What is the Name Correction Policy for Iberia?

Booking a flight ticket is exciting, but it also requires careful attention to detail. One of the most important details that travelers must get right is their name. Airlines require that the name on your ticket exactly match the name on your passport or government-issued ID. Even the smallest typo can cause unnecessary stress at the airport, delays at check-in, or in the worst cases denied boarding.

For travelers flying with Iberia Airlines, Spain’s flag carrier and a member of the Oneworld alliance, the question often arises: What is Iberia’s name correction policy?

Why Names Matter So Much on Flight Tickets

Before diving into Iberia’s specific rules, it helps to understand why airlines are so strict about names.

1. Security Regulations: Aviation security demands that the name on your boarding pass match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancy could raise red flags during identity verification.
2. Immigration Control: Border agencies compare your ticketed name against your passport and visa. Even minor mismatches can create problems when entering or leaving a country.
3. Fraud Prevention: Allowing major name changes could enable ticket reselling or fraudulent use of airline tickets.
4. System Integrity: Airline reservation systems are designed to tie the ticket to a specific traveler. Ensuring accuracy avoids confusion in flight manifests.

Because of these reasons, Iberia like most full-service carriers adopts a strict stance: name changes are not permitted, but minor name corrections are allowed.

 

Iberia’s Official Position on Name Corrections

Iberia has a clear line in its policy:

• No ticket transfers or full name changes. Once a ticket is issued, it cannot be transferred to another passenger.
• Corrections are permitted. Iberia allows passengers to correct spelling mistakes and minor discrepancies so the ticket matches the traveler’s ID.

In short: you cannot change the passenger, but you can fix the spelling.

 

What Counts as a Name Correction with Iberia?

Iberia defines a “name correction” as any minor edit that ensures the passenger’s name on the booking matches their official travel document. This means fixing typographical errors or formatting issues.

Examples of Allowed Corrections

• Typos in the first or last name:
  • “Jonh” → “John”
  • “Smth” → “Smith”
• Swapped or missing letters:
  • “Mairia” → “Maria”
  • “Alejndra” → “Alejandra”
• Adding or removing middle names:
  • “Maria Lopez” → “Maria Lopez Garcia” (if your passport shows both surnames).
• Adjusting spaces or special characters:
  • “De La Cruz” → “De la Cruz”
  • Removing accents: “José” → “Jose” (Iberia systems often strip diacritics).
• Legal corrections:
  • Updating a surname after marriage or divorce (with proper documentation).

Examples That Do Not Require Corrections

Sometimes passengers panic unnecessarily because the ticket doesn’t exactly “look” like their passport. But Iberia (and most airlines) clarify that:

• Omission of accents (é, ñ, ü): These are usually ignored in airline systems and are acceptable.
• Multiple given names: If you have multiple first names and only one appears, that’s often fine.
• No spaces in display: The system sometimes merges names together (e.g., “MariaLopez”). This doesn’t always require correction.

Examples That Are Not Allowed

These are considered name changes or transfers and are not permitted:

• Changing the ticket to a completely different passenger.
• Replacing “David Smith” with “John Smith.”
• Swapping one person’s name with another’s.

 

Fees for Name Corrections on Iberia

Iberia’s fees vary depending on the type of correction, the timing, and the booking channel.

1. Minor Typo Corrections

• Usually free if reported within 24 hours of booking.
• After 24 hours, may involve a small administrative fee of around €15–€30.

2. Corrections Requiring Ticket Reissue

• If the system needs to reissue the ticket (e.g., adding a surname), a fee of €30–€50 may apply.
• In some cases, fare differences must also be paid if the original fare is no longer available.

3. At the Airport

• If you notice the mistake at the airport, Iberia may still fix it—but at a higher cost (typically €30–€50).
• Riskier because last-minute corrections may be denied.

4. Bookings Made Through Travel Agencies

• If your booking was made through a travel agency or third-party website, you must contact them.
• They may charge their own service fee (often €20–€50), in addition to any Iberia charges.

 

Time Limits for Corrections

The timing of when you request the correction is crucial:

• As soon as possible: Ideally, check your booking immediately after purchase.
• Up to 48–72 hours before departure: Iberia recommends requesting corrections at least this far in advance.
• Day of departure: Possible but not guaranteed, and usually more expensive.
• Codeshare flights: If your itinerary includes flights operated by partner airlines (like British Airways or American Airlines), request corrections at least 72 hours before departure to allow system updates.

