El Al Airlines Name Change Policy

Travelers often discover name mistakes on their airline tickets at the last moment — a missing letter, spelling error, reversed surname, wrong passport format, or occasionally, a legal name change. Since El Al Airlines maintains strict documentation and security measures, passengers must ensure the name on their ticket perfectly matches the name on the passport or government ID. Even minor errors can lead to boarding issues.

This complete 3000-word guide explains the El Al Airlines name change policy, types of corrections allowed, fees, restrictions, documentation rules, how to avoid cancellation issues, and the exact steps to modify a booking. If you need immediate help, El Al customer support at +1 (855) 673-6396 can assist with ticket corrections, reissues, or verification.

Why Name Accuracy Matters for El Al Airlines

El Al is known for its enhanced security protocols and stringent ticket documentation requirements. Even a small mismatch — a missing letter, incorrect middle name, or reversed surname — may trigger manual verification at the airport.
Inaccurate names can lead to:

• Delayed check-in

• Boarding denials

• Extra verification

• Ticket reissuance at a higher cost

• Loss of non-refundable fares

To avoid last-minute issues, El Al allows certain name changes and corrections depending on the type of ticket and the extent of the error.

Understanding El Al Airlines Name Change Policy (Complete Breakdown)

El Al’s name correction and name change rules differ depending on:

• Fare type (Lite / Classic / Flex / Business)

• Error type (minor vs major)

• Whether the ticket is refundable or non-refundable

• Whether booking was made directly or via a third-party website

• International vs domestic routing

• Security verification requirements

Generally, the airline follows two categories:

1. Minor Name Corrections (Allowed)

These include:

• Typographical errors

• Spelling corrections

• One–three character corrections

• Adding / removing middle names

• Reversing first and last name

• Fixing capitalization

• Correcting diacritic marks

• Passport-format name adjustments

Most minor changes can be made by calling +1 (855) 673-6396 for instant correction.

2. Major Name Changes (Restricted but Possible in Some Cases)

These include:

• Full name change

• Complete replacement of first or last name

• Marriage or divorce name updates

• Legal name change with documentation

• Identity update due to adoption

Major changes almost always require a ticket reissue, supporting documents, and sometimes a fare difference payment.

El Al Airlines Name Change Rules for Each Booking Type

1. Tickets Booked Directly with El Al

If you booked via:

• El Al website

• El Al mobile app

• Official call center

• El Al ticketing office

…you are eligible for fastest corrections at official support.
Direct bookings also allow:

• More flexible correction deadlines

• Faster processing

• Lower or waived fees

• Guaranteed PNR protection

• Easier document verification

For direct bookings, the fastest method is calling +1 (855) 673-6396.

2. Tickets Booked Through Travel Agencies

If your reservation was made through:

• Expedia

• Kayak

• Priceline

• Kiwi

• MakeMyTrip

• Local travel agency

…then changes must be processed through the agency first because they own the ticket PNR.
El Al can only verify the policy, not override it.

Expect:

• Slower processing

• Reissue fees

• Fare difference in some cases

• Additional agency service charges

3. Codeshare or Partner Flights

If your El Al ticket includes flights operated by partners like:

• American Airlines

• Delta

• Iberia

• Air France

• British Airways

…then name changes may require approval from all participating carriers.

Multi-airline itineraries can only be processed through support, so calling +1 (855) 673-6396 is highly recommended for coordination.

Types of Name Corrections Allowed by El Al Airlines

El Al allows the following corrections depending on fare rules:

✅ 1. Typographical Errors

Fixing spelling mistakes like:

• Jonh → John

• Stepahn → Stephan

• Elizabith → Elizabeth

Up to 3–4 characters can be corrected without reissuing the ticket.

✅ 2. First and Last Name Reversal

Common when booking through online websites.

Example:
Passenger enters: Singh Rohan instead of Rohan Singh.

This can be corrected easily after verification.

✅ 3. Middle Name Add or Remove

El Al does not require middle names for travel.
But if the passenger wants consistency with passport format, the name can be added or removed.

