Can You Transfer a Flight Ticket to a Friend or Relative?

When a traveler can no longer take their flight, a question often arises: is it possible to transfer their flight ticket to a friend or family member? The idea seems logical, especially when the ticket is non-refundable and the financial loss feels unjust. However, in air transport, ticket transfer is far from being as simple as it seems.

Rules vary depending on airlines, countries, and the type of ticket purchased. In most cases, transfer is prohibited, but there are exceptions, tolerances, and legal alternatives that are essential to know.

Why Flight Tickets Are Nominal

A Security Requirement

Flight tickets are nominal for security reasons. Airlines must transmit to authorities:

• The exact identity of passengers
• Passenger lists before departure
• Information compliant with international requirements

This constraint makes free ticket transfer incompatible with aviation security rules.

An Airline Commercial Choice

Beyond security, non-transferability allows airlines to:

• Maintain control over pricing
• Prevent speculation
• Prevent the emergence of an uncontrolled secondary market

Allowing free transfer would open the door to abuses and loss of fare control.

Ticket Transfer vs Name Change: Two Different Concepts

Pure and Simple Transfer

Transfer consists of assigning an existing ticket to another person without airline involvement.

👉 This practice is almost always prohibited and carries a high risk of boarding denial.

Authorized Name Change

Some airlines authorize a name change, which effectively transfers the ticket but within a contractual framework.

This change:

• Is paid
• Must be done before a deadline
• Is subject to strict conditions

Which Airlines Allow Name Changes?

More Flexible Low-Cost Airlines

Some low-cost airlines allow name changes, particularly:

• On standard tickets
• For fixed fees
• Sometimes until a few hours before departure

Fees can range from a few dozen to over one hundred euros, depending on the airline and modification date.

More Restrictive Traditional Airlines

Traditional airlines rarely allow name changes on economy tickets. This option is sometimes reserved for:

• Flexible tickets
• Premium classes
• Business tickets

Costs Associated with Transfer via Name Change

Modification Fees

Name change almost always involves fixed fees. These fees can represent:

• A significant portion of the ticket price
• Sometimes more than the ticket itself if it was very cheap

Possible Fare Difference

In some cases, the ticket is recalculated at the current fare at the time of change, which may result in an additional surcharge.

Risks of Unauthorized Transfer

Boarding Denial

If the name on the ticket does not match the passenger's identity:

• Boarding is denied
• The ticket is lost
• No refund is granted

Cancellation of Subsequent Flights

On a round-trip or multi-segment ticket, a no-show or anomaly may result in:

• Automatic cancellation of subsequent flights
• Total loss of the ticket

Special Cases to Know

Tickets Purchased Through an Agency or Intermediary

When the ticket is purchased through an online agency, rules may be even more restrictive. The agency may:

• Add its own fees
• Limit modification possibilities
• Refuse any intervention after ticket issuance

Tickets Paid with Points or Miles

Award tickets are often subject to specific rules:

• Name change prohibited
• Modification possible only for the same passenger
• Fixed administrative fees

Transfer to a relative is rarely authorized.

Alternatives to Ticket Transfer

Exchange or Voucher

When transfer is impossible, some airlines offer:

• Ticket exchange
• Voucher or travel credit

These solutions avoid immediate loss but remain constrained by strict conditions.

Regulated Resale with the Airline

Rather than transferring the ticket to a relative, some solutions allow offering the ticket back to the airline itself, subject to resale possibility. This alternative avoids risks associated with unauthorized transfer.

Airport Tax Refund

Even if no other option is possible, there is sometimes the possibility of recovering certain airport taxes.

When Transfer May Be Relevant

Favorable Situations

• Airline authorizing name change
• Reasonable fees
• Flight still far from departure date
• High-value ticket

Situations to Avoid

• Last-minute transfer
• Very restrictive low-cost ticket
• Absence of explicit airline authorization

Common Traveler Mistakes

• Thinking a ticket can be freely transferred
• Confusing name change with authorized resale
• Waiting too long before acting
• Ignoring actual fees associated with transfer

Conclusion

Transferring a flight ticket to a friend or relative is rarely possible in a simple and free manner. The majority of tickets are strictly nominal, and any attempt at unauthorized transfer carries significant risks.

Before considering this solution, it is essential to check the airline's rules and compare available alternatives. An informed decision helps avoid total financial loss and unnecessary complications at the airport.

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