Singapore Name Change Policy: Excitement and anticipation are common when booking a flight, but it also calls for meticulous attention to detail, particularly when entering your name. Even a minor misspelling or incorrect salutation at check-in or security screening could lead to serious problems. Airlines have to comply with strict international security regulations, which require that the name on your ticket exactly match the name on your passport or other identification document.
Fortunately, Singapore Airlines has a clearly defined procedure to help passengers who need to change or correct their names. Singapore Airlines provides step-by-step guidelines to make the process convenient and hassle-free, whether you are dealing with a small typo, a formal title correction, or a legal name change precipitated by marriage, divorce, or other reasons.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the Singapore Airlines Name Change Policy step by step. You’ll learn what types of name changes are authorized, how to make them step by step, what the cost is, and the answers to commonly asked questions by tourists.
Overview of Singapore Airlines Name Change Policy
Singapore Airlines does permit some name corrections on tickets in certain situations; however, one must know what constitutes a name correction versus a name change:
- Name correction involves making minor alterations to correct typographical or spelling mistakes. For instance, “Jonh” should be corrected to “John.”
- Name change is a legal alteration of your name that often occurs due to marriage, divorce, or court-mandated change.
- Be aware that full name changes are not allowed on Singapore Airlines. In other words, you cannot book a ticket in your name and then change it to another individual’s.
Typical Situations Accepted for Name Modifications
Corrections are generally allowed by Singapore Airlines in the following scenarios:
- Minor spelling errors (typically not more than three characters)
- Missing or incorrect salutations (e.g., Mr., Ms., Mrs.)
- Inaccurate or missing middle names
- First and last name entered in reverse order
- Legal changes of name supported by supporting records, for example, a marriage or divorce license
Scenarios Not Allowed:
The following are not allowed by the airline:
- Placing someone else’s name on a ticket
- Significant alterations without requisite legal documents
- Any name changes after use of part of the ticket
Furthermore, Singapore Airlines also reserves the right to decline any request for name change or alteration that does not comply with its regulations or appears questionable or fraudulent in nature. By being attentive to these rules in advance, smooth travel can be guaranteed, and unexpected issues can be sidestepped.
Terms & Conditions for Airlines Name Change/Correction
Singapore Airlines has established several essential terms and conditions to manage name changes and corrections properly. You can avoid delays, additional fees, and denied boarding by knowing these rules:
Tickets Are Non-Transferable
Singapore Airlines strictly prohibits transferring a ticket from one individual to another. After a reservation has been made, the ticket is non-transferable and valid only for the passenger whose name is on the reservation. The ticket can not be altered to sell or give it to someone else. This is to prevent fraud and maintain security. The airline will void the ticket without refund or exchange if you attempt to change the name to another’s.
Name Must Match Official ID
For international and domestic travel, the name on your ticket must be the same as the name on your passport or government-issued photo ID. This includes first and surname names, and, in some situations, middle names or initials. Any discrepancy—even one wrong letter—can lead to delays at check-in, immigration, or security screening. Singapore Airlines complies with international air regulations and security measures requiring identification. You can be denied boarding or arrested at the airport if the names differ.
Changes Must Be Requested Before Departure
If you find an error in your name or make a change to your legal name, you must warn Singapore Airlines before your trip commences—namely, before boarding your initial flight on your itinerary. Name corrections or changes are no longer possible once you’ve flown any part of your ticket. This Singapore name change policy ensures consistency throughout your journey and avoids discrepancies between your name and travel documents on onward flights or return journeys.
Official Documentation Might Be Needed
Singapore Airlines requires formal supporting documents for legal name changes through marriage, divorce, adoption, or court orders. This could be:
- Marriage certificate (to add or modify a last name after marriage)
- Divorce decree (returning to a maiden name or changing your surname)
- Government-issued certificate or affidavit of name change
- Passport or ID card with a new name.
These documents verify the validity of the name change and protect both the passenger and airline from identity issues.
Fare rules still apply
Each airline ticket is sold with specific fare terms that outline what changes are allowed and what charges can be incurred. Whether you’re making a small change or insisting on a legal name alteration, the level of flexibility of your ticket class (e.g., Economy Saver vs. Economy Flexi) will determine whether the alteration is possible, and if an extra fee is needed. A few types of fares will allow small changes for no cost, and others will involve administrative charges. Name alterations are not always allowed, especially in heavily discounted fares.
