For the passengers booking cheap British Airways flights or expensive ones, the need for a date and name may arise. It may be due to technical errors, unforeseen incidents or medical emergencies that require you to change your travel plans. While there are flexible policies regarding flight date change, the availability of name corrections is limited. Yet, all of it is subjective to the type of ticket purchased, fare class, travel route and destination.
Here’s an overview of British Airways’ policies regarding date and name changes.
Date Changes:
Flexibility Based on Fare Type:
British Airways’ policy for date changes is available on most of the bookings made i.e. regardless of the travel class and without charging a specific change fee. Yet, flexible tickets or premium fares offer more leniency in date changes as compared to base fare flights or non-flexible fare tickets.
Conditions for Date Changes:
Passengers can only modify their flight departure and/or arrival dates within the same ticket validity period. However, it is subject to seat availability, fare rules and ticket type.
Fare Differences:
If the new flight dates have a higher fare associated as compared to your previous booking, you have to pay the fare difference in order to confirm the changes. On the other hand, if the fare for your new flight is lower, no refunds are provided by the airline. So, be mindful of that.
Ticket Validity and Change Window:
Since the date changes for your flights are typically allowed within the ticket’s validity period, passengers can make changes until a specific time before the scheduled departure. Usually, the deadline for your flight date changes ranges from 30 minutes to an hour before the flight departure time.
• If you make changes to your flight dates within the first 24 hours of booking it, it is free of cost.
• Flight date changes made closer to the departure date and/or time are subject to a higher date change fee.
• The closer you are to the departure period; the higher will be the date-changing fee and vice versa.
Name Changes:
Restrictions on Name Changes:
British Airways typically does not offer name changes on tickets once booked because of security and ticketing regulations. However, minor name corrections and/or spelling mistakes are facilitated. On the other hand, major names are not permitted to maintain ticketing integrity and security protocols.
Minor Corrections:
In cases of minor errors like spelling mistakes in the passenger’s name, British Airways might allow corrections as per the airline policy. However, significant name changes are not facilitated.
“Book with Confidence” Policy:
Book with Confidence policy is introduced during specific promotional periods in order to increase the flexibility for new bookings and attract traveller
Change Fee Waivers:
The “Book with Confidence” policy often includes waivers for name/date change fees on new bookings. Therefore, allowing travellers to modify their travel dates and destinations easily without incurring any additional fee and regardless of the changing window.
Eligibility and Terms:
Eligibility for fee waivers and the specific terms of the Book with Confidence varies based on;
• Fare type.
• Booking channel i.e. whether booked directly through British Airways or via a third-party.
• The specific terms and conditions associated with the purchased ticket.
Tips to know when making name/date changes to your flights booked with BA.
• Review BA’s specific policies for date changes based on your ticket type beforehand to avoid any inconveniences or extra dee.
• Check available dates within your ticket’s validity period that offer room for flexibility.
• Prepare for potential fare differences with the new flight date (if any).
• Make changes within the designated time window before departure to avoid additional fees.
• Utilize BA’s online platform i.e. website or mobile application for quicker changes from the comfort of your home.
• Major name changes are generally restricted due to security regulations, hover, spelling mistakes and other errors can be fixed easily.
• Contact BA’s customer service for minor name corrections as you cannot do them on your own.
• Have your booking reference (PNR and ticket details along.
• Familiarize yourself with potential fees for changes associated with flight date changes.
• Be patient as changes might take time, especially during busy periods.
So, that’s everything you need to know about the named and/or date change fee whether travelling with British Airways business class or other cabins.
