When booking a flight, it’s common to make small errors, especially with names. Maybe you mistyped a letter, left out your middle name, or used a nickname instead of your passport name. For most travelers, the immediate worry is whether the mistake will prevent them from boarding. If you are flying with Iberia Airlines, Spain’s flagship carrier, you may wonder: Is there a fee to update the passenger’s name on Iberia?
The answer is not entirely straightforward. Iberia does not allow full name changes or transfers (where you replace one passenger with another), but it does allow name corrections (where you fix spelling mistakes or adjust the name so it matches your ID). Depending on the type of correction, timing, and how you booked, a fee may or may not apply.
In this in-depth article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Iberia’s name correction policy, the fees involved, how to request a correction, and practical tips to avoid costly mistakes.
Understanding Iberia’s Policy: Corrections vs. Transfers
Before we dive into fees, it’s important to understand Iberia’s official stance on ticket name changes.
- Tickets are personal and non-transferable. Once a ticket is issued, the passenger name cannot be replaced by someone else’s.
- Name corrections are allowed. If the name on your ticket has a typo or formatting error, Iberia permits corrections so long as the corrected name matches the traveler’s ID or passport.
- Legal name changes may be corrected. If you’ve recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, Iberia can adjust your ticket when valid proof is provided.
In other words, Iberia draws a clear line between:
- Name Correction (Allowed, sometimes with a fee): Fixing small errors, adding middle names, or correcting letters so the ticket matches the traveler’s ID.
- Name Change/Transfer (Not Allowed): Substituting an entirely different passenger.
When Are Name Corrections Free on Iberia?
In some cases, Iberia makes name corrections at no cost. These are typically minor errors caught quickly after booking.
- Within 24 hours of booking:
- If you contact Iberia immediately after noticing a mistake, they may correct small spelling errors without charging a fee.
- This applies only to direct bookings made through Iberia’s website, app, or call center.
- Minor typos (1–3 letters):
- Small mistakes like “Jonh” instead of “John” are often corrected for free.
- Missing or extra spaces/characters:
- If your last name is “De la Cruz” but shows as “Delacruz,” this usually doesn’t require a fee to fix.
- Accents and diacritical marks:
- Iberia’s system often omits accents (é, ñ, ü). Missing these marks usually isn’t a problem and doesn’t need correction.
When Do Fees Apply for Iberia Name Corrections?
If the correction is more substantial, or if you don’t request it early, Iberia may charge a fee.
- Corrections after 24 hours of booking:
- If you wait too long, Iberia may apply an administrative fee for reissuing your ticket.
- Fees range from €30 to €50 depending on the route and fare conditions.
- Corrections through a travel agency:
- If you booked via a third-party travel agent or website, you must request the correction through them.
- Agencies may add their own service fees (€20–€50 or more) on top of Iberia’s charges.
- At the airport:
- If you only notice the mistake on your travel day, Iberia may still fix it—but at a higher cost.
- Depending on the situation, you may be charged €50–€100 to reissue your boarding pass.
- Complex corrections (long names or legal name changes):
- If your name correction involves multiple changes (e.g., adding a second surname or updating a last name after marriage), Iberia may treat it as a ticket reissue.
- This means both a fee and any applicable fare difference could apply.
Typical Fees for Iberia Name Corrections
Based on general reports and Iberia’s standard practices, here is a rough guide:
| Type of Correction | When Requested | Typical Fee |
| 1–3 letter typo | Within 24 hours | Free |
| 1–3 letter typo | After 24 hours | €30–€50 |
| Adding/removing middle name | Any time | €30–€50 |
| Legal name change (marriage/divorce) | Any time (with documents) | €30–€50 + possible fare difference |
| At airport correction | On travel day | €50–€100 |
| Booked via travel agency | Any time | €30–€50 (Iberia) + agency fee |
⚠️ Note: These fees are estimates. Actual costs may vary depending on your route, booking channel, and fare rules.
