What Is the Name Correction Policy for Spirit Airlines?
Booking a flight can be stressful, and realizing later that your name is misspelled on your Spirit Airlines reservation can add unnecessary tension. Fortunately, Spirit has a name correction policy that allows you to fix small errors — if handled properly. This guide covers everything you need to know, from what changes are allowed to when and how to request them.
Why Name Accuracy Is Important
- TSA and airport security require that your ticketed name exactly matches the name on your government-issued ID or passport.
- Even minor typos or missing letters may lead to delays or denial at check-in.
- Airlines use name data for loyalty program tracking, flight records, and passenger identity matching.
- Proper name matching helps ensure smooth check-in, boarding, and arrival procedures.
Name Correction vs Ticket Transfer
Spirit Airlines makes a key distinction between two concepts:
- Name correction: Updating a minor spelling mistake or editing your own name to match your ID — allowed under the policy.
- Ticket transfer: Assigning your ticket to someone else entirely — not permitted. Spirit does not allow ticket transfers, even to family members.
Types of Name Corrections Spirit Typically Allows
Allowed corrections include:
- Fixing up to two letters due to typo, e.g. “Davd” corrected to “David.”
- Swapping first and middle names if entered in reverse.
- Adding or removing a middle initial to match your ID.
- Correcting punctuation such as hyphens or apostrophes.
- Adjusting spacing or capitalization to match your official ID.
These edits do not change the traveler’s identity and are considered administrative corrections.
What Spirit Does Not Allow
- Changing the passenger name to another person — for example, giving your ticket to a friend.
- Major name changes that significantly alter the identity.
- Any edits after travel has begun — changes once your flight has started may be denied.
Legal Name Changes Are Supported
Spirit also allows for legal name updates if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order. Required documentation includes:
- Marriage certificate
- Court‑issued name change order
- Updated passport or ID that reflects your new name
Spirit will reissue your ticket under the new name once verified. A small processing fee or fare difference may apply.
Timing and Fee Expectations
| When You Request a Correction | Allowed? | Fee Likely? |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours of booking (flight > 24 hrs away) | Yes | No |
| More than 72 hours before departure | Yes | Unlikely |
| Within 72 hours of departure | Possibly | Possible small fee |
| Same-day or at airport correction | Maybe | Likely fee |
| Legal name update with documents | Yes | Possible reissue fee |
| Transfer to another person | No | Not allowed |
- Bare Fare tickets are the most restrictive; changes outside the 24-hour risk window often require new booking.
- Saver, Plus, or Flex fares allow more flexibility and fewer restrictions.
Step-by-Step Correction Process
1. Check Your Booking Immediately
Compare the name on your reservation with your passport or ID right after booking.
2. Visit Spirit.com or Use the App
Log into “Manage Trips,” enter your confirmation and last name. If an edit option appears, use it to correct the name.
3. Call Spirit Reservations
If the online tool won’t let you change the name, call Spirit customer service. Provide your confirmation number and explain the correction needed.
4. Submit Documentation if Required
For a legal name change, provide certified documents such as a marriage certificate or court order.
5. Save the Updated Confirmation
Once corrected, take a screenshot or print the revised itinerary to ensure your name now matches your ID.
Fees You May Encounter
- Zero fee if you make the correction within the 24-hour booking window and flight hasn’t occurred.
- Small service fee may apply if corrections are requested closer to departure, especially on baseline fares.
- Fare difference or reissue fee may apply after legal name changes or significant edits.
- Airport corrections typically cost more due to time constraints and procedural limitations.
Booking via Third-Party Providers
If your ticket was booked through a travel agent or online site like Expedia:
- Corrections must be handled through that provider.
- Spirit may not modify tickets issued by third parties.
- You may be subject to additional service fees from the agency.
International and Partner Segment Notes
If your ticket includes segments operated by partner airlines or is part of an international itinerary:
- Corrections may need to be coordinated across all carriers involved.
- International boarding checks require exact name match with passport.
- Correct any errors early to ensure partner systems are updated.
At the Airport: Last-Minute Corrections
If you find the name error while at the airport:
- Visit the check-in counter or gate agent immediately.
- Some minor typos might be corrected if time allows.
- Be prepared for possible same-day service fees.
- Boarding may be denied if there’s insufficient time to correct.
Frequent Traveler Considerations
If you’re a frequent flyer or hold elite status with Spirit’s loyalty program:
- Corrections may be handled more flexibly.
- Some fees may be waived for name edits.
- Ensuring your loyalty account name matches booking name is also important.
Example Correction Scenarios
- Typo corrected within hours: “Jennfer” changed to “Jennifer” with no fee.
- Missing middle initial: “John Doe” updated to “John R Doe” to match ID; no fee.
- Legal name update: “Smith” to “Johnson” after marriage; ticket reissued with a small processing fee.
- Transfer attempt: Booking under “David” attempted to transfer to “Daniel” was denied; rebooking needed.
Pro Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes
- Book with your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
- Avoid abbreviations or nicknames.
- Double-check confirmation email carefully.
- If booking for someone else, verify their legal name first.
- Make corrections as soon as possible—preferably within the first few hours.
- Save updated confirmations for your travel records.
Why Ticket Transfers Are Prohibited
Spirit restricts transfers to protect:
- TSA identity verification protocols
- Loyalty program tracking and fraud prevention
- Fare integrity and revenue management
- Legal and immigration compliance on international routes
Fare Flexibility Overview
- Bare Fare: Most restrictive—limited corrections after risk window.
- Saver, Plus, Flex: Increasingly flexible with edits permitted within allowed time frames.
- Launch or Elevate Fares: Highest flexibility, with fewer change restrictions and more lenient edit windows.
Final Thoughts
Spirit Airlines allows minor name corrections to a ticketed passenger’s name as long as the traveler remains the same person. These edits include fixing typos, reversing first and middle names, or updating a missing initial. Full ticket transfers are not permitted under Spirit’s policy. Legal name updates are accepted with documentation, but may incur small reissue fees. Timing matters—acting early is best, especially if you booked a low-fare ticket. Booking directly through Spirit simplifies corrections; third-party bookings may involve extra steps. Always ensure your name matches your ID exactly for a smooth check-in and boarding experience.
Need personalized help evaluating your fare or understanding whether your scenario qualifies for a free correction? I’d be happy to assist.