How Do I Correct a Misspelled Name on a Finnair Ticket?

Booking an airline ticket is always an exciting step toward your next journey. However, one small mistake like a typo in your name can quickly turn that excitement into anxiety. Airlines, including Finnair, have strict rules about passenger information matching travel documents such as passports or IDs. A simple misspelling, missing middle name, or incorrect title can cause problems during check-in, at security checkpoints, or even when boarding your flight.

If you’re traveling with Finnair and discover a name error on your ticket, you may be wondering: How do I correct a misspelled name on a Finnair ticket? Don’t worry this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Finnair’s name correction policy, the types of errors that can be fixed, the fees involved, and the exact steps to correct them.

 

1. Why Name Accuracy Is So Important on Flight Tickets

Before diving into Finnair’s process, it’s important to understand why name accuracy matters in aviation:

1. Security Compliance – Airline and airport security systems require that the name on your ticket match your passport or government-issued ID exactly. Even a one-letter error may cause delays or boarding denial.
2. Immigration Requirements – Border authorities will not allow entry if there’s a discrepancy between your documents and ticket.
3. Fraud Prevention – Airlines restrict name changes and transfers to prevent misuse of tickets or illegal resale.
4. Smooth Travel Experience – A correct name ensures your booking, boarding pass, and frequent flyer records match without complications.

Because of these reasons, airlines, including Finnair, adopt a strict no-transfer policy and allow only limited name corrections.

 

2. Finnair’s Policy on Name Corrections

Finnair understands that typos happen, so the airline permits minor name corrections but not complete name changes or transfers.

✅ What Finnair Allows:

• Fixing minor spelling errors (e.g., “Annna” to “Anna”)
• Adding or correcting middle names to match passport details
• Adjusting prefixes or titles (e.g., “Mr” to “Ms”)
• Correcting order of names if reversed accidentally
• Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or official updates (with documentation)

❌ What Finnair Does Not Allow:

• Changing the entire passenger name
• Transferring the ticket to another person
• Substituting one traveler’s name for someone else’s

👉 In short: Finnair will fix mistakes, but you cannot give your ticket away or completely replace the passenger.

 

3. How to Identify the Type of Name Error

When you spot a mistake, categorize it correctly:

1. Minor Typos – Example: “Katriina” instead of “Katriina” with one extra letter.
2. Omitted/Incorrect Middle Name – Example: Leaving out “Johanna” when your passport shows “Anna Johanna Virtanen.”
3. Wrong Title/Gender – Example: “Mr.” instead of “Ms.”
4. Legal Name Change – Example: Last name updated after marriage.

This classification will determine the process and whether supporting documents are required.

 

4. How to Correct a Misspelled Name on a Finnair Ticket

Now let’s look at the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Review Your Ticket Immediately

• Compare your booking confirmation with your passport or ID.
• Spotting errors early increases the chances of free or low-cost corrections.

Step 2: Log into Finnair’s Website

• Visit the Manage Booking section at finnair.com.
• Enter your booking reference and last name.
• Check if the correction option is available online (for very small typos).

Step 3: Contact Finnair Customer Service

• If you cannot correct it online, call Finnair Customer Service or use their chat support.
• Provide your booking reference, the incorrect name, and the correct spelling.
• For legal name changes, prepare to upload documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).

Step 4: Pay Any Applicable Fees

• Minor typo corrections may be free if reported immediately.
• Otherwise, Finnair may charge €25–€50 per passenger for service fees.
• For legal changes requiring ticket reissuance, you may also pay the fare difference.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

• Finnair will send you an updated booking confirmation or reissued ticket.
• Always check the corrected name carefully before traveling.

 

5. Name Correction Fees on Finnair

The cost of correcting a misspelled name depends on timing and type of correction.

• Within 24 Hours of Booking – Usually free (if booked directly with Finnair).
• Online Corrections – Free or low-cost for minor typos.
• Call Center/Service Desk Corrections – €25–€50 service fee.
• Legal Name Changes – Possible reissue fee + fare difference.
• At the Airport – More expensive and sometimes impossible, depending on flight time.

