How to Fix a Wrong Name on a Flight Ticket (Step-by-Step Guide)

You book a flight. Payment goes through. Confirmation email arrives.And then you see it. Your name is wrong.

Maybe it’s a spelling mistake. Maybe your middle name is missing. Or maybe it doesn’t match your passport exactly. That sinking feeling. Can You Change the Name on Flight Ticket? Rules, Fees & What’s Allowed. So many questions, right?

The good news is this: we can fix most name mistakes if you act quickly and follow the right steps.

Here’s exactly how to fix a wrong name on a flight ticket, without unnecessary stress or extra costs.

Most airline name mistakes can be fixed if you act early, avoid check-in, and follow the airline’s correction rules.

Step 1: Don’t Panic and Don’t Check in Yet

First things first.
Do not check in online or at the airport. Once the check-in is done, the ticket gets locked by many airlines, and changes become harder or impossible. Stay calm and move to the next step.

Also Read: How Carry-On and Check-In Luggage Rules Work in 2026?

Step 2: Identify the Type of Name Error

Airlines treat name issues differently based on the mistake.

Minor errors (usually fixable):

• Small spelling mistakes (Jon → John)
• Missing or extra letters
• Missing middle name
• Initial instead of full name
• Typing errors

Major errors (harder to fix):

• First and last name both wrong
• Completely different passenger name
• Trying to transfer the ticket to someone else

Knowing this helps you understand what’s possible.

Step 3: Check the Airline’s Name Change Policy

Every airline has its own rules.

Look for:

• How many letters can be corrected
• Free correction window (often 24 hours)
• Fees for name correction
• Documents required

You can usually find this under:

• “Manage Booking”
• “Name Change Policy”
• “Ticket Rules”

Step 4: Act Within 24 Hours if Possible

This is very important.

Many airlines offer a free correction window within 24 hours of booking. During this time:

• Minor spelling errors are often fixed for free
• No fare difference is charged
• The process is faster

If you’re within this window, contact the airline immediately.

Step 5: Contact the Right Place

Where you contact depends on how you booked.

• Booked directly with the airline → Contact airline customer support
• Booked via travel agent or website → Contact the booking platform

Use:

• Customer care number
• Live chat
• Email support

Explain clearly that it’s a name correction, not a passenger change.

If you’re unsure who to contact or what to say,

Call us Toll Free at +1-855-510-5187 and we’ll guide you through the correct process.

Step 6: Keep Documents Ready

Most airlines ask for proof.

Common documents include:

• Passport or government ID
• Booking confirmation
• Marriage certificate (for surname change)
• Legal name change document (if applicable)

Send clear, readable copies to avoid delays.

Step 7: Pay the Name Correction Fee (If required)

Not all corrections are free.

What to expect:

• Minor corrections may be free or low-cost
• Fees vary by airline and fare type
• Low-cost airlines usually charge more
• International tickets may cost more to fix

Always ask for the total cost before confirming.

Also Read: Airline Baggage Fees

Step 8: Get Written Confirmation

Never assume the change is done.

Make sure you receive:

• Updated e-ticket
• Confirmation email
• Corrected passenger name

Check the name carefully again. Letter by letter.

What If the Name Doesn’t Match Your Passport?

This is serious, especially for international flights.

Rule of thumb:

 Your ticket name must match your passport.

Usually acceptable:

• Missing middle name
• Middle name initial

Risky mismatches:

• Different surname
• Nicknames instead of legal name
• Misspelled first name

If in doubt, always correct it.

Can You Fix a Name at the Airport?

In most cases, no.

Airports are the worst place to fix name issues because:

• Staff have limited authority
• Fees are higher
• Time is limited
• Boarding can be denied

Always fix name errors before travel day.

Can You Transfer a Ticket to Another Person?

Short answer: No.

Flight tickets are non-transferable. Airlines do not allow changing the passenger to someone else, except in very rare legal cases.

Quick Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes Next Time

✔ Enter name exactly as on passport
✔ Avoid nicknames
✔ Don’t add titles (Mr, Mrs, Dr)
✔ Double-check before payment
✔ Save booking confirmation

A 10-second check can save hours of stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still unsure about your ticket name correction?

Call us Toll-Free at +1-855-510-5187 for general travel guidance.

Written by the MyBaggageInfo Travel Research Team, specializing in airline ticket rules and baggage policies.