Changing Name on Int'l *A Ticket
 

As a gift to our Kenyan nanny, my wife and I are using MP miles to fly her 12-year old son from Nairobi to Washington. At the time the ticket was issued, I incorrectly provided her last name as the child's. As it turns out, the name in the passport (the last name) is different. The flight routes from NBO-ZRH on Swiss before connecting to UAL to IAD. The return actually routes through YYZ on Air Canada.

The seats on the same routing are no longer available which is why I didn't simply re-book on the same flights. To complicate matters, the 12 year old boy is flying over with his cousin on the same flights (already ticketed)

I recognize that reaching out to the *A partners is a pain in the rear for UA. I really do get that. All of that said, I'm a solid (Premier Executive) if not overwhelming customers that typically buys at least 3-4 C tickets from IAD-EZE every year as well as a great many domestics.


After calling MP customer service, a helpful gentleman said that I would need to speak with a senior supervisor. 34 minutes later, a supervisor came on to say the following:
1. It was very unlikely that the *A carriers would agree to this.
2. I could call back 24 hours later (keep in mind the 34 minute hold) to find out how it went.
3. While he would provide me with his name, he would not provide any way to get back in touch with him.
4. He would not agree to call me back because he did not have time.

Again, I know I'm asking for something this is "outside the box" for customer servce. However, I refuse to believe that a phone call to the other carriers could not easily resolve this.

I'm also annoyed by the lack of accountability - even on the elite line - for a request like this.

Anyone ever deal with this before?

I'm sorry to say that I seriously doubt you'll have any luck. I know of no carrier anywhere in the world that will change the name on a ticket any more, regardless of whether it's an award or revenue ticket. Years ago, they would do it, but I've not heard of it on the past 10 years at least.

If you do find someone who will do it, I will be totally amazed.

Agree. I had to change a first name once, which was just a variant on the name, agent made a notation in PNR. Hate to say it but name changes aren't allowed. Get the miles refunded and book a new flight.

Regarding the 'lack of accountability' is the OP upset they are following policy and CofC to not allow name changes?

I think the lack of accountability refers more to items 3 and 4 in the OP.

I have no advice for your situation unfortunately, but what I would kindly suggest is to use more substantive subject lines for future posts. ;)