Making a mistake while entering your name during a Lufthansa booking can be frustrating, especially when the name on your ticket does not exactly match your passport or other official travel document. Lufthansa has specific rules for correcting passenger names, and understanding these rules can help you avoid unnecessary problems before your flight.
This article provides a complete explanation of the Lufthansa Name Correction Policy, including eligible corrections, legal name changes, spelling mistakes, required documents, fees, restrictions, and how to request a correction.
Note: Lufthansa Group states that the Name Correction fee was abolished effective July 1, 2024 for corrections covered by its guideline. The passenger must remain the same person, and the name on the ticket should match the official travel document.
Understanding Lufthansa Name Correction Policy
Lufthansa's name-correction rules are designed to correct passenger information while keeping the same traveler on the booking.
The current Lufthansa Group guideline states that the name on a ticket must match the passenger's official document, such as a passport or identity card. The guideline also covers Lufthansa tickets and certain Lufthansa Group itineraries subject to its stated conditions.
A name correction is therefore different from changing the ticket to another passenger.
Is Lufthansa Name Correction Free?
Yes, eligible name corrections covered by Lufthansa Group's policy are processed without a Name Correction fee.
Lufthansa Group officially announced that, effective July 1, 2024, there would no longer be a fee for name corrections in qualifying Lufthansa Group PNRs. The policy applies to Lufthansa and certain other Lufthansa Group airlines and ticket documents specified in the guideline.
However, free name correction does not mean that every request to change a passenger's name will be accepted.
What Types of Name Corrections Are Allowed?
Lufthansa's guideline covers different situations where the traveler remains the same person.
These can include:
- Correcting eligible spelling mistakes
- Correcting certain name-entry errors
- Adding first, middle, or last names according to the travel document
- Certain legal name changes
- Corrections involving information that does not change the identity of the traveler
The exact correction must comply with Lufthansa Group's current guideline.
Note: Lufthansa Group states that additional names can be added according to the travel document under the updated rules introduced July 1, 2024.
Lufthansa Name Correction for Spelling Mistakes
A simple spelling mistake is one of the most common reasons passengers request a name correction.
For example, if the passenger's official document shows one spelling but the ticket contains a typographical error, Lufthansa may process the correction when it meets the applicable guideline.
However, not every request is automatically considered a name correction. Lufthansa's guideline specifically notes that some requests cannot be accepted as name corrections.
If you notice a spelling mistake, it is better to address it before your travel date.
Lufthansa Name Correction After Marriage
A legal name change may occur after marriage, divorce, gender reassignment, legal proceedings, or the issuance of a new passport or identity document.
Lufthansa Group's current guideline identifies these circumstances as examples of a legal name correction, provided the traveler remains the same person. Supporting documentation may be required to demonstrate the change.
Possible documentation may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce certificate or decree
- New passport
- Government-issued identification
- Other legal documentation
Can I Change the Name to Another Person?
No. Lufthansa's name-correction policy is not designed to transfer a ticket from one traveler to another.
The current Lufthansa Group guideline states that changing the person traveling is never allowed under the name-correction procedure. If another person needs to travel, a new ticket must be issued, subject to the current fare and seat availability.
This is one of the most important differences between a name correction and a passenger change.
How Many Name Corrections Are Allowed?
Lufthansa Group's current guideline states that only one name correction per person is permitted under the policy.
Because of this restriction, passengers should carefully check the corrected information before the change is finalized.
Lufthansa Name Correction and Passport Matching
The passenger name on the ticket should match the official travel document.
Lufthansa Group specifically states that passenger data entered in the reservation must match the valid travel document, such as a passport.
Before requesting a correction, compare:
- First name
- Middle name
- Last name
- Name order
- Passport information
- Other relevant passenger details
This can help prevent additional issues during check-in and document verification.
Lufthansa Name Correction for Additional Names
Lufthansa Group introduced an important update effective July 1, 2024.
It became permissible in qualifying situations to add additional first, middle, or last names so that the ticket reflects the traveler's official document.
For example, Lufthansa Group gives a case where the ticket contains PEREZ/LUIS MR, while the passport shows additional names. The updated policy permits correcting the ticket to reflect the travel document when the requirements are met.
What Documents Are Required?
The required documentation depends on the type of correction.
For a simple spelling correction, Lufthansa or the ticketing provider may request the booking information and official travel document.
For a legal name correction, supporting documentation may be necessary.
Keep the following information ready:
- Booking confirmation
- Booking reference
- Ticket number
- Passport or ID card
- Correct passenger name
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Divorce documentation, if applicable
- Other legal documents, if applicable
How to Request a Lufthansa Name Correction
Step 1: Check Your Ticket
Review the passenger name shown on your Lufthansa booking.
