Couples travelling together are being urged to watch out for a potential £160 'airport fee' that could block them from boarding their flight if their passport name does not match their ticket. This fee can be avoided by following specific procedures with airlines.
Why Newlyweds Are at Risk
After tying the knot, many newlyweds are eager to begin using their married name immediately, but doing so could lead to issues at the airport, particularly if a honeymoon has already been arranged. Couples who book their getaway before exchanging vows risk running into a rule that could catch some travellers unaware. Passengers may be refused boarding on the flight they have paid for if their passport doesn't match the name shown on their boarding pass. While this can be changed easily, you may end up paying a charge of up to £160, and need proof to avoid it.
Couples who organise their honeymoon well ahead of their wedding day might have used the name and details that were accurate at the time of booking, or they might have keenly made their first purchase in their new married name. However, security could treat you as an entirely different person if your passport and boarding pass don't match. Changing your name on the reservation is achievable with most major UK carriers. Yet if people only realise at the last minute and scramble to make the change, they could be hit with an avoidable charge.
Do All Airlines Charge to Change Names?
If you access any online booking management portal to change a name before your journey, the system will often register it as a 'transfer of ticket' and automatically apply the standard name-change charge. This can vary from £45 to £160, depending on which airline you're flying with. Ryanair imposes the most expensive fee for a complete change, charging £160 if it needs to be handled by airport personnel on the day of travel. Jet2 charges up to £50, while Easyjet's fees sit at around £55 to £60.
Fortunately, every UK airline has a policy in place for newlyweds who may have booked their holiday long before any legal name change took place. There are specific steps to follow, but in many cases the fee can be avoided altogether.
How to Change Your Ticket Name for Free with Each Major Airline
- British Airways: Free name change if passengers call customer service. They usually require a copy of your marriage certificate or decree absolute.
- EasyJet: You must call their customer service team at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Ryanair: You can do this via their web chat. You will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
- Jet2: The airline allows 'genuine name changes' due to marriage for free, but you must contact their call centre rather than doing it online.
- Virgin Atlantic: Contact customer service who will generally waive fees for legal changes due to marriage or divorce.
- TUI: Most legal name changes are processed for free, though they may charge a small admin fee in some package holiday cases.
If you booked via a third-party travel agent, be aware that it may impose its own administrative fee to handle the change, even if the airline itself waives the charge.
Important Rule to Remember
One rule that could catch some travellers off guard is that the name on your ticket must match the name on your passport exactly. If your passport still bears your maiden name, you can actually travel under that name even after legally tying the knot, just ensure the ticket corresponds precisely with the passport. Try to resolve any discrepancy as soon as you spot it. Most airlines require such changes to be made at least 48 hours before departure.
How Long Will It Take for a New Passport to Arrive?
The answer depends entirely on when you plan to travel. The Passport Office states on its website that most documents are issued and received 'within three weeks', though delays are not uncommon during the busy summer months. Apply for a passport online for the quickest standard service. Travellers can arrange an urgent request and get their document in a week, roughly, at a much higher fee than the standard passport cost.
