New government proposals for all UK airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2, would allow passengers to correct simple name errors on bookings free of charge, removing fees that can reach £40 per passenger. The plans also include a ban on charging parents extra to sit next to their children under 14.
Free corrections for name mistakes
The government announced plans on Friday, 2 October, stating: "Passengers will be given greater flexibility to correct simple name errors on bookings for free, ending unfair and irritating charges – sometimes as much as £40 – for minor mistakes or admin tweaks." The statement added that the change "will give passengers greater consistency on all airlines operating in the UK", despite "most UK airlines already offering protections against hidden costs".
A date for the changes has not been set, but they could be introduced before next summer, with the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill awaiting approval.
How airlines currently handle name changes
Ryanair states on its website: "Name changes are allowed on all bookings, with full changes possible online up to 24 hours before departure or at the airport up to 2 hours before, subject to a fee. Free corrections include swapping first and last names within 48 hours of booking or changing up to three characters per name once, up to 48 hours before departure. Middle names are not required." For maiden or married name changes, passengers can "update your name in the passport before the date of travel, we will make the name change on your booking for you free of charge." Following the announcement, Ryanair confirmed that "passengers are given a 24-hour grace period to correct minor spelling errors on bookings free of charge".
EasyJet says on its website: "Title changes and spelling mistakes, limited to three characters per name, can be done online either via our website or mobile app, free of charge." However, for a full name change, "a change fee will be applied per passenger changed, per flight." EasyJet also highlights that customers have "the flexibility to change flight times, dates, and destinations up to two hours before departure, even after completing the check-in process." A change fee applies per passenger per flight, and if the new fare is higher, the difference must be paid; if lower, no refund is given.
A Jet2 spokesperson told Liverpool Echo: "As a customer champion that is repeatedly recognised by organisations such as Which? for our industry-leading customer service and customer-friendly policies, we already correct simple name errors free of charge." For other changes, Jet2 states: "You may be charged a £40 (or local currency equivalent) admin fee every time you make a change. And you'll also be charged for any difference in price between your original fare and today's price... However, if the overall fare's decreased since you made the original booking, you wont be refunded."
Seating fees for children to be banned
The government also plans to require airlines to seat children under 14 next to their parent or supervising adult free of charge. According to the Department for Transport, a parent can currently pay an extra £104 for a return journey to secure a seat next to their child.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Charging parents just to sit with their children is a rip-off, plain and simple. And being hit with a hefty fee for a simple spelling mistake on a booking form isn’t right either. People are fed up with these little charges that add up, so I’m putting a stop to them." Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented: "Parents should not have to feel the pinch just to sit next to their child on a flight, or for amending a simple booking error. That’s why we’re scrapping these unnecessary charges for all airlines – another everyday fix to help put money back in people’s pockets and give households more breathing room."
