Air travel is stressful enough without worrying about mistakes on your ticket. One of the most frequent issues travelers’ faces is realizing that their airline reservation has a misspelled or incorrect name. Since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires the name on your boarding pass to exactly match your government-issued ID, even the smallest discrepancy like a missing middle initial or a typo can cause delays or, in some cases, prevent boarding.
When flying with Allegiant Air, passengers often wonder: Can I change the name on my ticket? Can I transfer it to someone else? The answer isn’t straightforward it depends on whether you are asking for a correction or a transfer. Allegiant Air has strict rules regarding name updates, but it also provides avenues for fixing honest mistakes.
- Allegiant Air’s Policy on Name Changes and Transfers
Allegiant Air’s rules are clear but often misunderstood:
- Name corrections (fixing a typo, spelling error, or legal update) are allowed.
- Name transfers (changing the ticket to a completely different person) are not permitted under any circumstances.
In other words, Allegiant will let you fix a misspelling or update your name after marriage/divorce, but it will not allow you to simply hand your ticket to a friend or family member if you cannot travel.
- Why This Policy Exists
Allegiant, like all major airlines, enforces this rule for several reasons:
- Security Compliance: TSA rules require names to match IDs. Allowing transfers would undermine security systems.
- Revenue Protection: If transfers were allowed, tickets could be resold by passengers, undermining Allegiant’s low-cost pricing model.
- Industry Standard: Virtually all U.S. carriers prohibit ticket transfers for the same reasons.
Thus, Allegiant draws a firm line between legitimate name corrections and prohibited transfers.
- Name Corrections vs. Name Transfers
What Counts as a Name Correction?
- Fixing a typographical error (e.g., “Micheal” → “Michael”).
- Adding or correcting a middle initial.
- Updating a married or divorced name (with proper documentation).
- Correcting misplaced characters or punctuation.
What Counts as a Name Transfer?
- Changing “John Smith” to “Sarah Brown.”
- Giving your ticket to someone else if you cannot travel.
- Replacing an existing passenger with a new traveler.
Bottom line: Corrections are permitted; transfers are not.
- How to Correct a Name on Allegiant Air Ticket
If your booking has a misspelled or outdated name, follow these steps:
- Check Your Confirmation Immediately
Review your ticket after purchase. Catching mistakes early gives you more options. - Determine the Type of Error
- Typo or spelling mistake = simple correction.
- Legal change (marriage/divorce) = correction with documents.
- Gather Documents if Needed
- Driver’s license, passport, or government ID.
- Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for legal changes.
- Contact Allegiant Customer Service
- Call (702) 505-8888.
- Use the “Manage Travel” option on Allegiant’s website.
- Confirm the Update
- Get a new email confirmation.
- Double-check that the corrected name matches your ID.
- Fees for Name Corrections
Allegiant Air is known for its low-cost model, which usually means extra charges for many services. But what about name corrections?
- Minor typo corrections: Typically free, provided you notify Allegiant in advance.
- Legal name changes: Free when proper documentation is presented.
- Third-party bookings: If you booked through an online travel agency (OTA), both Allegiant and the OTA may charge processing fees.
- The 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide a 24-hour grace period for passengers who book at least seven days before departure.
For Allegiant:
- You may cancel your ticket within 24 hours of purchase.
- Rebook immediately with the correct name.
- No penalty applies.
This is the easiest way to correct mistakes if you spot them right away.
- When Transfers Are Not Allowed
If you booked a ticket in your name but cannot travel, you cannot simply change it to another person. Allegiant strictly prohibits this. Instead, your options are:
- Cancel the Ticket
- Within 24 hours (if eligible) for a full refund.
- Beyond 24 hours, a $25 fee per segment is applied (unless you purchased Trip Flex).
- Rebook a New Ticket
The new traveler must purchase their own reservation.
This rule is non-negotiable and applies to all passengers.
- Allegiant’s Trip Flex Option
Allegiant offers Trip Flex, an optional add-on that increases booking flexibility.
What Trip Flex Covers:
- Change or cancel your flight up to one hour before departure.