Compare it carefully with your passport or official identification.
Step 2: Identify the Error
Determine whether you have a spelling mistake, missing name, legal name change, or another type of discrepancy.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Have your passport or other valid travel document available. If the request is based on a legal name change, prepare the relevant supporting documentation.
Step 4: Contact the Appropriate Lufthansa Support Channel
Explain exactly what is wrong with the passenger name and provide the requested booking information.
For assistance with the booking, you can also use +1 (800) 896-5079.
Step 5: Verify the Correction
After the correction has been processed, review your updated booking carefully.
Make sure the corrected name matches your official travel document.
What If I Booked Through a Travel Agency?
If your Lufthansa ticket was issued by a travel agency or another booking provider, the agency may need to process the correction.
The Lufthansa Group name-correction guideline is primarily written for applicable ticketing and agency processes, so the exact procedure can depend on how and where your ticket was issued.
Keep your agency confirmation and Lufthansa booking reference available.
Does Lufthansa Charge for Legal Name Corrections?
For eligible corrections covered by the Lufthansa Group guideline, the separate Name Correction fee has been abolished.
The current guideline states that name corrections under the policy are processed free of charge from July 1, 2024.
However, this does not mean that changing the passenger to someone else is free. A completely different traveler requires a new ticket, with the new booking subject to current availability and fares.
What Happens If Another Person Needs to Travel?
If the original passenger can no longer travel and another person wants to use the ticket, Lufthansa's name-correction procedure cannot simply be used to replace the traveler.
According to Lufthansa Group's current guideline, the person traveling cannot be changed. A new ticket must be issued for the new passenger, subject to current availability and fares.
The original ticket may potentially be refunded according to its applicable fare conditions.
Tips for a Smooth Lufthansa Name Correction
Check Your Name Immediately
Review the passenger details as soon as your booking confirmation arrives.
Match Your Passport
Use the exact name shown on the travel document you intend to use.
Correct Errors Early
Do not wait until airport check-in to report a name discrepancy.
Keep Supporting Documents Ready
Legal name changes may require documentation proving that the traveler is the same person.
Do Not Attempt a Passenger Transfer
A name correction cannot be used to replace one traveler with another.
Verify the Final Booking
After the correction, check your ticket and itinerary again to make sure the information is accurate.
For booking assistance, +1 (800) 896-5079 can be used as the contact number provided for this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Lufthansa name correction free in 2026?
Eligible name corrections covered by Lufthansa Group's guideline are processed without a Name Correction fee. Lufthansa Group abolished the fee effective July 1, 2024.
2. Can I correct a spelling mistake on my Lufthansa ticket?
An eligible spelling mistake may be corrected, provided the request meets Lufthansa Group's current name-correction rules. Not every name-related request qualifies.
3. Can I change my Lufthansa ticket to another person?
No. Lufthansa Group's guideline states that changing the person traveling is not allowed under the name-correction procedure. A new ticket is required for another passenger.
4. Can I add a missing middle name?
In qualifying cases, Lufthansa Group permits additional first, middle, or last names to be added according to the passenger's travel document.
5. Can I correct my name after marriage?
Yes, a legal name correction may be possible when the passenger remains the same person and the required documentation is provided.
6. How many name corrections can I make?
The current Lufthansa Group guideline permits one name correction per person under the policy.
7. What documents do I need for a legal name correction?
Depending on the circumstances, you may need a passport, ID card, marriage certificate, divorce documentation, or other legal proof of the name change.
8. Does the name on my ticket have to match my passport?
Yes. Lufthansa Group states that the name on the ticket should match the passenger's official travel document.
9. What if my ticket has the wrong name because of a typing error?
Contact the appropriate Lufthansa or ticketing support channel and explain the error. If it qualifies under the name-correction policy, the correction may be processed without a Name Correction fee.
10. Can I make multiple name corrections?
The current guideline states that only one name correction per person is permitted.
11. How can I get help with a Lufthansa name correction?
You can use Lufthansa's applicable support or ticketing channel and have your booking reference and travel document available. For assistance using the contact number provided in this guide, call +1 (800) 896-5079.
The Lufthansa Name Correction Policy is primarily designed to correct passenger information while keeping the same traveler on the ticket. Eligible corrections are currently processed without the separate Name Correction fee, following Lufthansa Group's change effective July 1, 2024.
The most important rule is that a name correction cannot be used to transfer a ticket to another person. If the traveler changes completely, Lufthansa Group requires a new ticket subject to current availability and fares.
If you discover a mistake, compare the ticket with your passport, gather the appropriate documentation, and request the correction as early as possible. For assistance with the booking, +1 (800) 896-5079 is the contact number provided for this guide.