Booking a flight requires careful planning, yet even the most experienced travelers can encounter errors. Whether it’s a minor typo or a major legal name change due to marriage, it is crucial to comprehend the KLM Name Change Policy to ensure a hassle-free journey. If you find yourself in a situation where your ticket information does not align with your passport, remain calm. You can reach out to customer service right away at 1-800-618-0104 to discuss your individual case and receive expert assistance.

Ensuring accuracy in your travel documents is not merely a formality; it is a matter of security compliance. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, like most international airlines, adheres to stringent regulations regarding passenger identity. This guide will help you navigate the differences between name corrections and name changes, the associated costs, and the detailed steps to amend your ticket.

Understanding the Difference: Name Correction vs. Name Change

It is essential to differentiate between a “correction” and a “change” as outlined in the KLM Name Change Policy.

Name Correction:

A name correction involves rectifying minor mistakes while maintaining the passenger’s identity. Examples include:

• Typographical Errors: Correcting “Jamy” to “Jamie.”
• Inverted Names: Switching the first and last names if they were mistakenly entered in the wrong order.
• Missing Middle Names: Including a middle name that is present on your passport but was omitted from the booking.
• Maiden vs. Married Names: Adjusting a name to align with a recently updated passport.

Name Change:

• In the context of the airline industry, a name change typically indicates transferring a ticket to an entirely different individual. 
• KLM prohibits ticket transfers. You are not permitted to give or sell your ticket to someone else. 
• If you are unable to travel and wish for another person to take your place, you generally need to cancel the original ticket and purchase a new one for the new traveler.

KLM Name Change Policy: The Main Rules

Bear in mind the following basic rules when contacting KLM (or Air France, Delta, etc.):

1. 72-Hour Rule – When booking flights with KLM, Air France, or Delta Airlines, your chances of getting the change you want are highest when you reach out at least 72 hours before your actual flight departure time.
2. Your name has to match the name shown on your boarding pass with what’s displayed in the passport’s MRZ.
3. A “First Name only.” If you have several first names, KLM assumes that if only the first one is listed in your reservation, this is accurate, and you don’t need to take any sort of corrective action for that.
4. No name spaces. It is common for airlines to eliminate the space(s) in between your first and last names when used in the booking system; therefore, this does not require correction.

Requesting a Name Change with KLM

KLM allows for several different methods of requesting name changes depending on how your flight was booked and what type of name change you wish to make. Below are the primary methods of submitting a request for a name change.

1) Through the KLM Website or App:

If your name change consists of either a minor spelling correction or a simple correction, you can follow the steps below to complete your request online:

• Go to KLM.com or the KLM App
• Log in to your account or use the ‘My Trips’ feature by entering your booking reference code and last name.
• Look for a link to edit passenger information or correct a name on your current booking record.
• Follow the directions. In some instances, Customer Services may contact you for any additional information that may be required to process your request.
• Note that because of the complexity of some name changes, Customer Services may need to review your passenger record before letting you know if your request will be approved.

2. Through KLM Customer Service

If you cannot change your reservation online, or your change involves something complicated (such as a name change due to marriage), please.

Contact the customer service number at 1-800-618-0104.

Before calling, please have the following:

• Your booking reference (aka your PNR)
• Your ticket number (if you have one)
• Your name as it appears in your passport or travel documents
• Any required documents to support a change of legal name

KLM representatives will check your fare class information to inform you if a fare class change is necessary.

Note:

Your fare conditions may prohibit you from changing your fare class.

A fee may apply for changing your fare.

3. Through Travel Agent or Third-Party 

You will need to contact the agent or website from which you booked. They may need to coordinate the correction with KLM. Their own service fee may apply in addition to the airline charges.

KLM Name Change Fee

KLM Name Change Fee is stated below:

Cases where you don’t have to Request Name Correction

You don’t have to request name correction if:

• You have multiple first names, but only one first name appears on your booking. The first name appears correctly as the primary first name.
• If you have used your maiden name, provided that the same last name you used when you entered your maiden name is also on your machine-readable zone (MRZ) in the bottom right corner of your passport page and is displayed after your nationality code. This name is what gets checked automatically against your passport when you’re checking in.
• If your name appears as a single word without a space (i.e., our system created this name with no space(s) between first and last).

You will never be able to replace your name with another person’s name. The ticket will always have your name. 

Important Tips to Avoid Name Change

• Your name should exactly match the name on your passport/government-issued ID. Therefore, always check the name after your booking.
• Always carry your supporting documents with you in case of necessity.
• Right after booking, verify your details so you can fix the typos in advance to avoid any fees. 

Conclusion

KLM Name Change Policy is intended to ensure that your travel documents are correct and meet international security requirements. Generally, minor changes can be easily corrected and, in some cases, at no cost; however, legal changes will require careful planning, the right supporting documents, and might incur a charge. 

Regardless of whether it is a small typographical error or a major change due to a legal name change, if you take action quickly, follow the required steps, and have a good understanding of the airline policy, you should be able to avoid unnecessary hassle, cost, and time on travel day. Safe Travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to correct my name on KLM?

KLM does not charge any fee for correcting minor errors in advance. But, if the correction is done at the Airport change fee is €15, and if done through a travel agency, it will charge €30.

Can I still fly with KLM if my name is misspelled? 

No, you cannot fly with KLM if your name is misspelled. Your ticket name should match the passport or any government ID.