Does Hawaiian Airlines Allow Ticket Name Change or Transfer?

Name Changes vs. Name Transfers

When you book a flight, your ticket name must match your ID—it’s not just a formality; it’s essential for security clearance and valid boarding. But what happens if you make a typo, or your name changes due to marriage? Can you transfer your ticket to someone else? Let’s dive deep into the policies, procedures, and best practices involving name changes and ticket transfers with Hawaiian Airlines.

1. Ticket Name Changes: What’s Allowed—and What’s Not

1.1 Minor Corrections and Spelling Fixes

Good news: if you spot a minor error say, a typo like “Jonh” instead of “John “Hawaiian Airlines allows you to fix it. You can also add a middle name or expand a nickname to the full version, such as “Mike” to “Michael.” In most cases, no documentation is needed for these minor corrections. Just contact their Reservations team and request the change

1.2 Legal Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, Court Orders)

If your name has legally changed due to marriage, divorce, or a formal court order Hawaiian Airlines will handle the update, but you’ll need to provide supporting documentation: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or updated passport, for instance. All you have to do is call their Reservations Department and submit the required paperwork.

1.3 Ticket Reissuance and Timing

Once a name change is approved whether for a typo or a legal reason the ticket must be reissued immediately to reflect the correct name. This ensures it matches your identification at the airport.

1.4 Fees for Name Changes

• If the ticket was booked directly through Hawaiian Airlines, name corrections or legal changes are typically free of charge.
• If booked through a third-party or agency, a $25 service fee per ticket applies.

1.5 Limits and Conditions

Hawaiian’s policy allows one-time small corrections (up to four characters changed) without treating it as a full name change. If changes exceed that say, replacing a surname entirely it’s elevated to a legal name change and may require documentation.

2. Ticket Transfers: Absolutely Not Allowed

Ticket transfers are a different story. Hawaiian Airlines explicitly states that tickets are non-transferable. You cannot change the name of the passenger to someone else even a family member or friend. the ticket must remain with the original passenger

If someone other than the named passenger attempts to use the ticket, Hawaiian will void it and may confiscate it without refund.

This isn’t just an airline “rule “it’s also about federal security regulations. Airlines use passenger name records for TSA compliance, and ticket transfers contravene those protocols.

2.1 Anecdotal Insight — Reddit User’s Experience

“After writing this post I have learned that airlines do not offer name transfer…”
One traveler on Reddit recounted having to rebuy a ticket to transfer it to someone else, underlining the absolute nature of this policy.

3. Why Hawaiian’s Policies Exist

3.1 Regulatory & Security Considerations

The TSA requires passenger names to match ID cards exactly. Even subtle name mismatches can cause delays, denied boarding, or worse.

3.2 Fraud and Ticket Control

Strict non-transfer rules prevent misuse like unauthorized ticket resale or fraud. These rules ensure accountability and help airlines enforce fare rules.

3.3 Fare Integrity and Booking Systems

Name changes must be managed carefully to maintain fare and booking integrity. Corrections require reissuance; transfers could undermine revenue management systems.

4. Real-world Scenarios and How to Handle Them

4.1 Accidentally Misspelled Your Name

Scenario: Booked a flight and hit send with “Kathrine” instead of “Katherine”?
Solution:

1. Call Reservations ASAP.
2. Confirm the correct spelling.
3. Ticket is reissued—likely free if booked directly.
   Result: Ticket matches your ID; smooth security and boarding.

4.2 Changed Name After Marriage

Scenario: You recently got married and legally changed your last name. Your ID now reflects it, but your ticket doesn’t.
Solution:

1. Call Reservations.
2. Submit legal documentation (marriage certificate, updated passport/ID).
3. Hawaiian updates name and reissues the ticket—no charge if booked directly.
   Result: Your boarding pass matches your ID, avoiding hassles.

4.3 Trying to Transfer to Someone Else

Scenario: You can’t go and want to transfer ticket to your mom.
Reality: Not allowed. Instead, cancel or use travel credit (depending on fare rules), and coach your mom to buy a new ticket.
Result: Avoid voided tickets and potential loss of value.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Request a Name Change

Step 1: Determine the Type of Change

• Minor typo? Likely free and easy.
• Legal name change? Requires documentation.

Step 2: Contact Hawaiian Airlines

• If booked directly, call Reservations (e.g., 1-800-367-5320). If through an agent, you might need to go through them.

Step 3: Submit Documents (if required)

Upload via Contact Us portal or email per instructions.

Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees (if via third party)

Third-party bookings = $25; direct bookings are generally free.

Step 5: Receive Your Updated Ticket

Ensure the name matches your ID exactly. Carry the corrected ticket to the airport.

6. Tips to Avoid Name-Change Hassles

• Always double-check your booking details before purchasing.
• Use the exact name format as it appears on your ID or passport.
• Book directly with Hawaiian to avoid third-party fees.
• If unsure, call to verify before finalizing your booking.
• Address errors as soon as possible the sooner, the easier.
• Create a digital or printed copy of your itinerary and double-check immediately upon receiving it.

7. Norwegian Example of Airline Flexibility: What Hawaiian’s Not Offering

While this article focuses on Hawaiian’s policies, it’s illustrative to compare with broader industry trends: during the pandemic, U.S. airlines waived many changes fees Hawaiian included for flexibility, though name transfers remained off-limits

So, while you might get generous flexibility for flight changes or cancellations, transferring a ticket remains universally prohibited.

8. Summary Table

Scenario	Allowed?	Documentation Required?	Fee Applicable?
Minor typo (e.g., “Jonh” → “John”)	Yes	No	No (direct booking) / $25 (third-party)
Legal name change (marriage, etc.)	Yes	Yes	No (direct) / $25 (third-party)
Full transfer to another person	No	–	Not applicable
Ticket reissued after change	Yes	–	Follows above rules

 

9. Final Thoughts

• Yes, Hawaiian Airlines allows name corrections both minor typos and legal changes as long as the ticket is reissued and matches your ID exactly.
• No, Hawaiian does not allow transferring a ticket to someone else. Tickets are deliberately non-transferable.
• Minor changes are generally free; more substantial legal changes may require standard documentation. Third-party bookings typically incur a $25 service fee.
• Always strive to book directly, double-check your details, and correct issues promptly.