I know that these days they make a big deal about the name on an airline ticket matching the name on somel picture ID. The problem is that either my wife or I wish to travel by air in two weeks. Only one of us will go. If it is a snowy weekend at the destination (Boston), I will go, if not, she will. But we want to buy a ticket soon, as prices go up as the takeoff day nears. What is the best way to handle it? Can you get the name changed on a ticket? How do you get the name changed?
What you’re talking about is transferring a ticket to another person. There may or may not be a charge for it; my guess is that there will. This may vary with the airline, so call and ask before you buy it.
Some tickets are totally non-transferable, but you can cancel (for a fee). So you might be better off buying two tickets and cancelling one. But definitely read the fine print.
The cheaper fares are usually non-transferable, non–refundable, and exact a heavy penalty for changing the reservation – better call the airline to inquire re: your specific needs.