does anybody know if it's possible to change the names on airline tickets? specifically Zurich-Oslo with Czech airlines. (i've 2 tickets July 22-Aug 5 that i can't use and am giving away, if anybody can use them...)

Probably not. Read this tale of woe.

But call the airline and ask. You have nothing to lose.

Normally, no. Typically, changing the name on the tickets is just like changing the tickets to another date. But it depends on the type of ticket and the restrictions of the airline. If you have a "fully refundable" fare, for example, which people rarely buy, then you can probably change the name (as it is just a re-booking of the same flight). Sometimes airlines make exceptions for "extenuating circumstances", so if you have those, then it might also work.

I agree with the previous poster though, call the airline. That is the only way you can be sure of this specific airline's policy.

I've had a quick search on t'internet and it seems for that airline only group bookings can have name changes made on tickets. I would call them and if they refuse, keep calling until you get a nice person

Thanks very much for your responses! if anybody's fancying a holiday in Norway, and is up for the challenge of trying to get the names changed, the tickets are yours for free

depending on yout booking class, you can also get a refund. If you have the cheapest "value special" tickets, you can't get a refund, nor change them. With other classes you can change, economy for a fee, economy premium and business free - but as said, you can also get a refund for those classes, which would make more sense for you.

Even the nice people can't manage this, I'm afraid. The tickets which are flexible are only flexible for dates of travel and not passenger name changes.

I have tried this with a couple of different airlines in the past 12-18 months and it has never been possible no matter how nice and helpful the person on the other end of the phone is.

The tickets can normally be changed for departure up to three months ahead so if the OP can reschedule his flight for later in the year, all he has to do is pay the CHF ~130 fee and Bob's his Uncle.

If you cancel the tickets you should get a refund of all government takes that you've paid. If the flight to Oslo was not direct (i.e. there was a stop-over) then even better as there will be 3 airport taxes in the ticket price to refund.

However, Czech may make a charge for doing this, which could be equal to or more than the taxes.