When booking a flight, entering your name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID or passport is crucial. However, mistakes happen whether it’s a simple typo, a missing letter, or an incorrect middle name. If you’re flying with Alaska Airlines, the airline provides a clear name correction policy that helps travelers fix such issues before departure.
This comprehensive guide will explain Alaska Airlines’ name correction policy, covering the difference between a name correction and a name change, eligible situations, fees, documentation requirements, and step-by-step instructions for making corrections.
- Understanding Alaska Airlines’ Name Correction Policy
Alaska Airlines recognizes that human errors can happen during the booking process. Their name correction policy is designed to allow passengers to fix minor spelling errors or discrepancies so that the name on the ticket matches the ID being used for travel.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that the passenger’s first, middle, and last name match exactly with the ID presented at security. If the details don’t match, you could face boarding delays or be denied travel.
Key Principle:
- Alaska Airlines allows minor corrections for typographical or legal errors but does not allow full name changes or ticket transfers to another person.
- Name Correction vs. Name Change — The Key Difference
Before proceeding with a correction request, it’s important to understand the difference between a name correction and a name change:
- Name Correction:
Adjusting a minor error in the name, such as spelling mistakes, missing letters, or switching the order of first and middle names, without changing the passenger’s identity.
Example: “Jonh” to “John” or “Sara” to “Sarah.” - Name Change:
Changing the ticket to reflect a completely different person, which is not permitted by Alaska Airlines due to security and fraud prevention rules.
If your change is due to a legal name change (marriage, divorce, or court order), it still qualifies as a correction but will require supporting legal documents.
- Situations Eligible for Name Correction on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines typically allows corrections in the following scenarios:
- Minor Spelling Errors
- One or two letters misspelled in first, middle, or last name.
- Example: “Micheal” corrected to “Michael.”
- Missing Middle Name or Initial
- Adding or correcting a middle name or initial if required by TSA.
- Legal Name Changes
- Due to marriage, divorce, or court order.
- Requires legal proof such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court documentation.
- Nicknames to Legal Names
- Changing “Mike” to “Michael” or “Liz” to “Elizabeth” when the ID uses the legal name.
- Order of Name Fields
- Swapping first and last names if entered incorrectly during booking.
- Alaska Airlines’ Restrictions on Name Corrections
While Alaska Airlines offers flexibility for small mistakes, there are certain restrictions:
- No Ticket Transfers:
You cannot change the name to an entirely new traveler.
Example: Changing “David Brown” to “Emily Johnson” is not allowed. - Frequent Flyer Number Updates:
If your name in the booking doesn’t match your Mileage Plan account, the name must be corrected to match before miles can be credited. - Group Bookings:
Corrections for group tickets must be made through the group booking department. - Codeshare & Partner Airlines:
If your Alaska Airlines ticket includes travel on a partner airline (like American Airlines or British Airways), name corrections might require additional processing or restrictions from the partner carrier.
- Is There a Fee for Name Corrections on Alaska Airlines?
In most cases, minor spelling corrections are free if you contact Alaska Airlines within 24 hours of booking.
However:
- After 24 hours, fees may apply depending on the fare type and the nature of the correction.
- For Saver fares (the most restrictive class), changes are not allowed, but minor name corrections may still be accommodated for free.
- For Main, First, or Premium Class fares, changes and corrections are more flexible and often free.
Pro Tip:
Always correct your name as soon as possible. The closer it gets to your travel date, the harder it might be to process changes without incurring fees.
- Required Documents for Name Corrections
If your correction is due to a spelling mistake, you may not need any documentation. However, for legal name changes, you must provide proof.
Accepted documents include:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order for legal name change
Alaska Airlines may request these documents via email or at the airport ticket counter.
- How to Correct a Name on an Alaska Airlines Ticket — Step-by-Step Guide
Alaska Airlines offers multiple methods to correct your name.
Method 1: Online via Alaska Airlines Website
- Visit www.alaskaair.com.
- Log in to your account or retrieve your booking using the confirmation code and last name.
- Select the flight you want to correct.
- Look for the “Change/Modify” option.
- Edit the passenger’s name if eligible.
- Review and confirm changes.
Note: Online correction may only be available for minor spelling errors.
Method 2: Contact Alaska Airlines Customer Care
- Phone Number (U.S. and Canada): 1-800-252-7522
- Explain the nature of the correction and provide booking details.
- Customer service may verify your identity and make changes instantly.
Method 3: At the Airport Ticket Counter
- Arrive early and bring your travel documents.
- An Alaska Airlines representative can make the correction on-site.
Method 4: Through Your Travel Agent
If you booked through a travel agency or third-party website, you may need to request the correction through them.
- Alaska Airlines Name Correction for Partner Airlines
When flying with a codeshare or partner airline, Alaska Airlines’ name correction rules may be influenced by the partner’s policy. For example:
- If your flight includes American Airlines segments, corrections must comply with both Alaska Airlines and American Airlines rules.
- Some partners may require a ticket reissue, which could result in additional costs.
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Name Corrections
If your name on your Mileage Plan frequent flyer account doesn’t match your ticket, you may not receive mileage credit. To fix:
- Update your Mileage Plan account name to match your legal ID.
- Contact Mileage Plan customer care for assistance.
- Preventing Name Issues on Future Alaska Airlines Bookings
To avoid the stress of name corrections:
- Always double-check your booking details before payment.
- Match your ticket name exactly to your government-issued ID.
- Save a copy of your booking confirmation for quick reference.
- Alaska Airlines 24-Hour Rule for Corrections
Alaska Airlines follows the DOT 24-hour rule:
- If you book directly through Alaska Airlines and find a mistake within 24 hours, you can correct it for free or cancel without penalty.
- This rule applies to all fare classes.
- Alaska Airlines Customer Service Contact Information
- Reservations & Customer Care: 1-800-252-7522
- TTY for Hearing Impaired: Dial 711 for relay services
- Website: www.alaskaair.com
The Alaska Airlines name correction policy is passenger-friendly, allowing minor corrections without major hassles. As long as you’re not trying to transfer your ticket to another person, fixing typos or updating your name after a legal change is straightforward.
By acting quickly, providing accurate documentation, and understanding the difference between a correction and a change, you can ensure a smooth travel experience without delays at the airport.
FAQs on Alaska Airlines Name Correction Policy
Q1: Can I transfer my Alaska Airlines ticket to someone else?
No, ticket transfers are not allowed.
Q2: Will a small typo cause problems at TSA security?
Yes, even a single-letter mismatch could cause issues. It’s best to fix it before travel.
Q3: How long does it take to correct a name?
Phone or airport corrections can be immediate; partner airline corrections may take longer.
Q4: Can I correct my name if I booked through Expedia or another travel site?
Yes, but you must contact the travel agency first.