 

How to Correct a Name on an Iberia Ticket

The process varies depending on where you purchased your ticket.

If You Booked Directly with Iberia (Website, App, or Call Center)

1. Log in to “Manage Your Booking”: Visit Iberia.com or use the Iberia app.
2. Check for self-service options: Small corrections may be possible online.
3. Call customer service if needed: For larger errors, speak to an Iberia representative.
4. Provide documents: You may need to show your passport or other ID.
5. Pay any fees: If applicable, the agent will inform you of charges.
6. Receive confirmation: Always ask for an updated e-ticket after the correction.

If You Booked Through a Travel Agency

• Contact the travel agency directly—they control the booking.
• The agency may apply additional service fees.
• If the flight is departing soon, ask them to escalate the request to Iberia.

If You Are Already at the Airport

• Go immediately to the Iberia ticketing desk.
• Be prepared for a correction fee.
• If denied, you may have to purchase a new ticket.

 

Special Cases: Legal Name Changes

Iberia makes exceptions for legal name changes, such as after marriage or divorce.

To process these corrections:

• Contact Iberia customer service.
• Provide legal documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
• Iberia may reissue the ticket with your new name, often with a small fee.

 

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

1. Booking with a nickname: “Mike” instead of “Michael.”
2. Omitting middle names: Some countries require them; Iberia can add them later.
3. Reversing surnames: Especially in Spanish-speaking countries where double surnames are common.
4. Assuming diacritics matter: Missing accents are usually fine.
5. Booking for the wrong person: Iberia does not allow transfers; this mistake can cost you a new ticket.

 

Real-World Scenarios

• Scenario 1: Passenger booked as “Jonh Smith.” → Iberia corrects it to “John Smith” at no cost if reported early.
• Scenario 2: Passenger married and changed surname. → Iberia corrects with a marriage certificate; possible reissue fee applies.
• Scenario 3: Passenger booked ticket in spouse’s name by mistake. → Iberia refuses; new ticket must be purchased.
• Scenario 4: Passenger forgot middle name. → Iberia adds it for a small fee if required by the destination country.

 

Tips to Avoid Name Correction Issues

1. Double-check before booking: Compare your name entry against your passport.
2. Use official names only: No nicknames or abbreviations.
3. Be mindful of double surnames: Especially if your passport lists both.
4. Correct errors early: The sooner you act, the cheaper and easier it is.
5. Know your booking channel: Contact the right party (Iberia or agency).
6. Plan for codeshares: Submit corrections early when partner airlines are involved.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I change the name on my Iberia ticket to another person?
No, tickets are strictly non-transferable.

Q2: Are small typos a problem?
Yes, they can be. Even one incorrect letter can cause issues. Correct them as soon as possible.

Q3: Do I need to include my middle name?
Not always, but some destinations require it. Iberia can add it if necessary.

Q4: Are accents required?
No, Iberia’s system doesn’t always display accents. “José” as “Jose” is acceptable.

Q5: What happens if I show up with the wrong name?
You may be denied boarding or forced to buy a new ticket.

 

Comparison with Other Airlines

• Ryanair/Wizz Air: Allow full name changes for a fee (€100+).
• Lufthansa/Air France: Similar to Iberia—no transfers, but minor corrections allowed.
• British Airways: Also allows corrections but not full transfers.

This shows Iberia’s policy aligns with most major full-service carriers.

 

Final Verdict

So, what is the name correction policy for Iberia?

• No transfers or full name changes. Tickets are tied to the original passenger.
• Corrections allowed. Minor typos, missing letters, or surname adjustments can be fixed.
• Fees may apply. Small corrections are sometimes free, but larger ones may cost €15–€50.
• Timing matters. Corrections should be requested as early as possible, ideally within 24 hours of booking.
• Documentation may be needed. For legal name changes, proof is required.

The bottom line is clear: Iberia will help you if you make a spelling mistake, but they will not let you transfer your ticket to someone else. To save yourself time, stress, and money, always ensure your ticketed name exactly matches your passport from the start.