How to Correct a Name on an Iberia Ticket
If You Booked Directly with Iberia
- Log in to Manage Your Booking: Use your booking reference and last name.
- Check if online correction is possible: Sometimes minor edits can be done directly online.
- Call Iberia customer service: If online correction isn’t available, call Iberia’s support line.
- Provide documentation: You may need to submit your passport, ID, or legal documents for verification.
- Pay any fees if applicable: Confirm the correction and request an updated e-ticket.
If You Booked Through a Travel Agency or Third-Party Website
- Contact the agency directly—they control your ticket.
- They may need to coordinate with Iberia, which can take extra time.
- Expect to pay both Iberia’s correction fee and the agency’s service charge.
If You’re Already at the Airport
- Go immediately to the Iberia ticket desk.
- Have your passport and booking details ready.
- Be prepared to pay higher fees compared to making corrections in advance.
What Happens If You Don’t Correct the Name?
If the name on your ticket does not match your passport or ID, you may be denied boarding. Security rules require the name on the ticket and travel documents to match exactly.
Even small differences like using a nickname instead of your legal name can cause problems. Airlines and border authorities are strict about this, and Iberia is no exception.
Special Cases: Legal Name Changes
Iberia does allow corrections when passengers have undergone legal name changes. This includes:
- Marriage (taking a new surname).
- Divorce (returning to a maiden name).
- Court-ordered name changes.
To process such corrections, you must provide:
- A valid passport or government ID.
- Official legal documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
In these cases, Iberia may still charge a reissue fee (€30–€50) and apply any fare differences.
Can You Avoid Fees?
Here are some practical tips to minimize or avoid Iberia name correction fees:
- Check your booking within 24 hours. Small corrections are often free if reported immediately.
- Always book using your passport name. Avoid using nicknames or short forms.
- Double-check before payment. Take an extra minute to review all passenger details.
- Use Iberia’s website or app for booking. This gives you more control over corrections than third-party sites.
- Act early. The closer it gets to your departure, the higher the fees.
Comparisons with Other Airlines
It’s also helpful to see how Iberia compares to other carriers:
- Lufthansa: Allows minor corrections but charges around €25–€50 for larger changes.
- Air France: Similar to Iberia; small typos may be corrected free, but no transfers allowed.
- British Airways: Permits minor corrections but charges administrative fees for significant edits.
- Ryanair/Wizz Air (low-cost carriers): Allow full name changes, but the fees are very high (€115–€160).
This shows Iberia aligns more with full-service airlines, offering some flexibility but strictly prohibiting transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does Iberia allow free name corrections?
Yes, but only for very minor typos or if you report the mistake within 24 hours of booking.
Q2: How much does Iberia charge for corrections?
Typically between €30 and €50, though it can be more at the airport or through agencies.
Q3: Can I transfer my Iberia ticket to another person?
No, Iberia does not allow ticket transfers. Only corrections to the existing passenger’s name are permitted.
Q4: What if I changed my name after booking due to marriage?
You can correct it by providing legal documents. A fee may still apply.
Q5: Do middle names matter on Iberia tickets?
Not always, but if your destination country requires exact matches, Iberia can add or correct middle names.
Final Thoughts
So, is there a fee to update the passenger’s name on Iberia?
- Yes, in many cases. Iberia charges between €30 and €50 for most name corrections, with higher costs at the airport or through agencies.
- No, in some cases. Minor typos caught within 24 hours of booking may be corrected for free.
- Never transferable. Tickets cannot be passed on to another person under any circumstances.
The key takeaway is this: act quickly. The sooner you spot and correct an error, the less likely you are to face fees or worse, denied boarding. Always book with your exact passport name, check your reservation carefully, and contact Iberia immediately if you notice any discrepancies.
By understanding Iberia’s rules and acting proactively, you can save both money and stress while ensuring your journey runs smoothly.