Why is it so hard to change the name on a plane ticket?

Simon Calder on name changes, flight compensation and passport legalities

Booking a flight with an online agent is not recommended (Getty)

Q I need your advice on a flight I bought through an online travel agent. It’s regarding a name change on a ticket. My mum can no longer travel due to a serious family illness so someone else is coming instead. I’m hitting brick walls – please help!

Emily H

A I am sorry to hear about the family illness and the impact on your travel plans. My heart sank when I read the words “online travel agent” and “change” in the same sentence. There is sometimes merit in booking a flight with an online agent, because weirdly, airlines often sell more cheaply through these intermediaries than they do direct. But as soon as any change is involved – on the part of the airline or the customer – the presence of an online middleman can make things much more complicated. In my experience, they will generally insist that all bookings are irrevocable and/or demand outlandishly high fees for making quick amends.