Correcting a misspelled name on a Hawaiian Airlines ticket is a common concern for travelers. Many times, when booking flights, small errors or typos can happen in the passenger’s name. Since the name on the ticket must match the government-issued identification to ensure smooth travel, it is important to correct any misspellings as soon as possible. This detailed guide explains how to correct a misspelled name on a Hawaiian Airlines ticket, what the policies are, possible fees, and helpful tips to handle the correction process effectively.
Why Correcting a Misspelled Name is Important
Airlines require the passenger’s name on the ticket to match the name on the traveler’s government-issued identification exactly. This is essential for several reasons:
- Security: Accurate names help confirm the identity of travelers for safety and security checks.
- Airport Checks: Mismatched names between tickets and IDs can cause delays or denial of boarding at the airport.
- Immigration and Customs: For international travel, names must match official documents to avoid issues with customs and immigration authorities.
- Avoid Additional Charges: Incorrect names discovered at the airport might result in having to purchase a new ticket, often at a much higher price.
Because of these reasons, Hawaiian Airlines insists on name accuracy, and correcting misspelled names promptly is crucial to avoid complications.
What Counts as a Misspelled Name?
A misspelled name can be any of the following:
- Typographical errors in first or last names
- Missing or extra letters
- Incorrect order of first, middle, and last names
- Missed or added spaces or hyphens
- Errors with accents or special characters
- Missing middle initial or name if required
It is important to note that small spelling errors or punctuation mistakes are often easier to correct than a full name change, such as changing from one person’s name to another’s.
Hawaiian Airlines Name Correction Policy
Hawaiian Airlines allows corrections of misspelled names on tickets under certain conditions. Here is an overview of their general policy:
- Minor name corrections are usually allowed without much difficulty. These include fixing typos, spelling mistakes, or punctuation errors.
- Major name changes or changes to completely different names are typically not permitted. This is because airline tickets are non-transferable.
- Name corrections must be done as soon as possible after booking to avoid complications later on.
- The name on the ticket must match the traveler’s government-issued ID at the time of boarding.
Because each airline has its own set of rules and processes, Hawaiian Airlines requires customers to contact their support team to request name corrections.
How to Correct a Misspelled Name on Hawaiian Airlines Ticket
Correcting a misspelled name with Hawaiian Airlines is a straightforward process but requires following specific steps:
Step 1: Review Your Booking Confirmation
Immediately after booking, check the ticket details carefully to spot any mistakes in your name. It is much easier to fix errors when caught early.
Step 2: Contact Hawaiian Airlines Customer Service
To correct a misspelled name, the traveler or the person who made the booking should contact Hawaiian Airlines customer service. You can do this by:
- Calling the official Hawaiian Airlines customer support number
- Using the online “Manage Booking” tool on the Hawaiian Airlines website
- Visiting a Hawaiian Airlines ticket counter at the airport
When contacting them, be ready to provide your booking reference number, flight details, and the correct name spelling exactly as it appears on your government ID.
Step 3: Explain the Correction Needed
Clearly state that you need to correct a misspelled name. Provide the incorrect name as it appears on the ticket and the correct version. Be as precise as possible to avoid confusion.
Step 4: Provide Supporting Documentation if Required
For minor corrections, Hawaiian Airlines usually does not require additional documents. However, if the name correction involves a legal name change due to marriage or other reasons, they may request proof such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Court order
- Updated government-issued ID
Having these documents ready speeds up the process.
Step 5: Confirm the Correction and Check for Fees
After submitting the correction request, confirm with Hawaiian Airlines that the change has been made. Ask if there are any fees or additional charges. Some minor corrections might be free if done early, but certain changes may incur fees depending on the fare type and timing.
Step 6: Receive the Updated Ticket
Once the correction is approved and processed, Hawaiian Airlines will issue an updated ticket with the corrected name. Review the new ticket to ensure accuracy.
Are There Fees to Correct a Misspelled Name?
Hawaiian Airlines’ fees for name corrections depend on several factors:
- Timing: Corrections requested immediately after booking, typically within 24 hours, are often free or have a minimal fee.
- Type of Correction: Minor spelling fixes may be free or have a small administrative fee. Major name changes or legal updates usually have fees.
- Fare Type: Basic fares may have stricter rules and higher fees for changes, while flexible or premium fares offer more leniency.
- Length of Time Before Departure: Requests made closer to the flight date may incur higher fees or may not be allowed at all.
It is recommended to check directly with Hawaiian Airlines for the most accurate fee information related to your booking.
What Happens If You Do Not Correct a Misspelled Name?
Failing to correct a misspelled name can cause significant issues:
- Denied boarding: The airline may refuse boarding if your ID does not match your ticket.
- Additional costs: You may have to buy a new ticket if the name is not corrected in time.
- Airport delays: Security and check-in processes may be delayed, causing stress and possibly missing your flight.
- Travel complications: Immigration and customs authorities may delay or deny entry if names do not match official documents.
Correcting name errors well before your travel date avoids these problems.
Tips to Avoid Misspelled Names on Tickets
- Always enter your name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID or passport.
- Double-check all details before confirming your booking.
- Avoid abbreviations or nicknames when booking.
- For international travel, ensure your passport name and ticket name match exactly.
- If booking through a third party or travel agent, verify the name on the ticket immediately.
Additional Notes
- Hawaiian Airlines does not allow ticket transfers to other passengers.
- If a legal name change occurs after booking, you must inform Hawaiian Airlines with proper documentation to update your ticket.
- Always keep a copy of your confirmation emails and updated tickets after any changes.
Conclusion
Correcting a misspelled name on a Hawaiian Airlines ticket is important to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. Minor name corrections are typically allowed, especially when addressed quickly after booking, but may come with fees depending on timing and fare type. Contacting Hawaiian Airlines customer service promptly, providing accurate information, and understanding their policy helps you make necessary corrections without complications.
Being proactive about verifying your name on your ticket and acting quickly to fix errors protects your travel plans and avoids unnecessary stress at the airport. If you have booked a ticket with Hawaiian Airlines and found a mistake in your name, reach out to them right away to correct it.
If you need assistance or have more questions about correcting names on Hawaiian Airlines tickets, feel free to ask!