Can You Transfer Flight Tickets to Another Person?

The question is, can you transfer airline tickets to another person? keeps travelers into a skepticism. Airline tickets cannot be transferred but worry not this guide will help you understand the 2025 policies of airline transfers for major airlines.

Why would you need to transfer a flight ticket?

There are several reasons why you might need to transfer a flight ticket to another person:

1. Change in Travel Plans: If you can no longer travel due to unforeseen circumstances, you may need to transfer a flight ticket to another person who can use it instead.
2. Family or Friend Emergency: In case of a personal emergency, you may need to transfer a flight ticket to someone else in your family or a friend who needs to travel urgently.
3. Business Travel Substitution: For work-related trips, if the original traveler is unavailable, the company may want to transfer a flight ticket to another person within the team.
4. Gift or Surprise: Sometimes, people purchase flight tickets for others as gifts. If you wish to transfer a flight ticket to a friend or family member as a surprise, it could be a thoughtful gesture.
5. Non-refundable Tickets: If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket but can no longer use it, airlines that allow name changes may let you transfer a flight ticket to another person, helping you avoid losing the ticket’s value.

Always check with the airline’s policy on how to properly transfer a flight ticket and any fees that might apply.

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

Airline policies vary greatly on transferring airline tickets to another person. Airlines do not allow transfer airline ticket to another person, but one can change or cancel the flight with a fee, while others strictly prohibit it. Here's a breakdown of popular airlines and their approaches:

Delta Airlines:

Delta Airlines is a major airline based in the United States. It is the second-largest airline in the world in terms of revenue and passengers carried. This airline operates over 5,400 flights daily.

• Delta doesn't offer a transfer option. This means one cannot transfer the tickets to another person.
• The passenger's name on the ticket must match the person flying.
• Although it allows a name change on the ticket for a fee. But this could be helpful for minor misspelling corrections, but not for transferring the ticket.

United Airlines:

United Airlines is the fourth largest airline. This airline holds the distinction of being the founding member of the largest airline alliance in the world, Star Alliance. This airline operates over 300 destinations worldwide.

• United does not offer a transfer airline ticket to another person.
• But, if your ticket was purchased through United in the last 24 hours and you completed your purchase one week or more before the originally scheduled departure flight, it may qualify for a waiver of change or cancellation fees.
• To learn more about the policies, please contact our customer service at +1 (571) 389 6426.

Southwest Airlines:

Southwest Airlines is the third largest airline. One of the recognized airlines for low-cost airfares. This airline has been a major inspiration for other companies worldwide. This airline operates over 4,000 weekday departures.

• Unlike most airlines, Southwest does not allow transfers of tickets.
• As with Southwest, transferring airline tickets to another passenger is not possible.
• You can cancel or change your reservation within 24 hours of making it without paying a ticket change fee. This applies to most of their fare types.

Spirit Airlines:

Spirit is recognized as the seventh-largest passenger carrier in North America in 2023. Known for its vibrant yellow planes and no-frills service. Spirit Airlines remains a popular choice for travelers seeking low-cost airfare.

• Spirit typically doesn't allow the transfer of flight tickets. However, exceptions might exist depending on the fare class. But you can always change the name on your Spirit airlines ticket.
• Some premium fare classes might allow transfers for a fee. While rare, Spirit might consider transfers in special cases (e.g., documented medical emergencies).
• Please contact our customer service at +1 (571) 389 6426.

How to Transfer Plane Ticket to Another Person?: A Step-by-Step Guide

No airlines allow the transfer airline ticket to another person but in exception cases, if the airline allows transfers for your specific ticket, here's a general roadmap:

• Contact the Airline: Reach out to the customer service department at +1 (571) 389 6426. They can confirm transferability and guide you through the process.

• Gather Information: Have your reservation details (passenger name, confirmation number, flight details) and the new passenger's information ready.

• Fees: Be prepared for potential transfer fees. The airline will inform you of the charges during the call.

• Double-Check Information: Ensure all details provided to the airline, including the new passenger's name and any travel documents required, are accurate to avoid last-minute issues.

• Confirmation: Once the transfer of flight tickets is complete, obtain confirmation from the airline that the transfer has been processed successfully. Obtain a confirmation email or reference number for your records.

Alternatives to Transfers (if transfer isn't possible)

• Ticket Cancellation: If transfer flight ticket to another person isn't an option, consider canceling your flight. Most airlines have cancellation windows where you can receive a partial or full refund (minus any cancellation fees). Use the refunded amount to book a new ticket for the new passenger.
• Changing Your Flight Date: Some airlines might allow you to change your flight date for a fee. This could be an option if the new passenger can travel on a different date.
• Changing Your Name on Flight Tickets: Some airlines allow the change of names on the flight ticket with a minimal fee decided by every airline.

Fond Tip: Check the fare rules before booking. Most airlines clearly state whether a ticket is transferable or not in the fare rules. Look for this information during the booking process. It's usually under the fare conditions or ticket information section.