Air Canada Name Change Policy: A Detailed Guide (2026)

There are few moments in travel more stressful than looking at your flight confirmation and realizing you’ve made a mistake. Whether it’s a simple typo like “Jonh” instead of “John,” or a legal name change you forgot to update, the panic is real.

If you are flying with Air Canada, understanding the Air Canada name change policy is critical to resolving the issue without ruining your trip. It is important to clarify one distinction immediately: Air Canada distinguishes between a name correction (fixing a spelling error) and a name change (transferring the ticket to another person). While corrections are often permitted, ticket transfers are not.

This 2026 guide covers the Air Canada name change fees, specific rules for corrections, and how to fix your ticket before you head to the airport.

Does Air Canada Allow Name Changes? (The "Golden Rule")

When travelers search for "name change Air Canada," they are often hoping to swap a passenger—perhaps a friend can no longer go, and they want to give the ticket to someone else.

Here is the "Golden Rule" of airline ticketing: Flight tickets are non-transferable.

Per the official Air Canada name change policy, you generally cannot transfer a ticket from one person to another. You cannot sell your seat to a stranger or gift it to a family member if you can no longer travel. In these cases, your only option is typically to cancel the original booking (subject to the fare rules) and book a brand-new ticket for the new passenger at the current market price, Air Canada cancellation policy.

When Can You Change a Name on an Air Canada Ticket?

Navigating a change name on Air Canada ticket request usually falls into one of three specific scenarios. Determining which one applies to you will dictate how easy (and expensive) the process will be.

Scenario 1: Minor Typos (The 3-Character Rule)

We have all been there—typing too fast on a mobile phone and missing a letter. If you simply misspelled your name (e.g., "Srah" instead of "Sarah") or inverted your first and last names, this is considered a minor correction.

The 24-Hour Grace Period: If you spot the error within 24 hours of purchase, you are in luck. Air Canada’s 24-hour cancellation policy allows you to cancel the ticket for a full refund and rebook it correctly with no penalty, Air Canada refund policy.

• Post-24 Hours: For typos involving up to 3 characters, customer service can often add a remark to your file or correct the PNR (Passenger Name Record) without canceling the ticket, provided the flight is operated by Air Canada.

Scenario 2: Legal Name Changes (Marriage/Divorce)

If you have legally changed your name due to marriage or divorce since booking, your ticket must match the ID you present at the airport. You will need to contact Air Canada directly and provide legal documentation, such as a Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree.

Scenario 3: Missing Middle Names

A common anxiety is a missing middle name. If your passport says "John Quincy Adams" but your ticket says "John Adams," do you need to pay for a change?

• Verdict: Usually, no. As long as the First and Last names match your ID exactly, a missing middle name is rarely an issue. However, providing your full name is recommended for Secure Flight data.

Air Canada Name Change Fees (2026 Breakdown)

Cost is the biggest concern for travelers facing a correction. So, how much does an Air Canada name change cost in 2026? The fees vary significantly based on your fare class, destination, and how quickly you catch the error, Air Canada fare types.

Here is the general breakdown of fees you might expect:

· Within 24 Hours: Free (via cancellation and rebooking).

· Business / Latitude Fares: Often Free. These flexible fares typically include corrections as a perk.

· Standard / Flex / Comfort Fares: Approx. $60 – $125 CAD. Simple corrections may be cheaper, but if a ticket reissue is required, the higher fee applies.

· International Flights: Variable + Fare Difference. Complex itineraries with partner airlines may require a full reissue, triggering a fare difference if the price has increased.

How to Change Name on Air Canada Ticket (Step-by-Step Guide)

Method 1: Online (Limited)

The "Manage Booking" tool rarely allows manual name edits. Use this method only within the 24-hour grace period to cancel and rebook.

Method 2: Call Customer Support (Primary)

For corrections on active bookings, you must speak to an agent.

1. Call Reservations: Dial 1-844-734-0813 (toll-free in Canada/U.S.) and have your 6-digit booking reference ready.
2. State the Error: Clearly explain it is a "correction," not a transfer.
3. Provide Documents: You may need to email legal documents for marriage/divorce changes.
4. Pay the Fee: Fees are collected over the phone.

Method 3: Aeroplan Bookings

If you booked with points, do not call general reservations. You must contact the Aeroplan Contact Centre, as they use a different system for reissues.

Special Section: Air Canada Name Change After Marriage

Many newlyweds realize their ID might change before their honeymoon.

• If your passport is NOT updated: You do not need to change your ticket. Fly under your maiden name if your ID still matches it.
• If your passport IS updated: You must update your ticket. Contact support with your marriage certificate. They often waive or reduce fees for this specific scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer my Air Canada ticket to another person? No. Air Canada tickets are strictly non-transferable.

How much does Air Canada charge for a name change? Fees typically range from $60 to $125+ CAD for standard tickets.

Can I change my name on an Air Canada ticket online? Only in limited cases, specifically within the 24-hour risk-free cancellation window where you can cancel and rebook.

Do I need my middle name on my Air Canada ticket? No, as long as your First and Last names match your government ID exactly.

Conclusion

Dealing with a wrong name on a flight reservation is stressful, but the Air Canada name change policy is designed to accommodate genuine mistakes. The most important takeaway is speed: Act fast. If you catch a typo within 24 hours, it costs you nothing to fix.

· Meta Title (58 chars): Air Canada Name Change Policy (2026): Fees & Correction Rules

· Meta Description (156 chars): Made a mistake on your ticket? See the official 2026 Air Canada name change policy, correction fees, marriage rules, and how to fix a typo before you fly.