Limited Online Correction Options
Even though Singapore Airlines offers some services online and on its mobile application, name changes are often not possible with online self-service functionalities. Except most name-related changes that need document verification or impact multiple parts of your name, all of them need to be done by:
- Making a call to Singapore Airlines’ customer support.
- Go to a Singapore Airlines ticketing office.
- Contact the travel agency or third-party site on which the ticket was purchased.
This is done to confirm that all changes are well vetted and recorded, reducing the risk of fraud or mistakes.
How to request for Singapore Airlines Name Change on a Ticket?
Contact Singapore Airlines Directly:-
If you have reserved your flight via Singapore Airlines’ website, mobile application, or customer service center, please get in touch with the airline immediately.
Do this:
Call customer care or visit the nearest Singapore Airlines ticketing office. The airline’s official website provides contact numbers and offices.
Be ready with your information:
- Booking Reference (PNR)
- E-ticket number
- Full name as input.
- Correct name as it is displayed on your passport or ID
Support with documents in case your name change is legal in nature. Examples are:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Affidavit of legal name change
- Government-issued identification or a new passport.
After your request is checked and approved, Singapore Airlines will make the correction. Depending on the nature of the correction, they can also replace your ticket with the corrected name information.
If Booked through a Travel Agency or Third-Party Website
- Singapore Airlines is not able to make changes if booked with third parties.
In such a scenario:
- Reach out to your travel agency or the third-party booking site.
- Ask for the correction to be made through them.
- They might negotiate with the airline to make the change, subject to fare rules.
At the Airport (Only in Emergency Situations)
- If you have already reached the airport and spot a name mistake:
- Proceed to the Singapore Airlines check-in desk.
- If it’s a minor problem (e.g., one letter off), they can assist with rectifying it.
- However, this is not always guaranteed and is subject to local regulations and the type of ticket.
Documents You Might Need
- A photocopy or scanned copy of your passport or ID.
- A legal certificate (marriage/divorce/name change) is required if an update of the legal name is required.
- The original ticket or e-ticket receipt email.
Singapore Airlines Name Change Fee
As per the Singapore Name change policy, The fee for changing a name varies with the circumstances, such as the time of the change, the type of change needed, and the destination. Small spelling corrections of three characters or less are normally free if done within 24 hours of initial booking; after this, costs are between $50 and $100. Corrections to salutations such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” are generally at no cost.
To add or remove a middle name might be $50 to $75. Legal name changes for matters like marriage or divorce supported by documentary evidence might cost between $75 to $150, with a considerable variation in other cases. In case of correction, you might need to reissue the ticket with a new Passenger Name Record (PNR) and pay the fare difference along with the rebooking charge. Late changes at the airport attract charges and may not always be available, depending on the situation.
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines has a strict name change policy of matching the name on your ticket with your passport or government ID, but also practices reasonable leeway for honest errors. If you made a small typo while you were booking, or even underwent a legal name change, the airline offers easy procedures to help you get the issue sorted out. To prevent trouble, always double-check your name’s spelling before you confirm the reservation.
If you find a problem, move fast—preferably within 24 hours—to minimize or avoid fines. For lawful name changes, ensure you have all the necessary supporting documents, e.g., a marriage certificate or court order. First and foremost, reach out to the appropriate support channel, either Singapore Airlines or the travel agency you booked your trip with. Knowing and following such rules will guarantee a hassle-free experience and enable you to have your fun.
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FAQs
Q. Can I transfer my Singapore Airlines ticket to someone else?
Ans:- No. Singapore Airlines does not facilitate ticket transfers to other people. All tickets are non-transferable and are solely for the use of the original traveler.
Q. What if I only misspelled one letter in my name?
Ans:- A single-character typo can generally be fixed free of charge if you move quickly, preferably within 24 hours of making a booking. Call Singapore Airlines right away.
Q. Can I update my name if I got married or divorced after booking?
Ans:- Yes. If your name has changed as a result of marriage, divorce, or a court order, you can apply for a name change by providing adequate legal proof.
Q. Will I have to cancel and rebook my ticket for a name change?
Ans:- Not always. For most situations, Singapore Airlines can change your ticket by reissuing it using existing or fresh PNR. Fare adjustments might, however, apply.
Q. Is there a deadline for name correction?
Ans:- Yes. Name change should be requested prior to your first flight segment leaving. After your journey has commenced, changes are not allowed.
