Understanding Qatar Airways Name Correction Policy

October 15, 2025

Travel planning should be exciting, but a simple typo on your flight ticket can quickly turn that excitement into anxiety. If you’ve spotted a small mistake in your name on a Qatar Airways booking, you’re not alone. Many passengers worry about potential boarding issues, but the good news is that Qatar Airways has a clear Name Correction Policy designed to help.

It’s crucial to understand the difference between a name correction (fixing a minor error for the same person) and a name change (transferring the ticket to a completely different person or a major update). Qatar Airways’ policy is strict, particularly against full name changes or transferring tickets, but it is accommodating when it comes to corrections to ensure your ticket matches your official travel documents, like your passport.

For immediate and expert assistance with your name correction request, you may contact our dedicated support line at +1-866-679-5070. For direct contact with the airline, please refer to the official Qatar Airways customer support channels.

What is the Qatar Airways Name Correction Policy?

The Qatar Airways Name Correction Policy permits passengers to fix minor discrepancies in their name that appear on their ticket. This policy is in place because your name on the flight ticket must exactly match the name on the government-issued photo ID or passport you will use for travel. Any mismatch, even a single letter, can lead to denial of boarding.

The policy generally allows for corrections but strictly prohibits the transfer of a ticket to another individual.

What are the Key Differences Between Name Correction and Name Change?

It’s vital to distinguish between these two terms as they have entirely different implications under the Qatar Airways policy:

Name Correction: This is the process of fixing minor errors for the same person traveling.
- Examples: Spelling mistakes (e.g., 'Jon' instead of 'John'), transposed letters (e.g., 'Smth' instead of 'Smith'), adding a missing middle name or initial, or reversing the order of the first/last name if it was booked incorrectly.
- Limit: Typically, minor corrections are permitted, often limited to a few characters (up to three, for example, including spaces and titles) across the first, middle, and last names, or for legal reasons (see below).
Name Change (Full/Transfer): This refers to replacing the original passenger's name with a new passenger's name.
- Policy: Qatar Airways generally does NOT permit ticket transfers or full name changes (switching the ticket to a new person). The ticket is considered non-transferable. In most cases, if a full name change is required, the original ticket must be canceled (subject to fare rules and fees) and a new ticket purchased at the current fare.

When are Name Corrections Permitted?

Name corrections are permitted in specific scenarios, primarily to fix mistakes made during the booking process or to accommodate legal documentation updates:

1. Minor Typographical Errors

These are the most common and simplest corrections. Qatar Airways allows for the rectification of minor spelling mistakes to ensure the PNR (Passenger Name Record) name aligns with the official travel document. These are often processed with minimal fuss, especially if reported soon after booking.

2. Legal Name Changes

In the event of a legal name change after the ticket was booked—such as those resulting from marriage, divorce, or adoption—Qatar Airways permits a full name change for the same person.

Requirement: This process is an exception and requires mandatory supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order, to prove the legal change. The date of birth on the new document must match the date of birth on the original booking to confirm the identity of the passenger.

3. Corrections for Missing or Transposed Names

If a middle name was omitted, or if the first and last names were accidentally transposed (e.g., booked as SMITH/JOHN MR instead of JOHN/SMITH MR), these can usually be corrected under the name correction policy.

What is the Procedure for Requesting a Name Correction?

The process for correcting a name on your Qatar Airways ticket depends on how you booked and the nature of the error:

A. Online Correction for Minor Errors

For very minor typographical errors, Qatar Airways offers a self-service option on its official website, typically under the 'Manage Booking' or 'Help' section.

Retrieve Booking: Access your reservation using your Booking Reference (PNR) and Last Name.
Submit Request: Look for a 'Name Correction' link or option.
Upload Documents (If necessary): For corrections exceeding the minor character limit or for legal changes, you will be prompted to upload a copy of your passport or legal document.
Confirmation: The airline will review and process the correction, and a new E-Ticket with the updated name will be issued.

B. Contacting Customer Support

For complex corrections, legal name changes, or if you encounter issues with the online tool, you should contact Qatar Airways customer service or the travel agency that issued your ticket.

Official Qatar Airways TFN: You can contact the official Qatar Airways customer support center listed on their website.
Alternative Support: For personalized assistance and to expedite the process, you may also call our support line at +1-866-679-5070. Have your booking reference, full name, and supporting documents ready.

C. Contacting Your Travel Agent

If your ticket was purchased through a travel agent (online or brick-and-mortar), you must contact the travel agent directly as they control the booking. They will need to process the correction through the relevant trade portal.

Are There Fees for Name Correction?

The fees associated with name correction on a Qatar Airways ticket can vary:

Minor Typographical Errors: Corrections for minor spelling mistakes (within the allowed character limit) are often processed free of charge if requested promptly.
Major Corrections/Legal Changes: For full name changes due to legal reasons or more significant errors, a service fee may apply. In addition, a ticket reissuance is mandatory, which might involve administrative charges or a fare difference, depending on the terms and conditions of your original ticket.
Travel Agent Bookings: If you booked via a travel agent, they might impose their own service fee in addition to any charges from the airline.

It is always best to inquire about any potential fees before the correction is processed.

What are the Restrictions on Name Correction?

While Qatar Airways is flexible for corrections, the policy has clear restrictions:

No Interline/Code-Share Segments: Name corrections are often restricted if your itinerary includes flights operated by other airlines (interline or code-share segments). In such cases, cancellation and rebooking may be the only option.
Partially Flown Tickets: Once the first flight segment of your itinerary has been flown, name corrections are generally not permitted, except in cases of legal name change supported by official documentation.
No Ticket Transfer: The core rule remains: you cannot transfer your ticket to another person.
No Speculative Bookings: The airline strictly prohibits creating speculative bookings with the intention of changing the name later.

Final Travel Tip: Double-Check Your Booking

The simplest way to avoid the need for a name correction is to be meticulous during the booking process. Always ensure the name entered on your ticket matches your passport or official travel ID exactly, letter for letter, before finalizing the purchase. This includes your first name, middle name(s) or initial(s), and last name.

If you have made an error and require a correction, act immediately. The sooner you contact the airline (or our support line at +1-866-679-5070), the easier and potentially cheaper the correction will be.