Transfer A Flight Ticket to Another Person

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04 April 2025

Can You Transfer a Plane Ticket to Someone Else's Name?

Travel plans can change unexpectedly—illness, work, or other emergencies often get in the way. If you can’t take your flight, can you transfer your ticket to someone else? The short answer: it depends. This guide from WinkTravelDeals breaks it down for you—without the fluff. For those caught between changing names and non-refundable fares, it’s worth knowing what’s possible—and what isn’t—before heading straight to the airport.
 

Why Would You Need to Transfer a Flight Ticket?

Plans don’t always stick. Someone might book a flight months in advance, only to find out later that they can’t make the trip. Emergencies, work obligations, or schedule changes can force a traveler to miss a trip they booked in advance. At times like that, transferring the ticket to someone else can feel like the only sensible move. Some people buy tickets as gifts too, and then realise the person they had in mind can’t fly at all. Others simply have someone else who could use that seat instead.
 
The reasons vary, but the thought is the same—why let a ticket go to waste? While airlines don’t always make it easy, especially with low-cost fares or strict name rules, the idea of transferring a booking often comes from a very real need. It’s rarely about convenience. It’s about circumstances taking a turn, and people trying to make the most of what they already paid for.
 

How Do Top U.S. Airlines Handle Requests to Transfer Airline Tickets to Another Person?

The policies to transfer tickets differ among top US carriers:
 
  • Delta Airlines: Once a ticket has a name on it, Delta Airlines won’t let that change hands. Not even travel agents are allowed to pull that off. If someone else needs to fly, they’ll need their own booking from the start.
  • United Airlines: United Airlines sticks to the same lane. A ticket belongs to the person it was booked for, and that’s final. Even if you cancel, the credit usually stays tied to the original traveller.
  • Southwest Airlines: Among the few that bend a little. If you’ve got Transferable Flight Credit™, you can pass it on to another Rapid Rewards member. But that move only works once, and it’s got to stay within the same business if it was booked that way.
  • Spirit Airlines: There’s no room here for name swaps. Spirit Airlines locks the ticket to one person. If there’s a genuine mistake or legal name change, they’ll look into it—proof in hand.
  • American Airlines: Same story. Names can’t be switched for someone else on American Airlines Flights. But if there’s a small spelling slip or an official name change, they might help correct it.
 

How to Transfer Plane Ticket to Another Person?

Most major airlines do not allow name transfers. However, if it’s possible, here’s what to do:

  • Check if the airline permits transfers.
  • Call customer support to explain your situation.
  • Ask about required documents (e.g., ID or proof of relationship).
  • Follow the official process to request a change.
  • Confirm any applicable fees.
  • Ensure the new traveler receives updated itinerary info.
  • Reconfirm the booking before the flight.
 
Call customer support at 1-866-579-8033 for help navigating specific Airline Policies. Our team is available 24/7 to guide you with minimal inconvenience.
 

What is the alternative if I can’t transfer my tickets?

While transferring an airline ticket isn't an option. There are still ways to avoid losing its value. Here are some alternatives:
 
  • Many airlines allow free cancellations within 24 hours of booking. They offer a full refund, too.
  • Some carriers permit modifications to your itinerary for a fee. So that you can adjust travel plans.
  • Certain services connect sellers with buyers for transferable tickets. Ensure compliance with airline policies.
  • If covered, your policy might reimburse non-transferable ticket costs under specific circumstances.?
  • Even with non-refundable fares, you might reclaim unused taxes or fees from the airline.

Conclusion

Swapping names on a flight ticket might seem like a harmless ask. But airline systems rarely treat it that way. Rules are rules, and most carriers hold tight to them. Still, that doesn’t mean travellers are left with no choices. Options like cancellations, credits or rebooking offer alternate routes around the no-transfer rule. Handing off a plane ticket isn’t usually allowed, sure. But grasping the fine print can make a frustrating situation easier to manage. Before giving up or rebooking, a quick call to WinkTravelDeals at 1-866-579-8033 might reveal a workaround worth considering.
 

FAQs

Can I change the name on my airline ticket to someone else?
Most airlines do not allow full name changes or transfers. Tickets are generally non-transferable.
 
Are there any airlines that allow ticket transfers?
A few low-cost airlines may allow it for a fee. Always confirm with the airline before booking.
 
What if I can’t travel but someone else can?
You’ll likely need to cancel your ticket (if possible) and book a new one for the other person.
 
Can I correct a misspelled name?
Minor typos can often be fixed. For major changes, airlines usually require proof and may not allow it.
 
Can I sell my plane ticket?
Most airlines prohibit reselling tickets. Doing so may result in cancellation or penalties.

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