How to Change Name and Departure Date After Booking Confirmation

 

Online flight booking can be quick and easy, but nobody is perfect. I will share of  my booking experience with Scoot, scoot is based in Singapore. Scoot provides one of the cheapest options to travel, but it comes with very strict policies. So, if you have made an error in your booking-be it your name or departure date-do not panic. Now, I'd like to share my experience and guide you through the steps for solving them without great difficulties.

Why Scoot Is a Great Choice for Budget Travelers

Let me highlight, before going into the details, why I usually travel with Scoot. Scoot is one of the low cost carriers in Singapore, hence very affordable for those on a tight budget. Booking is easy, but since it is a low-cost carrier airline, every other service or change, other than the basic ticket, often requires some payment.

Their customer service, however, is very responsive, and you can reach them through their online chat system or hotline. This feature has been a lifesaver for me whenever I've needed assistance, including fixing booking errors.

How to Change a Name on Scoot

Surprisingly, name mistakes are very common. Once, while booking a ticket for my friend, I had interchanged her first and last names by mistake. What I learned from that is as follows:

1. Minor Errors: Typos or Single Letter Mistakes

Scoot allows minor spelling errors to be corrected for free. For instance, if you misspell "John" as "Jonn" or accidentally type an extra letter, their customer service can help fix it without charging you. However, you must contact them as soon as you notice the error.

2. Major Name Changes (First Name or Surname):

If you need to change the first name or last name entirely, you are likely to have to pay a fee. For example, I once booked a ticket under my cousin's nickname instead of their passport name. Scoot required a payment for updating it, as this constitutes a major change.

3. How to Request a Name Change:

To make a name change:

Head to the Scoot online chat system (click here).

Fill out the chat form with details such as confirmation number of booking, date of birth, and email address used during the time of booking.

If it's for another person-for example, a friend or family member-write their details out but include your relationship to them.

After receiving a request via contact us form, Scoot will provide a tracking ID/Case ID through which one can track the status.

In my experience, minor corrections are processed within a day, but major name changes can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks.

How to Change the Departure Date on Scoot

Changing a departure date is a bit harder with Scoot because they have a very strict no free change policy unless certain conditions are met. Here's what I've learned:

1. When You Can Change a Date for Free:

Scoot allows free date changes only in two cases: 

Death of a Family Member: You will be required to provide proof, like a death certificate.

Medical Reasons: In the event that you are sick, you can visit your doctor and obtain a medical certificate. Teck it up with Scoot via chat or email (support link here); they may offer you a reschedule date or even a Scoot voucher for the value of the ticket.

I have used the medical condition option once myself. My doctor gave me a certificate, and after I called Scoot, they let me change the date without any additional fees.

2. If You Don't Qualify for a Free Change:

For all other cases, Scoot will charge you a modification fee to change your departure date. That is why I highly recommend purchasing the "Flexi" add-on that Scoot offers at the time of making your booking. For just about $20, this option allows multiple changes in travel date with no penalties.

3. How to Request a Date Change:

Log in to Scoot's official website at www.flyscoot.com.

Click on the Manage My Booking section.

Explain your situation using the chat system or hotline-hotline for Singapore at +65 3157 6434-and provide supporting documents if necessary.

Tips to Avoid Booking Mistakes

Booking mistakes are frustrating and can be very costly to rectify. Following are some of the tips that I have started to follow in order to avoid such mistakes:

1. Double-Check Names: Always type the names correctly as they appear on the traveler's passport. Even a minor mismatch may cause problems.

2. Dates of Travel: Reconfirm your dates of travel, especially when booking tickets either at night or in a rush.

3. Use the Flexi Add-On: This is a $20 option that has gotten me out of so much trouble. It's worth it for the flexibility it offers.

4. Take Screenshots: Always, after booking, take screenshots of the confirmation page as a backup.

5. System Testing: I like to do a dummy run to see how the system works, especially when putting in multiple passengers' details before I make a group booking.

My Experience Using Scoot's Online Chat

Scoot's online chat system is quite efficient, actually. Each time I needed any help, I just went to their chat page and filled out the form that appeared. For example, once when I had to change my cousin's name on a booking, the customer service representative was very polite and quick to respond.

In turn, after submitting this request, I got a case ID to follow up with, and it took something like 48 hours to finally have it sorted, but all felt smooth anyway.

To wrap things up:

Name Changes: Free for small typos, paid otherwise.

Date Changes: Only free in particular cases, including medical or family emergencies. Other than that, you will pay unless you already opted for the Flexi add-on.

You can also always contact Scoot's online chat or email support for the quickest solution.

I hope this guide helps you avoid or resolve booking mistakes on Scoot. For me, planning ahead and being cautious in the booking process has made all the difference. And when that doesn't happen, well, now you know how to handle it!

Happy travels, and may your next trip with Scoot go as smooth as silk, hassle-free!