Sometimes we rush to buy tickets and don't pay attention to details. This can lead to occasional errors. What if we make a mistake in the first or last name? Or switch the birth month with the day? What should we do?

 How to avoid these situations, or if an error happens, how to correct it? We discuss it in this article.

Check your information

Many airlines, both local and foreign, require the first and last names to be in English. This means you should take the information from your foreign passport. It would be frustrating if you’re denied boarding over a couple of letters. Border officials in foreign countries consider “Majidov” and “Məcidov” as completely different last names. If your name is more complex than something like Anar Anarov, pay close attention to details.

If you're planning to fly domestically or to Turkey with an ID card, you must enter your name as it appears on the ID card.

We recommend checking the electronic ticket for those who, in their travel excitement, quickly bought the ticket and now fear they made a mistake. You can review the details again in the ticket sent to your email.

Correcting mistakes

There can be errors in letters, name and surname sequence, passport number, birth date, and even gender fields.

Airlines have different rules for changing ticket information. Some do it for free, others require an extra fee. Either way, check the "ticket changes" section on the airline's website to read the policies. Generally, the ability to make changes depends on the fare. The lower the fare, the fewer the privileges.

An airline may refuse a change without explanation. If you can’t find the information you need on the website, you can contact the carrier directly.

If a fee is required for the change, there are 3 options: online, at the airline's office, or at the airport (at least one hour before departure).

Airlines and rules

On the Azerbaijan Airlines and "Buta Airways" websites, there is a note: “You can contact our Call Center for assistance; our specialists can correct mistakes. However, please note that we cannot change a full first or last name, only spelling errors.””

In the “Manage Booking” section on Aeroflot's website, you can change your gender, passport number, and expiration date for free.

On the Utair website, you can also update your information online, but this service has a fee.

The Hungarian low-cost airline WizzAir allows online changes at least 3 hours before the flight. Minor spelling corrections are free, but for more than three letters, a fee of 46 euros applies. For more information, check here.

Changing a last name

If you want to change your full last name on the ticket for free, you need to provide a reason, such as marriage. If you present your marriage certificate, most airlines will change your last name on the ticket for free. To be safe, contact the airline you’ll be flying with to confirm this information in advance.

Foreign airlines may require a notarized English translation of the certificate and copies of both passports.

Then there’s “WizzAir.” Even if you get married, they will charge a fee of 46 euros to change your last name.