What Should You Do If Your Name Is Incorrect on Your Airline Ticket?

It’s easy to make a mistake when booking a trip, especially while entering personal information. If you miss an error like a misspelled name before confirming your purchase, it can cause quite a bit of stress.

Although using a nickname instead of your legal name or misspelling your name on a ticket can be alarming, it’s typically an issue that can be resolved. Airlines understand that mistakes happen and have procedures in place to correct them. However, the timing is crucial: When you spot the error can determine whether it’s just a minor hassle or a significant delay.

This guide will explain what to do if your name is incorrectly spelled on your airline ticket—and the steps you can take to fix the mistake.

Is it possible to travel with a misspelled name on your flight ticket?

As stated by the Transportation Security Administration, the name on your ticket must exactly match the name on your passport or driver’s license. Any letter reversals or shortened versions (like Mike instead of Michael) won’t be accepted by TSA and airline security, as they must verify that the passenger boarding the flight is indeed the ticket holder and not on any no-fly lists. Immigration officials also require accurate identification of travelers, and matching names streamline this process, minimizing the risk of accidental illegal entries or exits.

Is it possible to fix a typo in my name on my airline ticket?

In general, airlines do not permit name changes on your ticket without reaching out to customer service. They need to confirm that you are the actual traveler and not transferring the ticket to someone else, as most tickets are nontransferable. However, some airlines, such as Southwest, let customers make minor adjustments on their own. Once you spot the error, log into your booking account and check for the section that allows you to modify passenger details. If that option isn’t available, contact the airline. If you're already at the airport, join the customer service line immediately, as timing is crucial: certain airlines have deadlines for ticket modifications. Be ready to provide your booking reference number and proof of your name's correct spelling (like a passport or driver’s license). Some airlines may require these documents to be emailed or uploaded via their customer service portal if you’re making changes over the phone.

While some airlines, like JetBlue, permit passengers to correct name typos for free, others may impose a change fee, which can amount to hundreds of dollars.

A potential workaround for changing your name without contacting the airline is if you catch the error within 24 hours of booking, cancel the ticket, and then rebook with the correct details—though this is advisable only if the fare remains the same.

What should I do if my name has changed since purchasing my airline ticket?

If you need to change the name on your flight ticket due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, you must provide proof at the airport. According to TSA’s Fly Rights page, "If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket differs from your I.D. (or will differ by your travel date), bring documentation of the change (like a marriage certificate or court order)." Just ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time for officials to review your paperwork. If your driver’s license or passport hasn’t been updated with your new name, you don’t need to change it on your ticket; it only needs to match your travel documents.

Which typos or omissions on plane tickets are not a concern?

Generally, it’s acceptable if your middle name is missing from your airline ticket as long as your first and last names match exactly with those on your government-issued I.D. (like a passport or driver’s license). However, it's always advisable to confirm with the specific airline you are flying with, as policies may differ. In most instances, the lack of a middle name shouldn't hinder your travel, but ensuring that your ticket details align with your I.D. can help you avoid potential issues during check-in or security. Additionally, suffixes are not necessary on boarding passes.