WestJet Airlines, a leading Canadian carrier, has specific guidelines and policies regarding name changes on flight reservations. Understanding these policies is crucial for passengers who need to correct or amend their names due to typographical errors or legal changes. Here is a detailed explanation of WestJet's name change policy:

Minor Corrections

WestJet permits minor corrections to the name on a ticket, such as typographical errors or spelling mistakes. These corrections are necessary to ensure that the name on the ticket matches the name on the passenger’s government-issued identification. Common scenarios for minor corrections include

Customer Service Phone Line: Directly speaking with a customer service representative.

Email: Sending a detailed email with the booking reference number and the correction needed.

WestJet Website: Using online forms or chat support if available.

When requesting a name correction, passengers will need to provide their booking reference number and the correct name as it appears on their government-issued ID. In some cases, WestJet might ask for a copy of the ID to verify the name change request.

Fees and Charges

WestJet may charge a fee for processing name corrections. The fee amount can vary depending on the type of fare purchased and the timing of the request. It is advisable to check with WestJet’s customer service or refer to the fare rules associated with the ticket to understand any potential charges.

Restrictions on Full Name Changes

WestJet does not allow full name changes or the transfer of tickets to another person. This means that if a passenger's legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, they will need to provide legal documentation to support the change. However, the policy is strict about not allowing one person’s ticket to be transferred to another entirely different individual.

Documentation for Legal Name Changes

In cases where a legal name change is required (e.g., due to marriage or divorce), passengers must provide appropriate legal documentation, such as:

Marriage certificate

Divorce decree

Court order indicating the legal name change

WestJet’s customer service will guide passengers through the process and inform them of any additional requirements.

Importance of Early Action

It is important to address any name discrepancies as soon as possible, ideally well before the travel date. Failure to do so can result in complications at the airport, including denied boarding, as the name on the ticket must match the name on the identification exactly.

Conclusion

WestJet Airlines name change policy is designed to maintain security and accuracy in passenger information. While the airline allows for minor corrections, it is stringent about not permitting full name changes or ticket transfers. Passengers needing to correct their names should contact WestJet customer service promptly and be prepared to provide necessary documentation and possibly pay a fee. For detailed information and specific guidance, it is best to consult WestJet’s official website or speak directly with their customer service representatives