Question-name Change On Flight

[Lewisc]

Can somebody explain why an airline can't simply change a name (if ages are the same adult/adult, child/child)?
Thanks
Chris

They could, and if that's important to you select an airline and only book a fare that allows you to make that change for a fee you're willing to pay. Group fares aren't generally lower then conventionally booked fares but they allow for name changes.

Tickets are non-transferable. Airlines are offering a discounted fare to passengers who are willing to make plans in advance. Allowing for transferable tickets would lead to people booking tickets on spec and then re-selling them. Disney changed the CRT reservation system because some people were selling reservations on ebay.

 

[madge]

Can somebody explain why an airline can't simply change a name (if ages are the same adult/adult, child/child)?
Thanks
Chris

I believe that it might have something (although probably not all) to do with September 11. Pure speculation on my part, and I have no idea if the rule was around or enforced prior to then.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I believe that it might have something (although probably not all) to do with September 11. Pure speculation on my part, and I have no idea if the rule was around or enforced prior to then.

It seems kinda silly that they can't fix it in their computer.
Chris

 

[tiki23]

It seems kinda silly that they can't fix it in their computer.
Chris

They probably can fix it in their computer. The caveat is that they won't - if you bought an economy fare, as they are non-tranferable and non-refundable. If you want flexibility in your tickets, you have to pay the higher "rack rate" fares.

What the OP decides to do about the ticket is a personal decision but I think she ought to at least tell the parents of the child who had to cancel what the decision cost. Maybe they'll make it right.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

It seems kinda silly that they can't fix it in their computer.
Chris

Non-transferability is a security feature that benefits the passenger. You buy a non-refundable ticket to travel to MCO, for example, and the airline safeguards your seat from misappropriation by not allowing its transfer to another person.

 

[DebbieB]

At least SW will let you get a credit and reapply it to another ticket. When I bought a ticket for my niece about 4 years ago on USAir and she couldn't go, the value could only be applied to another ticket for her (no one else) minus a $100 change fee. We didn't go within a year of original purchase, so I just lost the money on that ticket (around $225 I think). Since then I only fly SW if I'm taking someone.

 

[salmoneous]

I believe that it might have something (although probably not all) to do with September 11.

It has nothing to do with September 11. It has everything to do with the fact that airlines make more money if they charge you to change a name than if they let you change a name for free.

This isn't anything new. Back when I was in college, people "stuck" with non-refundable tickets would often sell them. We actually had a board for this in the student-union. They didn't do ID checks back them, but the name had to be somewhat reasonable. People would list tickets as having a male name, female name or neutral name.

The ability to change names is a perk that corporations can negotiate with airlines. The folks I'm doing work for these days has a deal with one of the major airlines. They are the "preferred" carrier and get first crack at all travel. One of the perks is free name changes on tickets.

 

[CarolA]

This isn't anything new. Back when I was in college, people "stuck" with non-refundable tickets would often sell them. We actually had a board for this in the student-union. They didn't do ID checks back them, but the name had to be somewhat reasonable. People would list tickets as having a male name, female name or neutral name.

BINGO we have a winnner.

The airlines don't like this. It cuts into their revenue. Instead of me buying a $500 late booking ticket I could buy your "unused" $100 tickets!

 

[Lewisc]

An eraser and a red pen/pencil used to work wonders with name-changes.

Non-transferable tickets works out better for most of us. Would we like it if a travel agency bought up the very cheap tickets, at peak times, and then re-sold them on e-bay?

SW, currently, offers the best compromise. You can get a full credit for what you paid which you can use to book the best available fare.

It has nothing to do with September 11. It has everything to do with the fact that airlines make more money if they charge you to change a name than if they let you change a name for free.

This isn't anything new. Back when I was in college, people "stuck" with non-refundable tickets would often sell them. We actually had a board for this in the student-union. They didn't do ID checks back them, but the name had to be somewhat reasonable. People would list tickets as having a male name, female name or neutral name.

The ability to change names is a perk that corporations can negotiate with airlines. The folks I'm doing work for these days has a deal with one of the major airlines. They are the "preferred" carrier and get first crack at all travel. One of the perks is free name changes on tickets.