Can You Change Passport Number After Booking Flight?

If you’ve found yourself asking this question, chances are you’re either getting a new passport or you’ve realized there’s an error with the passport number you provided when booking your flight.

Either way, you’re not alone, and this article should help you with the needed information.

Will a Passport Number Change For Just Renewing it?

Let’s break it down. Passport renewal, as you might already know, is the process you undergo when your passport is about to expire, or has already expired.

But then, it’s a common misconception that when you renew your passport, the number stays the same. After all, you’re still the same person, right?

Well, in reality, however, that’s not the case.

When you renew your passport, you’re essentially applying for a brand-new passport, complete with a brand-new number. Hence, your passport number will need to change after the renewal.

Now, why does this happen?

The answer lies in the security protocols of passport issuance.

The passport number you see is a unique identifier for each passport issued. It aids in preventing fraud, tracking passport validity, and more. Having a new number for each passport – even if it’s a renewal – is part of these security measures.

So, if you’ve renewed your passport, be sure to update your passport number wherever necessary. But what about when you’ve already booked the flight?

Well, let’s go over that now…

Can You Change Passport Number After Booking Flight?

Now, what happens if you’ve already booked your flight, but your passport number changes for whatever reason? Maybe you’ve renewed it, or there was a mistake in the first place.

Well, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is, yes, in most cases, you can change your passport number after booking your flight.

Generally, airlines understand that these things happen. Maybe your passport expired, or perhaps it was lost or stolen. Whatever the case, many airlines have procedures in place to accommodate such changes.

However, the bad news is that the process isn’t always straightforward. The ease with which you can update your passport number greatly depends on the airline with which you’re flying.

Some airlines allow you to make the change online, while others require you to call their customer service line. In some rare cases, you might need to cancel and rebook your flight entirely, which could potentially incur additional fees.

So, if you’re faced with the need to change your passport number after booking a flight, the first step should be to check your airline’s policy regarding passport information updates.

You can usually find this information on the airline’s website, or by giving their customer service a call. Remember, the sooner you address this issue, the smoother your travel experience will be.

Are there any requirements to keep in mind?

While there are no actual requirements, we have 5 steps we recommend people, taking…

1. Check the Policy of the airline

Before anything else, always check the airline’s specific policy regarding passport information updates.

Every airline may have slightly different procedures and requirements, so don’t skip this step. Information can often be found on the airline’s official website or by calling their customer service.

2. Make the move on time

Although it’s generally possible to update your passport details after booking a flight, try to do it as soon as you realize the need for change.

This can help you avoid any last-minute stress or complications.

3. Have your documents at hand

This may include your old passport, new passport, and flight booking details.

Some airlines might require you to provide details from both passports, so having this information ready can streamline the process. The exception here would be if your passport was stolen.

It’s also important to also keep in mind that while many airlines will allow you to change your passport details without a fee, some might charge for this service. So, it’s a good idea to be prepared for additional costs.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, changing your passport number after booking a flight can be a relatively straightforward process if you’re informed about your airline’s specific policy, act in a timely manner, have all necessary documents ready, and are prepared for potential additional costs.