This one small oversight cost a traveller $559! What happened?
- Replies 4
Navigating airline policies could sometimes be as challenging as flying the plane itself.
A recent incident involving a Jetstar passenger could be a cautionary tale for travellers, particularly those who may have undergone a name change.
The unfortunate story began with a 28-year-old woman.
After enjoying a long weekend in Hobart, she was ready to return to Melbourne with her husband and friends.
However, her trip took an unexpected turn at the check-in counter.
The self-service terminals were out of order, so she proceeded to the booking counter for assistance.
It was there that she encountered a problem that many travellers might overlook—her ticket was booked under her married name.
However, her driver's licence still displayed her maiden name.
Typically, a name change on a domestic Jetstar flight should cost $70.
However, since the woman already used the other half of her return ticket, the staff told her that she needed to buy a new one.
The cost? A whopping $559—nearly twice the price of her original $330 fare.
The woman, overwhelmed by the situation, burst into tears.
Her companions considered extending their stay in Hobart to resolve the issue.
The woman later on paid for a new ticket, which left her and her travel group feeling exploited.
One of the woman's fellow travellers, Ammad Arshad, expressed his dismay at the airline's 'predatory practice'.
The group shared the cost of the new fare, but the incident cast a shadow over their entire trip.
According to Jetstar's policy on their website, name changes are allowed at $70.
However, the conditions for such changes were not clear.
Name changes must also apply to all passenger flights.
Lastly, tickets purchased with Qantas Frequent Flyer Points Plus Pay are not eligible for name changes.
Jetstar has reached out to the passenger to offer a full refund.
A Jetstar spokesperson also acknowledged the federal government requirement to travel under one's legal name with a matching ID but also recognised the need to review this particular case with empathy.
So, what can we learn from this incident to avoid similar situations? Here are some key takeaways for anyone booking flights:
Have you ever faced a similar issue during your travels? How did you resolve it? Share your stories in the comments below.
A recent incident involving a Jetstar passenger could be a cautionary tale for travellers, particularly those who may have undergone a name change.
The unfortunate story began with a 28-year-old woman.
After enjoying a long weekend in Hobart, she was ready to return to Melbourne with her husband and friends.
However, her trip took an unexpected turn at the check-in counter.
The self-service terminals were out of order, so she proceeded to the booking counter for assistance.
A Jetstar passenger paid over $500 for a domestic flight from Hobart to Melbourne. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Vladimka production
It was there that she encountered a problem that many travellers might overlook—her ticket was booked under her married name.
However, her driver's licence still displayed her maiden name.
Typically, a name change on a domestic Jetstar flight should cost $70.
However, since the woman already used the other half of her return ticket, the staff told her that she needed to buy a new one.
The cost? A whopping $559—nearly twice the price of her original $330 fare.
The woman, overwhelmed by the situation, burst into tears.
Her companions considered extending their stay in Hobart to resolve the issue.
The woman later on paid for a new ticket, which left her and her travel group feeling exploited.
One of the woman's fellow travellers, Ammad Arshad, expressed his dismay at the airline's 'predatory practice'.
The group shared the cost of the new fare, but the incident cast a shadow over their entire trip.
According to Jetstar's policy on their website, name changes are allowed at $70.
However, the conditions for such changes were not clear.
Name changes must also apply to all passenger flights.
Lastly, tickets purchased with Qantas Frequent Flyer Points Plus Pay are not eligible for name changes.
Jetstar has reached out to the passenger to offer a full refund.
A Jetstar spokesperson also acknowledged the federal government requirement to travel under one's legal name with a matching ID but also recognised the need to review this particular case with empathy.
So, what can we learn from this incident to avoid similar situations? Here are some key takeaways for anyone booking flights:
- Check your ID: Ensure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your government-issued ID.
- Update your documents: Make sure to update all your identification documents before you travel. This includes your driver's licence, passport, and any other ID you may need to present at the airport.
- Read the fine print: Familiarise yourself with the airline's policies on name changes and ticketing.
- Plan ahead: If you need to make a name change, do it as early as possible.
- Reach out for help: If you find yourself in a bind, feel free to contact the airline's customer service.
- Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that could name change issues or ticket cancellations.
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