Cathay Pacific Name Change Policy: Everything You Need to Know

When planning a trip, even the smallest error on your flight ticket—like a misspelled name—can lead to unnecessary stress. Thankfully, Cathay Pacific’s name change policy is designed to help passengers correct mistakes on their tickets while maintaining a fair process. Whether you need to fix a typo or address a missing surname, understanding the airline’s approach can save time, money, and frustration.

Name Corrections vs. Name Changes

Cathay Pacific distinguishes between name corrections and name changes, and it's important to know the difference.

A name correction applies to minor typographical errors or formatting issues—such as a misspelled first or last name, missing middle name, or incorrect title.

A name change, on the other hand, typically refers to replacing one individual’s name with another—essentially transferring the ticket to someone else. Cathay Pacific generally does not allow full name changes unless legally required (e.g., marriage or court-ordered name changes), and even then, restrictions apply.

Cathay Pacific Name Correction Policy

The Cathay Pacific name correction policy allows for minor errors to be adjusted without needing to cancel and rebook a ticket. These include:

Spelling mistakes (e.g., "Jhon" corrected to "John")

Middle name omissions or additions

Typographical errors due to input mistakes during booking

Inverted names due to cultural formatting differences

To process a correction, you must contact Cathay Pacific directly or work through the travel agency that issued your ticket.

Cathay Pacific Name Correction Fee

There may be a Cathay Pacific name correction fee, depending on the nature of the change and the fare type. Generally, minor corrections can incur fees ranging from USD $50 to $150. However, some fare classes allow free corrections within 24 hours of booking, and Cathay Pacific’s no change fee promotions occasionally waive these costs.

If your correction requires the reissuance of the ticket, taxes and fare differences may also apply in addition to the Cathay Pacific name correction fee.

Cathay Pacific Name Change on Ticket: What’s Allowed?

If you're looking to change the name on a flight ticket with Cathay Pacific, it’s critical to know the rules. The airline does not permit changing the entire name to a different person, as tickets are non-transferable. However, exceptions may apply for:

Legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce)

Documented proof of identity with a name discrepancy

In such cases, you'll need to submit legal documentation to support your request. Contact customer service well in advance of your departure date to ensure the necessary changes can be made.

Cathay Pacific No Last Name Policy

For passengers who do not have a last name, Cathay Pacific follows international aviation guidelines. If your passport shows only one name, enter it in the "Last Name" field during booking and leave the "First Name" field blank or enter "FNU" (First Name Unknown). It's vital to match the name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID or passport to avoid issues at check-in.

Cathay Pacific Middle Name Policy

When it comes to middle names, Cathay Pacific has a flexible approach. While it's ideal to include your middle name if it appears on your passport, not including it usually does not result in denied boarding. However, if you're traveling internationally or your visa requires exact name matching, it’s best to include the middle name for consistency. If you forgot to add it and need to correct it, it falls under their name correction policy.

How to Change a Name on a Cathay Pacific Ticket

If you need to change the name on a Cathay Pacific ticket, here’s how to proceed:

Contact Cathay Pacific: Reach out to their customer service by phone or via their official website.

Provide Documentation: Submit a passport, visa, or other official documents that justify the name correction.

Pay Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay the Cathay Pacific name change fee if applicable.

Reissue the Ticket: After verification, your ticket will be reissued with the corrected name.

It’s best to initiate the process at least 72 hours before departure to avoid complications.

Important Considerations

Third-Party Bookings: If your ticket was booked via a third party, you must contact the travel agent to initiate any changes.

Group Bookings: Name corrections for group travel may be more restrictive and could involve additional administrative processes.

Frequent Flyer Accounts: Make sure the name on your Asia Miles or Marco Polo Club account matches your ticket for mileage credit.

Ticket Reissuance: In some cases, especially for long-haul international flights, the system may require full reissuance, which can lead to a higher Cathay Pacific ticket name change cost.

Final Thoughts

Cathay Pacific understands that name errors happen, and their policies are designed to help resolve issues efficiently. While the airline enforces strict rules regarding full name changes due to security and legal constraints, it offers a reasonably flexible approach to minor name corrections. Knowing the Cathay Pacific name change fee, documentation requirements, and timelines can help you travel confidently and avoid delays at the airport.

For the most accurate and personalized information, always check with Cathay Pacific directly or visit their official website.