❗ Allowed With Restrictions:

4. Legal Name Change (Marriage, Divorce, Court Order)

Requires supporting documents:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Court-approved name change order

• Updated passport copy

• Government ID

The airline may request additional verification depending on the route.

5. Gender or Identity-related Name Updates

Requires:

• Government-issued ID showing updated name

• Passport with updated name

• Court order (if applicable)

These changes usually require reissuance of the ticket.

Name Changes NOT Allowed by El Al

El Al does not allow name transfers where the actual traveler is replaced.

Examples not allowed:

• Transferring ticket to another person

• Changing passenger identity

• Switching tickets between passengers

• Changing name to “gift” the ticket

• Completely replacing the original traveler

Why?
Because airline security rules — especially for El Al — require the ticketed passenger to match the ID of the traveler due to strict Israeli aviation protocols.

El Al Airlines Name Change Fees (2025 Overview)

Fees depend on:

• Fare type

• Route

• Nature of correction

• Timing

• Ticket reissue requirement

Typical fee ranges:

Minor corrections:

$0 – $75
Often waived for direct bookings.

Major corrections (legal name change):

$150 – $300 plus any fare difference.

Agency bookings:

Add extra agency service fees.

To confirm exact costs, call +1 (855) 673-6396 — agents can calculate fees instantly based on your fare rules.

24-Hour Grace Period for Name Corrections

If you booked your flight within the last 24 hours, many changes can be done for free:

• Minor spelling fixes

• Middle name corrections

• Passport format adjustments

Direct bookings always get the most flexibility.

How to Change or Correct Your Name on an El Al Ticket

Below is the step-by-step process for each method of correction.

1. Online Name Correction (Only for Minor Errors)

You can correct small errors online if:

• Booking was direct

• Correction is minor

• Ticket is not yet flown

• No third-party involvement

Steps:

1. Visit elal.com

2. Go to Manage My Booking

3. Enter PNR + Last Name

4. Look for Edit Passenger Info

5. Request a minor correction

6. Submit passport details (if required)

Online tools sometimes limit name edits — in such cases, call support.

2. Name Change via Phone Support (Best for All Cases)

For:

• Multi-segment itineraries

• International travel

• Major corrections

• Legal name changes

• Partner airline flights

• Last-minute corrections

• Errors made by agencies

• Urgent travel (same day or next day)

Phone support is the best option.

El Al ticketing experts can:

• Correct spelling

• Process reissues

• Waive certain fees

• Validate documents

• Protect your seat assignment

• Prevent fare expiration

You can contact support at +1 (855) 673-6396.

3. Airport Desk Correction (Last-Minute Help)

If your flight is within hours and:

• You just spotted the error

• Online changes aren’t working

• The system rejects your correction

• You need emergency support

Visit the El Al ticketing desk at the airport.

Note:
Last-minute corrections may involve higher fee ranges.

Documents Required for El Al Name Changes

Depending on the type of correction, El Al may request:

For Minor Fixes:

• Passport copy

• Valid ID

• Booking confirmation

For Legal Changes:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Court order

• Updated passport

• Government ID

For Gender / Identity-related Updates:

• Passport showing new name

• Legal court documents (if applicable)

Important Notes to Avoid Name Change Problems

To ensure smooth processing:

✔ Use passport format exactly

Avoid stylized names or nicknames.

✔ Never guess spellings

Use official government formats only.

✔ Correct mistakes early

Closer to departure → higher costs.

✔ Double-check multilingual name formats

Hebrew names with English transliteration sometimes require manual verification.

✔ Keep documentation ready

Especially for major changes or international flying.

Frequently Asked Questions About El Al Name Change Policy

1. Can I change my name on an El Al ticket?

Yes — depending on the type of correction and fare rules.

2. Does El Al allow spelling corrections?

Yes, small spelling mistakes are allowed with minimal or no fee.

3. Can I transfer my ticket to another person?

No, name transfers are strictly prohibited.

4. How long does a name correction take?

Minor changes: 10–30 minutes
Major changes: 3–24 hours

5. Can El Al reject a name change request?

Yes — especially if documentation is missing or the correction resembles a ticket transfer.

6. How do I get help instantly?

Call +1 (855) 673-6396 for immediate name correction assistance.