Qantas Airways has a name change policy that distinguishes between minor corrections and full name changes, with specific rules and conditions depending on the type of ticket and circumstances. Here’s a detailed overview based on the latest available information:
Minor Name Corrections: Qantas allows corrections for small errors in a passenger’s name, such as:
- Spelling mistakes or typos (up to 3 characters in the first or last name, e.g., "Jonh" to "John").
- Transposed names (e.g., "Jane Smith" to "Smith Jane").
- Adjustments due to legal changes like marriage or divorce, with supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree).
- These are permitted if the ticket is wholly unused and the traveler’s identity remains the same.
24-Hour Grace Period: Corrections within 24 hours of booking are typically free if made directly through qantas.com, provided the flight is more than 24 hours away. This applies to minor spelling fixes or "same day no mistake" changes (e.g., correcting a name before midnight on the booking day in your timezone).
Fees for Corrections: Beyond 24 hours, a name correction fee may apply:
- For domestic Australian flights, fees can start at AUD 99 (about USD 65), depending on the fare type.
- International flights or complex cases might incur higher fees (e.g., USD 60-100 or more), plus any fare difference if reissuing the ticket.
- No service fee applies for online corrections, but changes via phone or airport may add AUD 25-70 (varies by region).
Full Name Changes: Qantas generally does not allow transferring a ticket to another person (a full name change) for international flights or most fares. However:
- Domestic Retail and Corporate Fares: For specific Australian domestic tickets, a name change is permitted (e.g., using an unused ticket’s value as credit for a new traveler). A fee of AUD 99 applies, collected via an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD).
- The original ticket must be canceled, and a new booking created in the new name, matching or exceeding the original fare value.
- International tickets are non-transferable and require cancellation and rebooking if a different traveler is needed.
How to Request a Change:
Online: Use “Manage Booking” on qantas.com with your 6-character booking reference (e.g., X7K9P2) and last name. Minor corrections can often be made here if the ticket isn’t issued yet or meets fare rules.
Travel Agents: If booked via an agent, contact them directly, as Qantas can’t modify third-party bookings online.
Restrictions:
- Changes must be made before travel begins and typically at least 24 hours before departure (or 72 hours for some international flights).
- The name on the ticket must match the traveler’s government-issued ID (e.g., passport).
- For bookings with Jetstar or codeshare/interline partners, additional rules apply—contact Qantas or Jetstar Trade Support for mixed itineraries.
- Only one name correction is typically allowed per ticket; further changes may require cancellation.
