Booking a flight is exciting, but what happens if you realize there’s a spelling mistake in your name after you’ve purchased your Spirit Airlines ticket? Whether it’s a small typo or a missing letter, it’s crucial to fix it before you travel. Airlines require that the name on your ticket matches the name on your government-issued ID or passport exactly. Even a minor discrepancy can lead to check-in problems or denied boarding.
If you’re flying with Spirit Airlines and need to correct a misspelled name, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from Spirit’s name correction policy to step-by-step instructions, fees, documentation, and useful tips.
- Why Correcting a Misspelled Name is Important
Airline security regulations, especially under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, mandate that the name on your boarding pass exactly matches your government-issued ID. If there’s even a small variation like “Jon” instead of “John” or “Smith” instead of “Smith” you could face:
- Check-in delays
- Security screening issues
- Possible denial of boarding
- Additional costs for last-minute changes
By fixing a name error in advance, you can avoid these complications and travel with peace of mind.
- Spirit Airlines Name Correction Policy Overview
Spirit Airlines allows passengers to correct minor name errors on tickets under certain guidelines. However, it’s important to distinguish between name corrections and name changes:
- Name Correction → Fixing typos, misspellings, or legal name adjustments (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) without changing the actual traveler.
- Name Change/Transfer → Giving your ticket to another person (different traveler) — Spirit does not allow this.
Key Points of Spirit’s Name Correction Policy:
- Minor corrections are permitted for spelling mistakes, missing letters, or order adjustments.
- Legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court order) are allowed with valid documentation.
- Full passenger name changes are not permitted — the ticket remains non-transferable.
- Some corrections may be free, while others might incur a fee depending on the extent of the change.
- Corrections should be made before check-in — preferably at least 24 hours before departure.
- Types of Name Corrections Allowed by Spirit Airlines
Spirit categorizes name corrections into different types:
- a) Minor Typographical Errors
Examples:
- “Jhn” instead of “John”
- “Kethryn” instead of “Kathryn”
- Swapped letters like “Micheal” instead of “Michael”
These are usually fixed quickly and often without a fee.
- b) Middle Name Adjustments
- Adding, removing, or correcting a middle name.
- Matching the full legal name with your ID.
- c) Reversed First and Last Name
If you accidentally reversed your first and last name during booking, Spirit can correct the order.
- d) Legal Name Changes
- After marriage: Changing “Sarah Johnson” to “Sarah Williams.”
- After divorce: Reverting to your maiden name.
- After a legal court order: Any legally recognized name change.
Documentation Required:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order
- Updated passport or driver’s license
- How to Correct a Misspelled Name on a Spirit Airlines Ticket
Here’s a step-by-step guide for fixing your ticket name error.
Step 1: Review Your Booking Confirmation
- Log into My Trips on Spirit’s website.
- Double-check the exact name on your booking against your ID.
Step 2: Contact Spirit Airlines Immediately
The earlier you reach out, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. You can contact Spirit through:
- Phone Support – Call Spirit Airlines Customer Service at 1-855-SAVE-555 (1-855-728-3555).
- Live Chat – Available on Spirit’s official website.
- Social media – Twitter or Facebook Messenger (for minor assistance).
- At the Airport Counter – For last-minute corrections.
Step 3: Provide Booking and ID Details
When speaking to a Spirit representative, have ready:
- Your booking confirmation code.
- Your full, correct name as it appears on your ID.
- Supporting documents for legal name changes.
Step 4: Pay Any Applicable Fees
- Minor typo corrections might be free.
- More substantial corrections or legal name changes may involve a name correction fee plus any fare difference.
Step 5: Get Written Confirmation
Always request an updated booking confirmation email showing the corrected name.
- Spirit Airlines Name Correction Fees
While Spirit does not publicly list a flat “name correction fee” for all cases, here’s what you can expect:
| Type of Correction | Possible Fee | Notes |
| Minor typo (1–3 letters) | Often free | Contact ASAP for best results |
| Middle name correction | Often free | Only if ID matches |
| Legal name change | $0–$25 + fare difference | Documentation required |
| Reversed names | Free–$25 | Depends on booking class |
Tip: Correct errors within 24 hours of booking — Spirit typically waives fees during this period.
- Documentation You May Need
For typos, you typically don’t need supporting documents.
For legal name changes, have at least one of these:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order
- Updated government-issued ID
- Name Correction Restrictions with Spirit Airlines
- No ticket transfers → You cannot change the traveler entirely.
- Must match ID → Even after correction, the name must match exactly.
- One-time correction → Spirit may limit changes to once per booking.
- Third-party bookings → If you booked through an online travel agency (e.g., Expedia), you must contact them directly for corrections.
- How Long Does a Name Correction Take?
- Phone or live chat corrections: Often immediate.
- Email corrections: 24–48 hours.
- Airport corrections: Instant if done before check-in closes.
- Avoiding Name Errors When Booking Spirit Airlines
- Double-check spelling before payment.
- Use your passport or driver’s license while entering details.
- Book directly through Spirit.com for faster corrections.
- Take screenshots of your booking form before submission.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I change the passenger entirely on a Spirit ticket?
No. Spirit tickets are non-transferable.
Q2: What if my middle name is missing on my ticket?
Spirit does not require middle names, but if your ID has one and you want it added, you can request a correction.
Q3: Is a nickname acceptable?
No. Always use your full legal name as per your ID.
Q4: Can I correct my name at the airport?
Yes, but it’s best to do it in advance to avoid stress or delays.
- Pro Tips for Smooth Name Corrections
- Act within 24 hours of booking to avoid fees.
- Keep documents handy when requesting corrections.
- Save updated confirmations as proof.
- Don’t wait until check-in day to fix errors.
- Final Thoughts
Correcting a misspelled name on a Spirit Airlines ticket is usually straightforward if you act quickly and understand the airline’s policy. While minor typos often get fixed for free, legal name changes may require documentation and could involve fees. The golden rule? Always match your ticket name exactly to your government-issued ID.
By double-checking details at booking and knowing Spirit’s name correction process, you’ll avoid last-minute panic and enjoy a hassle-free flight.