Fee to Update the Passenger Name on Southwest Airlines
Suddenly noticing that your name is spelled incorrectly on your Southwest Airlines ticket can be stressful. You may wonder if fixing that mistake will cost you extra. The good news is that Southwest has a fairly flexible name correction policy, and in many cases you can correct small errors without paying a fee. Here’s everything you need to know about rules, procedures, timing, and when fees might apply.
Why Name Accuracy Matters
- Airline policy and TSA regulations require that your ticket name match your government ID exactly
- Even minor typos or missing letters can cause check‑in issues
- Correcting your name before arrival at the airport ensures smooth boarding
Minor Name Corrections Are Allowed
Southwest considers the following as minor corrections and typically permits them without charge:
- Simple spelling errors (extra or missing letters)
- Reversed first and middle names
- Adding or removing a middle initial
- Correcting punctuation such as hyphens or apostrophes
- Adjusting capitalization or spacing to match your ID
These corrections maintain the same individual, so Southwest treats them as edits—not new bookings.
Name Transfers Are Not Allowed
Southwest does not allow a ticket to be transferred to another person. If the name on the ticket belongs to someone else entirely, you must cancel (if allowed under the fare rules) and have that person book a new ticket in their own name. Transfers are out of policy and not permitted—even if the original passenger agrees.
Legal Name Changes Allowed
If you’ve legally changed your name—for example, due to marriage, divorce or court order—Southwest does permit updates:
- Submit valid documentation such as a marriage certificate or legal court decree
- Southwest will reissue the ticket with the corrected name
- A small reissue fee may apply, depending on fare type and timing
Fee Basics: When It’s Free, When It’s Not
When No Fee Applies:
- Within 24 hours of booking, with flight > 7 days away: Corrections are usually free
- Minor edits requested several days before departure: Often free
- Higher fare types such as Anytime or Business Select: Corrections are generally allowed without charge
When Fees May Apply:
- Closer to departure or same‑day corrections: Fees may apply depending on fare
- Basic (lowest fare) tickets: Corrections may be restricted; fees or rebooking may be required
- Reissuing a ticket due to legal name change: A nominal processing fee may be added
Fare Class Impact
| Fare Type | Minor Correction Allowed? | Fees Likely? |
|---|---|---|
| Wanna Get Away | Limited | May apply |
| Anytime | Yes | Usually none |
| Business Select | Yes | Rarely |
Basic fares offer the least flexibility, while premium fares allow more leniency.
How to Request a Name Correction
- Review your ticket name alongside your government-issued ID or passport
- Log in to Southwest.com and go to Manage Trips
- Check if name edit option is available online
- If not, call Southwest Reservations and explain the correction needed
- If a legal name change, provide supporting documentation
- Once processed, confirm your updated itinerary before travel
The Importance of Timing
- Corrections are easiest and free when made early—within days or weeks before travel
- Adjustments made within hours of departure or at the airport are more uncertain and may incur a fee
- Basic fares may not allow edits after the ticket is issued
Customer Service and Agent Assistance
Southwest agents are responsive to name correction requests. Have this ready:
- Booking confirmation number
- ID matching the corrected name
- Documentation if it’s a legal name change
Save your updated itinerary afterward.
Airport Name Corrections
If you discover the issue at the airport:
- Visit the Southwest ticket counter or gate desk as early as possible
- Agents may assist if time remains, but corrections at the gate may carry a fee
- Board agents may refuse if names don’t match ID perfectly, so avoid relying on last-minute edits
Elite Member Benefits
Southwest Rapid Rewards elite members may receive:
- Priority access to correction assistance
- Waived correction fees in some cases
- Faster service when requests are urgent
Mention your status when contacting customer service.
Booking Through Travel Agents
If you booked using a travel agent or third-party site:
- Contact the same provider to request a name correction
- Southwest may not process corrections directly if they did not issue the ticket
- Additional agent fees may apply
Real-Life Scenarios
- Typo corrected early without fee: Sarah spelled “Sara” incorrectly and fixed it online within a day.
- Missing middle initial fixed easily: James L instead of James; corrected before check-in.
- Legal name change with documentation: Jane changed last name after marriage; ticket reissued with minimal fee.
- Basic fare error discovered close to travel: not permitted to edit; required new booking under correct name.
Why Name Transfers Are Not Permitted
Southwest ties tickets to passenger identity for:
- TSA security compliance
- Frequent flyer records
- Fraud prevention
- Maintaining fare integrity
Allowing full transfers would undermine these safety and loyalty systems.
Tips to Prevent Errors
- Enter your full legal name when booking
- Avoid nicknames or initials that differ from your ID
- Promptly correct any booking mistakes
- Save updated itineraries after making name edits
- Act early to avoid airport stress
Document Requirements for Legal Changes
Bring certified copies when requesting a legal name change:
- Marriage certificate
- Court name change order
- Updated passport or ID matching new name
Quick Recap Table
| Situation | Correction Where? | Fee Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Typo fix early | Likely free | No fee |
| Correction close to departure | Call Southwest | Possible fee |
| Legal name change | With documents | Modest reissue fee |
| Ticket transfer to another person | Not allowed | Must rebook |
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines offers a traveler-friendly name correction policy. Minor spelling errors can often be fixed without any fee, especially when done early. Full ticket transfers, swapping names to a different person, are not allowed. Legal name changes are accepted with proper documentation, though fare differences may apply. Basic fares are most limited, while premium fares offer more flexibility. The key: act quickly, confirm your legal name, and save your updated ticket. Need help evaluating your specific situation? I can provide guidance for your next step or assist with drafting your correction request.