Can You Change the Name on a Plane Ticket?

We’ve all found ourselves in that awful situation in which we’ve misspelled our names when booking a plane ticket. Perhaps you missed out on a letter or typed your name out in a rush and made an error. Your first instinct would be to fix it, but the question to ask is, can you change the name on a plane ticket? 

Whether or not this is possible will depend on the airline’s policy, the type of ticket, and the regulations in your country. In a lot of situations, you can’t change your name unless you’re simply correcting a simple spelling mistake. But what if you booked the ticket entirely for the wrong person? 

This guide will explain whether or not it’s possible to change the name on a plane ticket, so you know how to make a change if you ever need to. 

Why are Airlines So Strict About Name Changes on Planes? 

There are several different reasons why airlines are strict about name changes on plane tickets. 

One of the first and most important reasons is because of security concerns. Over the years, airlines have increased security checks to ensure flights operate as smoothly as possible, and the names and identities of the passengers going through airports and on flights is critical to ensuring this security. 

As a result, airlines are wary of people wanting to change their entire names, but they do allow for minor changes under specific conditions. For example, Alaska Airlines’ name correction and transfer policy, minor changes are allowed if: 

• It involves a correction of no more than three letters (eg: Britny for Brittany),
• Obvious misspellings (eg: Jeffery for Geoffery),
• Names inverted (eg: John Doe for Doe John) and so on. 

Entering the incorrect name can also become a challenge if you’re flying abroad and need the name on your ticket and your TSA-approved ID or passport to match. For an overview of your rights in these situations, see Air Passenger Rights.

Additionally, airlines also prevent name changes to prevent people from flipping tickets over to others at more competitive prices. This ends up creating a secondary market where the airline might initially benefit from their tickets being sold, but ultimately, the reseller may end up making more of a profit than the airline itself.

Why Might an Airline Refuse to Change the Name on a Ticket?

Airlines might refuse to change a name on an airline ticket to prevent fraud and negate security threats. They are required to maintain accurate passenger records and comply with security laws. Allowing unrestricted name changes could lead to unauthorized transfers of tickets, opening the door to illegal ticket resale or even identity fraud. Maintaining strict control over name changes helps airlines verify that the person traveling matches the original booking, ensuring both security compliance and adherence to airline policies.

Can You Board the Plane if Your Name is Incorrect? 

While there are a few situations in which you can make minor changes to the name on your plane ticket, can you still board a plane if you have the wrong name on the flight ticket? 

No. Airline regulations state that you cannot fly on a plane if the name on your boarding pass doesn’t match the name on your government-issued ID. The reason your name must match that on your ID is so that they can be run against government watchlists to ensure that you’re approved to fly. If there is a mismatch in your name, TSS has the right to prevent you from boarding your flight. 

The only exception to this rule is in the case of suffixes. TSA accepts variations in suffixes since they’re not required on boarding passes but may be present on your government-issued ID. 

How Much Does it Cost to Correct the Name on a Plane Ticket?

Whether airlines charge you for changing the name on tickets depends on the airline and the timing of your request. Southwest and JetBlue also offer at least one free name correction, though this is limited to minor adjustments. For a broader look at associated costs, you may want to check how much it costs to change a flight, as policies can vary greatly.

According to federal regulations, all airlines also have a 24-hour window within which you can cancel your reservation for no charge. As a result of this policy, some airlines will also allow you to make name changes for free within this window, but it isn’t always the norm. As a result, you should always check your reservation immediately after you make it to see if you need to make a correction. 

What Documents Are Required to Update Your Name on a Ticket? 

While the exact documents needed to update the name on your ticket may vary, some of the most commonly required documents include: 

• Original Ticket: In most cases, the airline will require you to show your original ticket, the booking reference number, and the passenger’s name. 
• Identification Documents: You’ll need to show some valid form of identification such as a passport, driver’s license, or a national ID. 
• Proof of Name Change: If you’ve legally changed your name, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves this. These could include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and so on. 
• Proof of Error: If the name on your ticket is wrong, you will need some form of identification such as a passport to show your correct name. 
• Correspondence: If you speak to the airline’s customer service as a part of the name change process, it’s a good idea to keep a record of all your correspondence to help streamline the process. 

What Steps Should You Take to Change Your Name on a Plane Ticket? 

Changing the name on your plane ticket requires following a few steps. These have been listed below for your reference: 

1. Check the Airline’s Policy: The first step is to check the airline’s name change policy. While some airlines allow for name changes, others may not or might have certain conditions you must meet. 
2. Gather all the Documents: Gather all the necessary documents needed, such as your original ticket, proof of identification, proof of name change (if applicable), and so on. 
3. Contact the Airline’s Customer Care: Contact the airline’s customer care and explain the nature of your request. Provide them with the details of any necessary documentation. 
4. Pay the Fee (If Applicable): If you’re required to pay a fee to change your name, go ahead and make the payment via the official payment gateway. 
5. Reissue Your Ticket: Once you’ve received proof of payment, you can go ahead and have your ticket reissued so you can resume your travel plans without any hiccups. 

Is It Possible to Transfer Your Ticket to Another Person? 

It’s almost impossible to transfer your ticket to another person or a friend. Airlines primarily do this for security reasons, but they also want control over their revenue and don’t want to encourage the creation of a market for reselling airline tickets. 

However, if you have the wrong name on the flight ticket, it is possible to make minor changes to your name if needed, and you can follow the steps mentioned in the previous sections to do this.

FAQ

What Steps Should I Follow to Update the Name on My Flight Ticket? 

To update your ticket name, start by reviewing the airline’s policy to understand any conditions. Gather the required documents, such as your ticket and ID, then contact customer care to make your request. If a fee applies, pay through the airline’s official channels. Once completed, your ticket will be reissued, allowing you to proceed with your travel plans.