Does Alaska Airlines allow ticket name change or transfer?

Alaska Airlines Allow Ticket Name Changes

Understanding the Difference: Correction vs Transfer

Alaska Airlines distinguishes between two situations:

1. Name Correction – fixing small errors in the passenger name (spelling mistakes, swapped names, added initials).
2. Name Transfer – handing the ticket off to a completely different person.

Alaska permits the first scenario but does not allow full transfers of a ticket to someone else under normal circumstances.

What Is a Name Correction?

Name correction applies when the ticketed name belongs to the same traveler but has minor mistakes. Examples include:

• Typographical errors (e.g. “Davd” instead of “David”)
• First and middle names swapped
• Adding or removing a middle initial
• Fixing hyphens or apostrophes to match ID
• Adjusting capitalization or spacing

As long as the passenger identity remains the same, Alaska typically allows corrections without needing to cancel or rebook.

What Is Not Allowed: Name Transfers

These are not permitted under Alaska’s typical policies:

• Assigning your ticket to a friend or family member with a different name
• Transferring your seat or booking to someone else
• Selling or reassigning your ticket

If you want someone else to travel, you must cancel or refund the ticket (if fare rules permit) and have that person purchase a new ticket.

Legal Name Changes

If your legal name has changed—for instance, due to:

• Marriage
• Divorce with name restoration
• Court‑ordered name change

You can request a name update with supporting documentation such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Court decree
• Updated passport or government ID

Alaska will reissue your ticket under the new name. A processing fee or fare difference may apply depending on fare type and when you request the change.

Fee Structure: When It’s Free vs When It Costs

Scenario	Names Match Existing Day	Fee Likely?	Notes
Minor corrections within 24 hours	Yes	No	Most common scenario
Correction more than 72 hours before flight	Yes	Rare	Minor mistake, usually no charge
Corrections within 72 hours of departure	Yes	Possible	Closer to travel, may incur a fee
Legal name change documented	Yes	Possibly	Ticket reissue fee or fare difference
Name transfer to another person	No	Not allowed	Booking must be canceled and reissued

Saver fares are more restrictive; any name edits for those outside the 24-hour window may be denied or require rebooking.

When You Can Correct a Name for Free

• Within 24 hours of booking and flight departure is at least 7 days out: Alaska usually waives correction fees.
• Made well in advance and within fare rules: minor correction is often free.
• Frequent flyers or Alaska Mileage Plan elite members may receive priority service or leniency.

How to Request a Name Correction

1. Immediately compare the ticketed name to your ID after booking.
2. Visit alaskaair.com and log into Manage Reservations—the tool may allow name edits directly.
3. If unable to edit online, call Alaska Airlines customer service: have your confirmation number ready.
4. For legal name changes, provide valid documentation.
5. Request confirmation or updated itinerary once corrections are processed.

Booking Channels and Their Impact

• If booked through Alaska directly (website, mobile app, or call center), name corrections can usually be handled easily via Alaska.
• If booked through a third-party agent or travel site (like Expedia or Orbitz), corrections must be routed through that provider. Alaska may not modify tickets it didn’t issue.

International and Partner Flight Considerations

If your itinerary includes partner-operated flights (e.g. American Airlines, British Airways) or international segments:

• Name corrections may need validation across all segments.
• International flights require exact name match with passport.
• Corrections early allow partner carriers to update their records too.

At the Airport or Last-Minute Requests

If the error is only noticed near departure:

• Go to the Alaska check-in counter or gate desk immediately.
• Agents may assist if time allows.
• Same-day corrections may incur higher fees and are less certain.
• Corrections are most successful when requested well before airport arrival.

Examples of Common Scenarios

• Typo fixed: “Davd” to “David” corrected online within hours—no fee.
• Middle initial added: Ticket shows “Alice Smith”; ID shows “Alice J Smith”. Corrected easily before travel.
• Legal name change: After marriage, last name changed from “Lee” to “Kim.” Certificate submitted; ticket reissued with small fee.
• Attempted transfer: Ticket under “John Doe” intended for “Jane Doe.” Transfer denied; required new booking.

Tips to Avoid Name Issues

• Always enter your full legal name exactly as shown on ID.
• Recheck all name details before finalizing booking.
• Fix any mistakes immediately, preferably within hours of booking.
• Do not rely on nicknames or initials unless they match official ID.
• Keep documentation of any name change confirmations.
• Use official Alaska tools and channels for the smoothest service.

Why Alaska Doesn’t Allow Transfers

• TSA and security regulations mandate identity matching.
• Fare discounts and loyalty tracking require passenger-specific records.
• Transfers pose fraud and resale risk.
• Airlines use name-based passenger logs—changes undermine security compliance.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Minor name corrections are allowed and often free if made early.
• Legal name updates are permitted with documentation and may involve modest fees.
• Ticket transfers to another person are not allowed—full rebooking needed.
• Timely action is crucial to avoiding fees and headaches.
• Booking channel matters—direct Alaska bookings are easier to update than third-party bookings.
• Confusion at the airport can be costly and stressful—fix mistakes before arriving.