Virgin Atlantic Name Change Policy

Virgin Atlantic’s Business Class, known as Upper Class, name change policy allows corrections under specific conditions but generally prohibits transferring tickets to another person. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:

Key Points of Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Name Change Policy

Name Changes Prohibited: Virgin Atlantic does not allow transferring an Upper Class ticket to another person, except in specific cases like package holidays (see below). 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 misspellings or typographical errors in the first, middle, or last name, typically limited to three characters across all names (e.g., “Jonh” to “John” or “Smtih” to “Smith”). Corrections are free if due to airline error or within 24 hours of booking (for flights at least seven days away).
• Legal Name Changes: Changes due to marriage, divorce, adoption, gender transition, or other legal reasons (e.g., court-ordered name change) are allowed with supporting documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or passport). These are typically free but may require ticket reissuance.
• Middle Names: If a middle name is included on the ticket, it must match the passport. Adding or removing a middle name is permitted if the first and last names align with the ID, but corrections beyond three characters may require airline approval.
• 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.
• Special Period (March 3, 2021–June 23, 2022): For bookings made during this period, one name change per booking was allowed free of charge, provided it was requested at least two hours before departure and the ticket hadn’t been used. This policy has expired for new bookings but may apply to existing tickets from that period.

Fees:

• Minor Corrections: Free within 24 hours of booking (if the flight is at least seven days away) or for airline errors. Otherwise, fees for Upper Class tickets range from $120–$150 per passenger per flight segment, depending on fare type (Z, C, J, or Flex) and timing.
• Legal Name Changes: Free with valid documentation, but fare differences may apply if the ticket is reissued in a higher fare class.
• Ticket Reissuance: Corrections requiring reissuance may incur a fare difference if the original fare is unavailable. Upper Class J fares (fully flexible) and Flex options typically avoid reissuance fees.
• Flying Club Award Tickets: Name corrections on Upper Class reward tickets cost $100 per person (increased from $50 in October 2024), unless within the 24-hour risk-free period.
• Service Fees: Changes made via phone or at the airport may incur an additional service fee of approximately $20–$50, depending on the channel. Online changes via “My Booking” avoid these fees.

Process for Name Corrections:

• Online: Log into “My Booking” on www.virginatlantic.com, enter your booking reference (6-digit alphanumeric, e.g., A3B2DE) and last name, and click the red web chat icon to request a correction. Submit a passport copy or other ID for minor corrections, or legal documents for name changes.
• Travel Agents: If booked through a travel agency or Virgin Atlantic Holidays, contact them directly. They’ll coordinate with Virgin Atlantic, but agency fees may apply.
• Timing: Corrections must be made at least two hours before departure. Partially used tickets (e.g., after an outbound flight) cannot be corrected.

Special Cases:

• Package Holidays: Tickets booked as part of a Virgin Atlantic Holidays package may allow transfers to another person, subject to conditions (e.g., full name, address, and contact details of the new traveler, plus a reasonable administration fee). This is an exception to the no-transfer rule.
• Bereavement or Medical Emergencies: Virgin Atlantic may waive fees for name corrections or transfers in cases of bereavement or medical emergencies, requiring documentation (e.g., death certificate, medical affidavit). A Tripadvisor post noted a £50 fee for a compassionate change, later refunded, suggesting flexibility in such cases.
• Codeshare Flights: For flights operated by partners (e.g., Delta, Air France, KLM) but booked with a Virgin Atlantic ticket (932), Virgin’s policy applies. If the operating carrier rejects the correction, the ticket may need to be canceled and rebooked, potentially incurring fees or fare differences.
• Group Bookings: Name changes for groups are complex and may require contacting customer service. Fees apply unless corrections are due to legal reasons.

Restrictions:

• Complete name changes (e.g., transferring to a different person) are not allowed, except for package holidays.
• Corrections exceeding three characters in the last name require airline approval and documentation.
• Tickets issued by other airlines (non-932 ticket numbers) follow the issuing carrier’s policy, even if marketed by Virgin Atlantic.
• Upper Class Flex fares and J fares offer the most flexibility, with no change fees for corrections or rebooking.

Recommendations

• Verify at Booking: Ensure the name matches your government-issued ID exactly, including middle names if listed, to avoid issues.
• Act Promptly: Request corrections within 24 hours of booking to avoid fees, using the risk-free period if applicable.
• Check Fare Rules: Upper Class J fares and Flex options have the most lenient correction policies. Review your ticket conditions in “My Booking.”
• Use Online Tools: Make corrections via “My Booking” on www.virginatlantic.com to avoid service fees. For legal changes, use the web chat or email [email protected] with documentation.
• Travel Insurance: Consider insurance to cover costs if a correction requires rebooking at a higher fare.