- Waives standard change fees.
- Credits remain valid for future travel.
What Trip Flex Does Not Cover:
- Name transfers to a different passenger.
- Major booking changes beyond allowed modifications.
Trip Flex is useful for flexibility, but it does not bypass the no-transfer policy.
- Legal Name Changes: Special Case
If your name changes legally after booking:
- Contact Allegiant’s customer service.
- Provide documentation (marriage certificate, court order).
- Allegiant will update your ticket without penalty.
This ensures compliance with TSA rules while avoiding unnecessary fees.
- Real Passenger Examples
- Typo Fix: A traveler booked “Jonh” instead of “John.” Allegiant corrected it over the phone for free.
- Marriage Update: A woman updated her surname after marriage using her marriage certificate—no fees applied.
- Transfer Attempt: A passenger tried to give their ticket to a friend. Allegiant refused, requiring cancellation and rebooking.
These examples reinforce Allegiant’s consistent application of its rules.
- TSA & Security Implications
If the name on your ticket doesn’t match your ID:
- TSA may flag you for extra screening.
- Boarding may be denied entirely.
- International travelers risk immigration complications.
Thus, ensuring accuracy isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal necessity.
- Costs of Not Correcting a Name
If you ignore a misspelling:
- You may lose the entire ticket value.
- Last-minute fixes at the airport are stressful and costly.
- Rebooking could mean paying higher same-day fares.
Correcting mistakes early saves both time and money.
- Allegiant Air vs. Other Airlines
- Delta: Typo corrections free; transfers prohibited.
- United: Minor corrections free; legal updates require documents.
- American Airlines: Same rules as Allegiant; no transfers allowed.
- Southwest: Flexible change policies, but still no passenger transfers.
Allegiant aligns with industry norms, though its low-cost model means rebooking may be more affordable than on legacy carriers.
- Group Bookings & Families
For group or family reservations:
- Each passenger’s name must be correct.
- Corrections must be handled individually.
- No group-wide transfer allowances exist.
Parents booking for children must ensure spelling matches the child’s ID or birth certificate.
- Strategies to Avoid Problems
- Double-check before purchasing—carefully review all passenger names.
- Avoid using nicknames—always use legal names.
- Review confirmations immediately—don’t wait until check-in.
- Purchase Trip Flex—adds security in case of schedule changes.
- Book directly with Allegiant—avoid OTA service fees for corrections.
- Financial Impact of Missteps
Consider this scenario:
- Family of 4 books through a third-party site.
- Two names have typos.
- Allegiant charges $25 per ticket to correct.
- OTA adds $40 service fee each.
Total unexpected cost = $130.
Direct booking could have avoided these fees entirely.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I change my Allegiant ticket to another person?
No. Tickets are non-transferable.
Q2. Can I fix a misspelled name?
Yes. Minor corrections are allowed.
Q3. Does Allegiant charge for name corrections?
Usually no, unless third-party agencies are involved.
Q4. What if my middle name is missing?
This is usually fine if first and last names match.
Q5. Can I correct my name at the airport?
Possible but not recommended—always fix in advance.
- Summary Table
| Scenario | Allowed? | Notes |
| Typo/Misspelling | Yes | Usually free correction |
| Legal Name Change (marriage, etc.) | Yes | Documentation required |
| Transfer to Another Person | No | Must cancel & rebook |
| Within 24 Hours of Booking | Yes | Cancel/rebook without penalty |
| Trip Flex Option | Yes | Increases flexibility but does not allow transfer |
- Conclusion
So, does Allegiant Air allow ticket name change or transfer?
- Transfers are not allowed. You cannot give your ticket to another person under any circumstances.
- Corrections are allowed. Allegiant permits fixes for typos, spelling errors, and legal name changes, often without fees.
- The safest approach: Always double-check your booking, act quickly if you notice errors, and consider Trip Flex for added protection.
In the end, Allegiant’s rules align with the wider airline industry: passenger names must be accurate, and tickets are tied to the original traveler. By following the airline’s guidelines, you can avoid costly surprises and ensure a hassle-free journey.