What if the airline refuses the name change after a buyer has paid?

If the airline declines the name change after the buyer has paid and escrow is held, SpareHolidays will mediate. The buyer will receive a full refund. To avoid this, confirm with the airline before listing.

Can I sell a non-changeable, non-refundable ticket?

Only if the airline allows name changes on that specific fare type, regardless of the refundability. If the airline does not permit name changes, the ticket cannot be listed on SpareHolidays.

Can I sell a partially used ticket (e.g., return leg only)?

This depends entirely on the airline. Some airlines allow changes to individual sectors; others require all segments to be in the same passenger's name. Verify with your airline before listing a partial itinerary.

What happens to frequent flyer points associated with the booking?

Points accrual is typically associated with the ticketed passenger. Once a name change is processed, the buyer accrues points under their own frequent flyer account. This should be made clear in your listing.

Are there any fees for sellers?

No. Listing and selling on SpareHolidays is free for sellers. We charge a 10% commission to the buyer on top of your asking price. You keep everything you ask for.

How to Sell an Unused Flight Ticket

Flight you can not take? Depending on your airline, you may be able to sell it. Here is how.

Can You Sell a Flight Ticket?

Selling a flight ticket is more complex than selling a hotel booking. Most airlines treat tickets as personal documents tied to a specific passenger's identity, which makes straightforward resale difficult. However, a number of airlines — particularly in Europe and the Middle East — do allow paid name changes on certain fare types.

SpareHolidays connects buyers and sellers for flight tickets where the airline's policy permits a name change. The seller coordinates the name change directly with the airline after a buyer purchases on the platform. Payment is held in escrow until the buyer confirms the ticket has been transferred to their name.

For tickets where name changes are not possible, sellers sometimes list the ticket for its residual value as a travel credit or voucher, depending on the airline's cancellation and voucher policy.

Important: Always verify your airline's specific name change policy before listing. SpareHolidays does not facilitate transactions that require fraudulent use of travel documents. Selling a ticket where the airline prohibits name changes entirely is against our terms of service.

Step-by-Step Guide

Check Your Airline Policy

Contact your airline or check their website to confirm whether name changes are permitted on your ticket type. Note any fees. This information must be accurate before you list.

Create Your Listing

Create a listing with your route, departure date, class, and booking reference (redacted for privacy). Set your asking price and describe the airline's name change process.

Wait for a Buyer

Your listing goes live after verification. Buyers can purchase at your price or make an offer. Flight tickets close to the departure date often attract buyers quickly.

Transfer the Ticket

Once a buyer pays, contact the airline to process the name change to the buyer's details. Upload the updated booking confirmation as proof. The buyer must verify the name matches.

Get Paid

The buyer confirms receipt of the ticket in their name. Escrow releases your payment. You receive 100% of your asking price — SpareHolidays charges the buyer a 10% fee.

Airline Name Change Policies

Name change policies vary widely between airlines and fare classes. Below is a general guide to policies at some major carriers. Always verify with your specific airline before listing.

British Airways

Fee applies

British Airways permits name corrections and changes on most fare types for a fee (typically £30-£60 per sector). Changes must be made before check-in opens. Business and First class fares are generally more flexible.

Lufthansa

Fee applies

Lufthansa allows name changes on flex and full-fare tickets. Economy Light and other restricted fares do not permit name changes. Fees vary by route and fare condition.

Emirates

Fee applies

Emirates permits name corrections for minor errors at no charge, and full name changes on Flex and Flex Plus fares. Saver fares generally do not permit name changes.

easyJet

Fee applies

easyJet allows name changes on all bookings for a fee (currently around £35-£49 per passenger per flight). Changes can be made online up to 2 hours before departure.

Airline policies change frequently. The information above is for general guidance only. Always confirm the current policy directly with your airline before listing your ticket on SpareHolidays.

Tips for Selling

List as early as possible. Buyers need time to arrange travel and the name change process takes time. Tickets listed within 48 hours of departure are rarely purchased.
Be transparent about the airline's name change fee. Include this in your listing price or describe it clearly in the listing description so there are no surprises.
Provide as much detail as possible: airline, flight number, class, baggage allowance, and any included extras. More detail builds buyer confidence.
Price competitively. Factor in the name change fee and still offer a meaningful saving versus buying a new ticket at current prices.
Respond to buyer messages promptly. Time-sensitive travel purchases require fast communication. A slow response on a flight listing often means a lost sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

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