How to Correct a Misspelled Name on an Alaska Airlines Ticket
Realizing your name is spelled incorrectly on a flight ticket can be stressful, especially when you’re just hours away from travel. Thankfully, Alaska Airlines offers a clear process for handling minor name corrections. This guide covers everything you need to know—what kinds of mistakes can be fixed, when you can do it, if there’s a fee, and how to initiate the correction.
Why Getting Your Name Right Matters
- The name on your ticket must match exactly with your government-issued ID or passport.
- Even small typos can cause your reservation to be flagged at security or the boarding gate.
- Airlines follow TSA and immigration rules closely. Proper name matching is mandatory.
- Fixing errors well before check-in avoids delays and enables smooth boarding.
What Counts as a Correction — Not a Transfer
Alaska distinguishes between:
- Minor corrections, like fixing a typo or adding a middle initial, allowed as long as the passenger is the same person.
- Name transfers, where the ticket is assigned to a completely different person—not permitted under standard rules.
Minor Corrections Alaska Airlines Allows
Alaska generally approves the following changes free of charge or for a nominal fee:
- Spelling mistakes—up to three characters are typically changeable (e.g. Smyth → Smith).
- Reversing first and middle names.
- Adding or removing a middle initial.
- Fixing missing hyphens or apostrophes if they appear on your ID.
- Correcting obvious typos that do not alter the passenger’s identity.
These edits are meant to maintain the same individual traveling.
Not Allowed: Ticket Transfers
You cannot transfer your ticket to someone else. If you want someone else to travel, you must cancel the ticket (if allowed under fare rules) and book a new ticket in their name. Transfers are disallowed even if the original traveler agrees, due to security and fare integrity.
Legal Name Changes Are Accepted
If you’ve legally changed your name due to:
- Marriage
- Divorce with name restoration
- Court-ordered name change
Then Alaska Airlines will permit you to update your ticket name. You’ll need to provide:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree or court document
- Updated passport or driver’s license
The ticket may require reissue. Alaska often processes such corrections with minimal or no fees, but fare differences may apply if ticket reissue happens.
When You Can Correct for Free: Timing Is Key
- Within 24 hours of booking: Alaska allows corrections—or even cancellation—for no fee.
- Up to 72 hours before departure: Minor corrections are likely permitted.
- After that window: Changes may be subject to a fee, especially for lower Saver fares.
- Same-day or airport corrections: Allowed but often incur fees and are less certain.
Addressing errors early reduces cost and complexity.
Fee Structure and Limits
- No fee if corrected within 24 hours of booking.
- Up to 72 hours before departure: Alaska may correct a name without penalty for minor typos or misentries.
- Later correction or legal change: A name change fee (typically around $125) may apply, plus any fare difference.
- Name transfers: Always incur fee and require full fare issuance.
- Recorder waiver codes are used by travel agents for minor edits. Alaska allows one reissue with such a waiver; multiple reissues may incur additional charges.
Fare Type Impact
| Fare Type | Minor Correction Allowed? | Fee Likely? |
|---|---|---|
| Saver (lowest fare) | Yes, but limited | Possibly fee if after 72-hour window |
| Main or First Class | Yes | Rarely charged |
| Legal name change | Yes, with documentation | May involve fare difference or service fee |
Saver fares are the most restrictive and have tighter correction policies.
How to Request a Name Correction
Online:
- Visit alaskaair.com and access “Manage Reservations”.
- Enter confirmation number and name.
- If allowed, follow prompts to correct your name. This is usually available if corrections fall within allowed limits.
By Phone:
- Call Alaska Airlines customer service.
- Provide reservation number and explain the correction.
- If legal change is involved, be ready to share documentation.
At Airport:
- Approach the Alaska counter or kiosk as soon as possible.
- Agents may assist with a name correction, but fees and time constraints apply.
Documentary Requirements
- For minor spelling edits, no documents are required, though showing your ID is helpful.
- For legal name changes, bring certified documents like marriage certificate or court order.
- Any name change must match your current ID used at check-in and for TSA screening.
Examples of Name Correction
- Typo fixed early: “Davd” corrected to “David” within hours. No fee.
- Middle initial added: Middle initial included to match ID. Changed before travel. No charge.
- Legal name change: Johnson became Smith after marriage. Document submitted; ticket reissued; no additional fare change.
- Late edit on Saver fare: Error noticed one day before departure. Correction denied; had to rebook.
Group Bookings and Transfers
- Alaska does not process name transfers except in group bookings of ten or more people. In those cases, substitutions may be allowed before 72 hours of departure.
- Individual tickets must stay tied to the original traveler.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Always type your full legal name exactly as shown on your ID.
- Avoid nicknames or informal names.
- Verify the spelling before completing booking.
- Check your confirmation email immediately.
- Keep documentation of corrections or name change confirmations.
- If booked via a travel agent, ask them specifically about name policy.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
- Last-minute requests may be denied.
- Airport corrections incur higher fees and stress.
- Basic fares corrected outside permitted windows often require full rebooking.
Elite Status Considerations
Mileage Plan elite members may receive priority assistance or flexibility for name edits, though standard fare rules still apply.
Final Summary
Alaska Airlines allows minor name corrections for spelling errors or obvious omissions, ideally within 24 hours of booking or up to 72 hours before departure. These corrections usually cost nothing. Legal name changes due to marriage or court order are accepted with proper documentation and may require a low reissue fee. Ticket transfers to another person are not permitted under standard fare rules. Saver fares offer the least flexibility. Always make corrections early to avoid complications and ensure your ticketed name matches your ID exactly.