KLM Name Change Policy

KLM’s Business Class name change policy allows corrections under specific conditions but prohibits transferring tickets to another person. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:

Key Points of KLM Business Class Name Change Policy

Name Changes Prohibited: KLM does not permit transferring a Business Class ticket to another person. The name on the ticket must match the traveler’s government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) exactly, per security regulations.

Name Corrections Permitted:

• Minor Corrections: You can correct typos or misspellings in the first, middle, or last name (e.g., “Jonh” to “John” or “Smtih” to “Smith”), typically limited to three characters across all names. Corrections are free if requested within 24 hours of booking (for flights at least two days away) and the ticket is issued by KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines, or Kenya Airways (ticket numbers starting with 074, 057, 006, or KQ).
• Legal Name Changes: Changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons (e.g., court-ordered name change) are allowed with supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. These are free but may require ticket reissuance.
• Titles and Suffixes: Adding or correcting titles (e.g., Mr., Dr.) or suffixes (e.g., Jr., Sr.) is free, provided it doesn’t alter the core name.
• Multiple Names: If you have multiple first names, it’s acceptable to use only the first name on the ticket, as long as the last name matches your passport. Names without spaces (e.g., “MaryJane” vs. “Mary Jane”) are also acceptable.

Fees:

• Minor Corrections: Free within 24 hours of booking (if the flight is at least two days away) or for minor typos (up to three characters) on KLM, Air France, Delta, or Kenya Airways flights. After 24 hours, a fee of approximately €50–€100 ($53–$108) may apply for Business Class tickets, depending on the fare type (Light, Standard, or Flex), unless it’s a legal correction.
• Legal Name Changes: Free with valid documentation, but fare differences may apply if the ticket is reissued in a different fare class.
• Ticket Reissuance: Significant corrections or legal changes may require reissuing the ticket, which could incur a fare difference if the original fare is unavailable. Business Class Flex tickets typically have no change fees, reducing costs.
• Third-Party Bookings: If booked through a travel agency, additional fees (e.g., $30–$50) may apply, and changes must be processed through the agency.
• Flying Blue Award Tickets: Name corrections on award tickets follow the same rules but may incur a €50–$100 fee if made outside the 24-hour window. Contact Flying Blue at 1-800-375-8723 (U.S.).

Process for Name Corrections:

• Online: Log into “My Trip” on www.klm.com or the KLM app, enter your booking code (PNR) and last name, and request a correction via the “Contact Us” or web chat feature. Submit a passport copy or other ID. This is the most cost-effective method.
• Travel Agents: If booked through a travel agency, contact them directly to coordinate with KLM. Agencies may charge additional service fees.
• Partner Airlines: For flights operated by partners (e.g., not KLM, Air France, Delta, or Kenya Airways), corrections must be requested at least 72 hours before departure and are subject to the partner airline’s approval.
• Timing: Corrections must be made at least 30 hours before departure for KLM-operated flights, or 72 hours for partner-operated flights. Same-day corrections are not allowed.

Restrictions:

• Corrections are only allowed for tickets issued by KLM (074), Air France (057), Delta Air Lines (006), or Kenya Airways (KQ). Third-party bookings are ineligible for changes through KLM’s official channels.
• Complete name changes (e.g., transferring to another person) are not permitted, and attempting to do so may forfeit the ticket fare.
• Reward tickets cannot be corrected online; contact Flying Blue customer service.
• For group bookings (10+ passengers), name changes are free before ticket issuance (at least 14 days before departure). After issuance, fees may apply unless for legal reasons.

Special Cases:

• Bereavement or Medical Emergencies: KLM may waive fees for name corrections in exceptional cases (e.g., with a doctor’s affidavit or death certificate), but this is reviewed case-by-case. A Tripadvisor post noted a fee waiver for a medical-related change with documentation.
• Maiden Name Issues: If a ticket is booked in a maiden name but the passport shows a married name, a marriage certificate can resolve the issue without a fee. A 2013 Tripadvisor post described KLM correcting a maiden-to-married name issue for free via their Facebook page within an hour.
• EU Regulations: For flights to/from the EU, passengers denied boarding due to a name mismatch caused by airline error may be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, though this is rare.

Recommendations

• Verify at Booking: Ensure the name matches your government-issued ID exactly, including middle names if listed, to avoid complications.
• Act Promptly: Request corrections within 24 hours of booking to avoid fees, leveraging the risk-free period.
• Check Fare Rules: Business Class Flex tickets offer the most flexibility with no change fees. Review your ticket conditions in “My Trip” or your confirmation email.
• Use Online Tools: Make corrections via “My Trip” on www.klm.com to avoid service fees. For legal changes, email documents to [email protected] or use the website’s contact form.
• Travel Insurance: Consider insurance to cover costs if a correction requires rebooking at a higher fare.