Spirit Airlines Ticket Name Changes or Transfers
Understanding airline policies around name changes is essential if you ever make a typo or need to correct passenger information. Spirit Airlines distinguishes between name corrections for the same traveler and ticket transfers to another person–the former is often allowed, the latter is not.
Name Correction vs Ticket Transfer
- Name Correction: Fixing small spelling mistakes, added initials, or matching the name to your ID. This is permitted when the passenger remains the same person.
- Ticket Transfer: Assigning the ticket to someone else with a different identity. Not allowed under Spirit policy—transfers require cancellation and new booking.
Minor Name Corrections Allowed
Spirit Airlines accepts small edits when the traveler remains the original passenger. Allowed corrections include:
- One or two letter typos (e.g. Davd → David)
- Reversing first and middle names
- Adding or removing a middle initial
- Correcting hyphens or apostrophes based on ID
- Matching capitalization or spacing adjustments
These simple edits do not change the identity and do not require issuing a new ticket.
Legal Name Changes Are Accepted
If your legal name has officially changed (due to marriage, divorce, or court order), Spirit may update your ticket name if you provide:
- Marriage certificate
- Court‑issued name change documents
- Updated passport or official ID
In these cases, the airline might reissue the ticket under the new name. A small processing or fare difference fee may apply.
What Spirit Does Not Allow: Full Ticket Transfer
Spirit Airlines does not allow full ticket transfers to another person. If someone else needs to travel instead of the original passenger:
- The ticket holder must cancel (if refundable) or forfeit the fare.
- The new traveler must book a new ticket under their own name.
Transfer of ticket ownership is not permitted under any Spirit policy.
Timing and Fees Table
| Timing | Correction Allowed? | Transfer Allowed? | Fee Expected? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours of booking | Yes | No | No fee |
| More than 72 hours before travel | Yes | No | Rarely charged |
| Within 72 hours to departure | Possibly | No | Possible fee |
| At airport or same-day corrections | Maybe | No | Likely fee |
| Legal name change with documents | Yes | No | Possible processing fee |
| Ticket transfer to another person | No | No | Ticket must be rebooked |
Basic fares (ultra‑low‑cost tickets) are the least flexible and often disallow edits outside narrow time windows. Higher fares (Plus, Flex) offer more leniency.
Step-by-Step: How to Request a Name Correction
- Review your ticket name immediately after booking and compare to your ID.
- Visit spirit.com and use Manage Trips, or use the mobile app.
- Enter your reservation code and last name.
- If available, use the name correction tool to make changes.
- If tool is not available, call Spirit Reservations or customer service.
- Report the error clearly and specify the correct spelling.
- If the name changed legally, submit required documents.
- Confirm the change is reflected in your itinerary and boarding documents.
When Fees May Apply
- No fee if corrected within 24 hours of booking.
- A minimal service fee may apply if changes are made within 72 hours of travel.
- Legal name changes may incur a reissue fee or fare difference.
- Airport corrections or same-day corrections usually involve higher fees and no guarantees.
Booking via Third Party Agent
If your ticket was booked through a travel site or agent:
- Corrections must be handled through that provider.
- Spirit may not edit the ticket directly.
- The agent may charge its own service fee, separate from the airline.
International and Partner Flight Considerations
- If your itinerary includes code-share or partner flights, corrections may need coordination across multiple carriers.
- International travel demands exact passport name matches—act early on corrections to avoid entry issues.
At the Airport: Last-Minute Fixes
If you only notice the error at the airport:
- Visit the Spirit ticket counter or gate agent immediately.
- Agents may correct minor typos if time allows.
- Expect possible fees and limited flexibility due to time constraints.
Frequent Flyer or Travel Protection Notes
- Spirit’s travel loyalty (Free Spirit) offers limited name-change support. Corrections still follow standard policy.
- Travel insurance or credit card trip protection may reimburse costs if a ticket becomes unusable due to name mismatch.
Real-Life Correction Scenarios
- Typo corrected early: “Davd” → “David” changed online next day; no fee.
- Missing middle initial: Added “J” to match ID; edit accepted without fee.
- Legal name update: “Smith” changed to “Johnson” after marriage with proof; ticket reissued for small fee.
- Ticket transfer attempt: “John Doe” ticket requested for “Jane Doe”; Spirit denied, new booking created.
August Tips to Avoid Name Issues
- Always enter your full legal name as shown on ID when booking.
- Avoid using nicknames unless they match official ID.
- Double-check confirmation email immediately after purchase.
- Act quickly—early edits are easier and less costly.
- Use official Spirit tools or their direct customer lines.
- Store updated itinerary screenshots after correction.
Why Ticket Transfers Are Disallowed
Spirit prohibits transfers to maintain:
- TSA security and identity verification rules
- Loyalty program accuracy
- Fare enforcement and fraud prevention
- Immigration and customs compliance on international legs
Allowing transfers would create logistical and security issues.
Best Fare and Timing Flexibility
- Basic fares offer minimal change flexibility; name corrections often limited and restricted.
- Plus or Flex fares allow name corrections more easily and sometimes without fee.
- Always choose a fare class that fits your flexibility needs — especially if someone else will travel.
Summary
In short, Spirit Airlines allows minor name corrections to a passenger’s ticket when the traveler remains the same person. These edits include typos, middle name fixes, punctuation adjustments, or reversing name order. Ticket transfers to another person are not allowed. If your name changed legally, Spirit accepts updates with proper documentation, possibly with a fare adjustment. Correction costs depend on fare type and timing: early corrections are usually free; last-minute requests, especially on Basic fares, may incur fees or be denied.
Need help verifying your specific ticket or understanding whether your edit qualifies? Feel free to ask for personalized guidance.