that person. Let the representative know your reservation code, then give him or her the extra information he or she requests. If needed, send the required documents. Check whether the change has been done or not. Check whether to have the ticket re printed or not.

4. Prepare the Required Document

Documents depend on the type of correction that you make. For a minor mistake, it is unlikely that LATAM would ask for any additional document in each qualifying case. In case of changing legal names, LATAM will normally ask for some documents to verify the passenger’s legal name.

Prepare depending on your case:

Flight ticket or booking confirmation.

LATAM reservation code.

Travel identification such as passport.

Marriage certificate or divorce paper in support of changing legal names.

Other documents that LATAM might ask for.

Submit your sensitive documents through LATAM channels.

5. Can You Change Your Name on a LATAM Ticket for Free?

Certain name corrections can be done at no extra cost. According to the rules issued by LATAM, eligible name corrections can be made one time without charge, provided the entire journey is carried out by LATAM, and there is no change in the flight, date, and cabin.

Nevertheless, this does not imply that all types of name corrections can be done for free. Conditions may vary in case of a legal name correction, a code-share itinerary, other airlines’ flights, or if tickets were bought from travel agents.

In order to be sure that a name correction falls under LATAM’s free correction policy, it is recommended to contact LATAM and find out whether there will be any service or reissue costs.

6. What If You Booked Through a Travel Agency?

In case you bought your LATAM ticket through an online travel agency, a traditional travel agency, or any other ticket seller, the procedure could be different.

In case you bought your ticket through a travel agency, the procedure for changing names is recommended by LATAM to be done through your travel agency.

This way, you will be able to get help from the travel agency in checking your reservation and identifying the ticket conditions.

In case your trip includes any flight that is operated by any other airline, then the procedure should be coordinated between all flights.

7. Can You Change the Passenger Name to Someone Else?

Sometimes travelers wish to make changes in the ticket in order to have a new ticket due to the impossibility for the original passenger to travel anymore. This is unlike making changes in case of typos or legal name corrections.

The regular LATAM ticket should not automatically be considered as being transferable to a new traveler. LATAM does have some specific exceptions to ticket transfers for certain domestic routes in Chile and Peru.

For instance, according to the LATAM guidelines, any eligible transfer for such domestic routes needs to be made at least 24 hours prior to departure and additional requirements may apply, especially in cases of repeat transfers.

8. What Should You Do if Your Flight Is Approaching?

If the mistake in the name is detected several days prior to departure, it is recommended to contact LATAM immediately. Please take into consideration that you shouldn’t postpone the process of changing your name till you arrive at the airport, especially if it concerns an international trip and/or there will be a connecting flight of another company.

Please describe the situation and ask if it is possible to change the name before the flight. The company will process your ticket, documents, and decide if the new ticket should be issued.

Do not make a new booking for the flight before receiving advice from the airline, as it may be unnecessary in case it can be done through another method.

9. Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Future Booking

There are a few basic safety measures that would prevent any issues regarding the passenger name.

Fill in the name according to the airline’s requirements.

It will be wise to double check your first name and last name before ordering the service.

After booking your trip, make sure you go through your reservation confirmation email.

Make sure that the information about all the passengers in your family is correctly put when booking.

In case of any error, report it immediately to the airline.

It is extremely important for you to keep a copy of your ticket and confirmation number.

Conclusion

Updating the passenger name on a LATAM flight ticket will vary according to the cause of the correction as well as any specific conditions for doing so. Minor errors can be changed one time free of charge if the flight is completely operated by LATAM.

Proof is required for changes in legal names, and if the tickets are purchased through an agent, they can be updated using the same agent. The most suitable solution will be to locate the policy of LATAM concerning name changes and contact the correct source. Taking action in advance will ensure nothing will go wrong at the check-in counter.

Official source: Read the Passenger Name Change and Correction Policy of LATAM.