👉 Tip: Correct errors as soon as you notice them to minimize costs.

 

6. Special Scenarios with Finnair Name Corrections
7. Booking Through a Travel Agency

If you purchased your ticket through an online or offline travel agent, you must contact them for corrections. Finnair cannot directly edit third-party bookings.

1. Group Bookings

For group tickets, corrections must be handled through the agency or Finnair’s group desk. Policies may vary.

1. Codeshare Flights

If your booking involves a partner airline (like British Airways, American Airlines, or Japan Airlines), the operating carrier’s rules apply. You may need to request the correction through that airline.

1. Frequent Flyer Numbers

If you updated your legal name, also update your Finnair Plus loyalty account to ensure miles are credited correctly.

 

7. Risks of Not Correcting a Misspelled Name

Ignoring a name error can lead to serious travel problems:

1. Check-In Problems – The airline system may reject your boarding pass.
2. Security Delays – Airport staff may flag the mismatch.
3. Denied Boarding – Finnair may refuse you boarding if the name does not match ID.
4. Immigration Issues – Some countries won’t allow entry if travel documents don’t align.
5. Financial Loss – If you cannot board, your ticket may be forfeited with no refund.

👉 Correcting the issue before travel is always safer and cheaper.

 

8. Real-Life Examples

• Example 1: Typo
  Ticket shows “Pekkaa Niemi” instead of “Pekka Niemi.”
  • Correction allowed with small service fee.
• Example 2: Missing Middle Name
  Ticket: “Laura Virtanen” but passport: “Laura Maria Virtanen.”
  • Correction possible to add “Maria.”
• Example 3: Marriage Surname Change
  Passenger changed surname after marriage from “Korhonen” to “Laaksonen.”
  • Correction allowed with marriage certificate.
• Example 4: Attempted Transfer
  Passenger “Mikko” wants to give his ticket to “Antti.”
  • Not allowed. Must purchase a new ticket.

 

9. How to Contact Finnair for Corrections

You can reach Finnair in several ways:

• Website: Manage Booking section
• Customer Service Hotline – available worldwide
• Social Media: Finnair responds on Twitter and Facebook
• Ticket Offices – in major cities and airports
• Airport Service Desks – last-minute corrections, though riskier

👉 Always have your booking reference and passport handy.

 

10. Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes on Finnair Tickets

1. Use your passport details exactly (no nicknames or abbreviations).
2. Check spelling twice before hitting confirm.
3. Avoid autofill mistakes when booking online.
4. Enter middle names if required for international travel.
5. Review confirmation email immediately and correct errors within 24 hours.

 

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I change the name on my Finnair ticket to another person?
No. Finnair tickets are non-transferable.

Q2: What if I only misspelled one letter?
Yes, you can correct small typos with minimal fees.

Q3: Is there a deadline for corrections?
Corrections must be made before check-in; preferably days in advance.

Q4: Can I correct my name at the airport?
Yes, but it’s risky. Fees are higher, and sometimes corrections are not possible last-minute.

Q5: What if my flight includes a partner airline?
The operating airline’s correction rules apply.

Q6: Will my Finnair Plus miles still credit if my name has changed?
Only if your Finnair Plus account matches your updated name. Update both.

 

12. Key Takeaways

• Finnair allows name corrections but not full name changes or transfers.
• Minor typos and legal name updates are permitted.
• Fees range from €25–€50, depending on correction type and method.
• Always correct errors early, ideally within 24 hours of booking.
• Tickets cannot be transferred to another passenger under any circumstances.

 

13. Conclusion

If you’ve made a mistake while booking your flight with Finnair, don’t panic. While the airline does not permit ticket transfers or complete passenger name changes, it does allow corrections for minor typos, missing names, or legal changes. The key is to act quickly, provide proper documentation if needed, and be prepared for a small service fee.

By double-checking your booking details, contacting Finnair promptly, and following their correction procedures, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Remember: a correctly spelled ticket name is your passport to hassle-free travel.