When it comes to planning air travel, booking a flight ticket is one of the first essential steps. But what happens if you make a mistake while entering your name during the booking process? Sun Country Airlines, like most carriers, understands that errors can happen. However, fixing those errors may come with certain rules, processes, and yes, potentially a fee. If you are flying with Sun Country Airlines and are wondering whether there is a fee to update your name on a ticket, this guide offers everything you need to know.
The Importance of Accurate Passenger Information
Accurate personal information on a flight reservation is not just a matter of convenience. It is a strict requirement. Security regulations mandate that the name on the ticket must match exactly with the name on the traveler’s government-issued photo ID. Even minor spelling mistakes can cause confusion at airport security, lead to boarding denials, or result in the need to rebook the entire trip.
That is why Sun Country Airlines, along with other major airlines, takes the name correction process seriously. However, they do make room for genuine corrections, particularly for small typos or formatting issues, though they may charge a fee in some cases.
Can You Update the Passenger Name on Sun Country Airlines?
Sun Country Airlines does not allow full name changes where the ticket is transferred from one traveler to another. All tickets are non-transferable. That means once a ticket is issued in your name, only you can use it to travel.
That being said, you can update the name if there is a genuine mistake. These updates are categorized under name corrections rather than name changes. The goal of a name correction is to make the name on the ticket match the legal name on your identification.
What Kind of Name Updates Are Allowed?
The airline allows passengers to correct minor errors in their names. Below are some examples of permitted updates:
- Spelling errors like Micheal instead of Michael
- One or two letters off from the actual name
- Adding or removing a middle name or initial
- Reversed first and last names
- Prefix or suffix corrections such as Jr or Sr
- Legal updates due to marriage or other personal reasons
These kinds of updates are usually reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The airline’s goal is to determine whether the person trying to make the correction is the same person who initially made the booking.
What Kind of Name Changes Are Not Allowed?
Understanding the limits of what the airline allows is just as important. The following are not allowed under any circumstances:
- Complete name change from one traveler to another
- Substituting a new first or last name that cannot be verified
- Selling your ticket and updating the name for someone else
- Changing the name after check-in is complete
If you fall into any of these situations, your only option may be to cancel the ticket (if allowed) and purchase a new one under the correct name.
Is There a Fee to Update the Passenger Name?
The short answer is — yes, there can be a fee, depending on several factors. Let’s break it down to understand when fees apply and how much you might have to pay.
Free Name Corrections Within 24 Hours
Sun Country Airlines allows customers to make minor name corrections within 24 hours of booking without any additional charges. This policy applies as long as the booking was made at least seven days before the flight’s scheduled departure.
This 24-hour grace period is your best opportunity to fix any typing errors, formatting issues, or omissions without having to pay a fee. Always review your confirmation email immediately after booking and contact the airline right away if you spot an error.
Fees After the 24-Hour Window
If you discover a mistake in your name after the 24-hour window, Sun Country may charge you a name correction fee. This fee can vary depending on the complexity of the correction, how close it is to the travel date, and whether you are making any other changes to the reservation.
Some passengers have reported name correction fees ranging from 25 dollars to 75 dollars, but exact pricing can vary. If the correction is minor and clearly unintentional, the airline may be more flexible, especially if you call them early.
Additional Charges Based on Fare Type
Your fare type also plays a role in whether a fee applies. For example:
- Basic fares may have stricter rules and higher fees for changes, including name corrections.
- Standard or refundable fares may include more flexibility and lower change fees.
Some promotional or discounted tickets might not allow any changes at all, or they may come with steep fees for any modification.
Legal Name Changes
If you have had a legal name change due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, Sun Country Airlines typically allows corrections provided you submit valid documentation.
In these cases, the airline may waive the correction fee, especially if the change is verifiable and the identity of the traveler is not in question. However, you should be prepared to submit:
- A marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Legal name change order
- Updated government-issued ID
Even with documentation, it is recommended to contact the airline as early as possible. Waiting too long may reduce your options or increase the chance of paying a higher fee.
How to Update the Passenger Name
To request a name update on your Sun Country Airlines ticket, follow these steps:
- Locate Your Booking Details
Find your confirmation number and all details associated with the flight. - Compare With Your ID
Identify the specific error or mismatch between the name on the ticket and your government-issued ID. - Call Customer Service
Contact Sun Country’s customer support team. Provide your booking reference and clearly explain the error. - Provide Proof if Needed
Be ready to send a copy of your ID or legal documentation if the change is more than just a minor typo. - Confirm the Update
Once the correction is processed, ask for an updated confirmation email or itinerary to confirm everything is in order.
Last-Minute Name Corrections
Attempting to correct your name on the day of travel is strongly discouraged. In many cases, corrections cannot be processed at the airport. Even if you are allowed to board, there may be delays or issues at security. To avoid such problems, make name corrections at least 48 hours before your flight.
Can You Cancel and Rebook Instead?
If the name on your ticket is completely wrong and you are unable to make a correction, one alternative is to cancel the flight and rebook under the correct name. But this method comes with potential costs:
- Non-refundable tickets may not offer any money back
- You may only receive a travel credit that is non-transferable
- Rebooking at a later time might involve a higher fare
It is also worth noting that if you cancel the flight, the credit or refund (if any) will remain in the original passenger’s name, not someone else’s.
How to Avoid Name Errors
The best way to avoid paying any fees or dealing with correction policies is to prevent name errors from happening in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Use your full legal name when booking, including any middle names or suffixes that appear on your ID
- Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations
- Double-check every field before submitting your payment
- Review your confirmation email immediately after booking
- Book with extra care when traveling internationally, where name accuracy is especially critical
Final Thoughts
Sun Country Airlines does allow name corrections on tickets under certain circumstances. While there is usually no fee for corrections made within 24 hours, any changes after that point could result in fees that vary based on timing, fare class, and type of correction.
Your best course of action is to act fast, provide accurate documentation, and follow up with the airline as early as possible. Name corrections are not meant to change the passenger’s identity but are a practical solution to small booking errors.
In short, yes — there may be a fee to update the passenger name on Sun Country Airlines, but it depends on when you make the request and how complex the correction is. To ensure a stress-free journey, always review your travel details carefully and contact the airline immediately if you spot an error.