Booking a flight is an exciting moment, whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or visiting family. However, mistakes can happen, and one of the most common issues passengers face is entering a misspelled name on their flight reservation. Since airlines require that the name on the ticket matches your government-issued ID or passport exactly, even a minor typo can create problems at check-in, security, or boarding.
If you are flying with Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier airline, you may be wondering what steps you can take to fix a spelling mistake in your ticket name. The good news is that Aer Lingus provides a structured name correction policy to handle such errors, but passengers must understand the process, fees, limitations, and timelines involved.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about correcting a misspelled name on an Aer Lingus ticket, including policies, procedures, costs, and tips to avoid future issues.
- Why Correcting a Misspelled Name Is So Important
Airlines, including Aer Lingus, take name accuracy seriously. Here are some key reasons why:
- Security Regulations – Aviation security authorities require that the passenger’s name on the boarding pass matches the official travel document exactly.
- Immigration Control – Border agents may deny entry if the travel ticket does not reflect the exact name as shown on the passport or ID.
- Ticket Validity – Airline tickets are non-transferable. A mismatch between the name on the ticket and ID may render the ticket invalid.
- Avoid Travel Disruptions – Something as simple as “Jonh” instead of “John” could cause delays or even denied boarding.
Because of these reasons, Aer Lingus enforces a clear name correction process but distinguishes between corrections and changes.
- Name Correction vs. Name Change
One major distinction you need to understand is between a correction and a change:
- Name Correction: Fixing minor spelling errors, adjusting formatting, or ensuring the ticket matches your passport or ID.
- Example: “Smiht” corrected to “Smith.”
- Adding/removing middle names to match the passport.
- Adjusting accents or hyphens.
- Name Change: Substituting the ticket holder with another person.
- Example: Changing “Emma O’Connor” to “David O’Connor.”
- This is not permitted, as Aer Lingus tickets are strictly personal and non-transferable.
Important Note: Aer Lingus only allows corrections, not full changes.
- Aer Lingus Name Correction Policy
Aer Lingus’s policy provides specific guidance on when and how you can correct a misspelled name:
- Minor Typographical Errors Allowed – You can correct up to three characters in a name.
- Full First or Last Name Corrections – If your entire first or last name was misspelled, you may need to provide proof (passport or ID).
- Title Corrections – Changing “Mr” to “Ms” or vice versa is permitted.
- Middle Names – Adding or removing middle names/initials is allowed.
- Legal Name Changes – If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must provide supporting documents.
- No Passenger Transfers – The ticket remains tied to the original traveler.
- How to Correct a Misspelled Name on Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus provides different methods depending on how you booked your ticket.
- If You Booked Directly with Aer Lingus
- Visit the Manage Trip section on the Aer Lingus website.
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Some small corrections may be possible online.
- For more complex corrections, call the Aer Lingus Reservations team.
- If You Booked via a Travel Agency or Online Travel Platform
- You must contact the agency directly.
- The agency will coordinate with Aer Lingus to correct the name.
- At the Airport
- Visit the Aer Lingus ticket counter.
- This is usually for last-minute corrections, but fees may be higher.
Required Information:
- Booking reference (PNR) or ticket number.
- Correct spelling of the name.
- Passport or official ID.
- Legal documents (if applicable).
- Name Correction Fees on Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus charges a fee for most name corrections, though the exact amount depends on the type of correction and where you make the change.
- Minor Typo Correction (Online) – Often free within 24 hours of booking.
- Correction via Call Center or Airport – Fees typically range from €60 to €100 per passenger, per ticket.
- Legal Name Changes – May require reissuing the ticket, which could involve higher fees and fare differences.
- Within 24 Hours of Booking – Corrections are usually free if reported immediately.
- Step-by-Step Guide: Correcting a Name
Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
- Check Your Ticket – Review immediately after booking.
- Compare with Passport – Ensure exact match.
- Log in Online – Use Aer Lingus’s “Manage Trip” tool for small errors.
- Call Customer Service – If online correction isn’t available.
- Provide Documentation – Show proof of correct name.
- Pay Fees (if applicable) – Be prepared for administrative charges.
- Receive New Ticket – Aer Lingus will reissue your corrected ticket.
- Examples of Allowed and Not Allowed Corrections
✅ Allowed
- “Micheal” → “Michael”
- “Smiht” → “Smith”
- Adding middle name “Patrick” to match passport
- Adjusting title from “Mrs” to “Ms”
❌ Not Allowed
- Changing “John Murphy” to “James Murphy”
- Transferring ticket to a different passenger
- Replacing entire last name without valid documentation
- Passenger Scenarios
Scenario 1: Minor Typo
Passenger booked “Cathrine Kelly” instead of “Catherine Kelly.”
- Correction allowed.
- Small fee applied.
Scenario 2: Missing Middle Name
Ticket says “Brian Doyle” but passport says “Brian Patrick Doyle.”
- Correction permitted.
- Often free if caught early.
Scenario 3: Post-Marriage Change
Passenger booked as “Sarah Walsh” but now travels as “Sarah Byrne.”
- Must provide marriage certificate.
- Ticket reissued with fee.
Scenario 4: Attempted Transfer
Passenger wants to give ticket to a friend.
- Not allowed.
- Must purchase a new ticket.
- Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Aer Lingus
- Double-check spelling before confirming booking.
- Use exact passport name (first, middle, last).
- Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.
- Book directly with Aer Lingus for easier corrections.
- Act fast – the sooner you correct, the cheaper and simpler it is.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I change the passenger name completely?
No. Aer Lingus does not allow ticket transfers.
Q2: Is there a deadline for correcting names?
Yes, corrections must be made before check-in is completed.
Q3: Can I correct a name at the airport?
Yes, but fees are higher and availability is limited.
Q4: Are corrections free within 24 hours of booking?
Generally, yes.
Q5: What documents are required?
Passport, ID, and if applicable, marriage/divorce certificate.
- Conclusion
Correcting a misspelled name on an Aer Lingus ticket is possible, but passengers must act quickly and follow the airline’s official procedures. While minor corrections such as typos or missing middle names are relatively easy to fix, more complex cases like legal name changes require documentation and reissuance.
It’s important to remember that Aer Lingus does not allow tickets to be transferred to another person. The airline’s name correction policy exists to ensure security compliance and protect passengers against potential travel disruptions.
To make your journey stress-free, always check your booking details carefully before finalizing, and if you spot a mistake, reach out to Aer Lingus immediately. Acting quickly not only saves money but also prevents major issues at the airport.
In short:
- Corrections are allowed (with limits and fees).
- Name changes or transfers are not permitted.
- Quick action and accuracy are your best tools.
By understanding these rules, you’ll be able to navigate Aer Lingus’s system with confidence and enjoy a smooth travel experience.