Booking a flight online has never been easier. In just a few clicks, you can select a route, enter your personal details, and confirm payment. But with this convenience comes one of the most common problems air travelers faces: typing in the wrong name during booking.
If you’re flying with Avelo Airlines, you may be asking:
- Can I fix the name on my ticket?
- Will it cost me money to correct a spelling mistake?
- What if I legally changed my name?
- Can I give my ticket to someone else by changing the name?
These are important questions because airlines including Avelo operate under strict rules when it comes to ticket names. Security agencies require the name on your boarding pass to exactly match your government-issued ID. A single typo, missing initial, or mismatched name could cause stress at check-in, or worse, denial of boarding.
This detailed article explores whether Avelo charges a fee to update passenger names, what kinds of changes are permitted, how to request a correction, and how to avoid unnecessary costs or complications.
Why Passenger Name Accuracy Matters
Before looking at fees, it’s important to understand why airlines are so strict about names on tickets.
- Security Compliance – U.S. airlines must comply with TSA’s Secure Flight program, which requires full name data matching government ID.
- Nontransferable Tickets – Low-cost carriers like Avelo prevent fraud and resale by prohibiting ticket transfers. That means only the person originally booked can travel.
- Operational Efficiency – Inaccuracies slow down check-in and boarding. By enforcing rules, airlines keep operations smooth.
Because of these reasons, most airlines including Avelo allow corrections, but do not allow full “name changes” that substitute a completely different traveler.
Avelo Airlines’ Name Policy in Brief
According to Avelo’s official Help & FAQs page:
“Only name corrections (such as misspellings) are allowed. Please contact our Customer Support Center for assistance.”
And their Contract of Carriage states:
- Reservations are nontransferable.
- Tickets cannot be sold or reassigned to a different person.
This means:
- Yes, you can correct your own name if there’s an error.
- No, you cannot transfer your ticket to another traveler by changing the name.
But what about the fees? Let’s break it down.
Does Avelo Charge a Fee for Name Corrections?
Unlike some airlines that publish a flat “name change fee” (e.g., $75 or $150), Avelo does not list a specific public fee for passenger name corrections. Instead:
- Minor spelling corrections: These are generally handled at no cost. For example, changing “Jhon” to “John” is treated as a typo correction.
- Legal name updates: These may require documentation and, depending on timing and circumstances, could involve a service fee.
- Phone service fee: Avelo normally charges $25 per person for changes made by phone. While this applies primarily to flight changes, it’s wise to confirm if it applies to name corrections too, since all name corrections must be made via phone.
- Fare differences: If Avelo’s system treats your correction as a reissue, you may be asked to pay the difference if fares have risen.
Because the fee depends on context, it’s always best to call Avelo Customer Support directly, explain your situation, and ask if a charge applies before confirming the correction.
Scenarios and Possible Fees
To make this clearer, let’s look at common scenarios travelers face:
Scenario 1: Simple Typo
Ticket shows: “Johm Smith”
ID shows: “John Smith”
Action: Call Avelo, request correction.
Fee: Typically waived (typo fix).
Scenario 2: Missing Middle Initial
Ticket shows: “Ana Lopez”
ID shows: “Ana M. Lopez”
Action: Correction request.
Fee: Usually no charge; minor formatting correction.
Scenario 3: Legal Name Change (Marriage)
Ticket shows: “Taylor Reed”
ID shows: “Taylor Morgan” (new married name)
Action: Call support, provide marriage certificate or updated ID.
Fee: Possible processing fee; depends on Avelo’s discretion.
Scenario 4: Attempted Transfer to Another Perso
Ticket purchased for: “Alex Johnson”
Traveler wants to be: “Chris Davis”
Action: Not permitted. Must cancel ticket; new traveler must buy own.
Fee: No correction allowed. Cancellation policies apply instead.
Timing Matters: How to Avoid Fees
- Within 24 Hours of Booking
Avelo’s Contract of Carriage allows a free cancellation and full refund if the booking was made at least 7 days before departure and canceled within 24 hours.
- If you catch the error immediately, cancel and rebook correctly—no fees, no hassle.
- Early Requests
The earlier you call, the easier it is to process a correction. Late requests (same-day or at the airport) may be harder and could involve fees. - During Check-In
If you wait until check-in, you risk being denied boarding if the names don’t match. Always correct before this stage.
How to Request a Name Correction
Since Avelo does not allow online name changes, you must go through their Customer Support Center. Here’s how:
- Gather your details
- Reservation code
- Name on ticket vs. name on ID
- Proof of correction (if legal change)
- Call Customer Support
- Be clear: “I need a name correction for a typo”
- Avoid saying “name change,” which may sound like a transfer request
- Confirm fees
- Ask directly: “Is there a fee for this correction?”
- If yes, ask for a breakdown (processing vs. service fee).
- Get written confirmation
- Request a new confirmation email with the corrected name
Legal Documentation for Name Changes
If your situation involves a legal change, Avelo may ask for documents. Keep these ready:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order for name change
- Updated passport, driver’s license, or state ID
Submitting proof quickly reduces delays and possible extra costs.
Traveler Experiences with Fees
Since Avelo is a relatively new carrier, public feedback on exact name correction charges is limited. However, based on reports from travelers on forums and general airline practices:
- Minor typos are often fixed for free.
- Major changes that look like a transfer may be denied outright.
- Legal name updates may require document review and could trigger a processing fee.
In any case, the fee is usually modest compared to the cost of canceling and rebooking, but always ask upfront.
Tips to Avoid Paying Any Fees
- Double-check before booking – Enter your name exactly as on your ID.
- Use autofill carefully – Browser autofill may insert nicknames or abbreviations.
- Check confirmation immediately – If wrong, use the 24-hour cancellation rule.
- Book under legal name – Even if friends call you by a nickname, always use your official ID name.
- Keep legal documents handy – If your name recently changed, have proof ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Avelo allow free name corrections?
Yes, for minor spelling errors. For larger corrections, you may face a fee.
Q2: Can I transfer my ticket to another person by changing the name?
No. Tickets are nontransferable under Avelo’s rules.
Q3: Is the $25 phone fee applied to name corrections?
It may be applied, since all name corrections must be done by phone. Always confirm with the agent.
Q4: What if I realize the mistake at the airport?
Call Avelo immediately. Airport corrections are difficult and risky. Without correction, boarding may be denied.
Q5: What’s the best way to avoid paying fees?
Catch the mistake within 24 hours and cancel/rebook for free.
Final Thoughts
So, is there a fee to update the passenger name on Avelo Airlines?
- Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
- Minor typos are often corrected at no charge.
- Legal name updates may involve documentation and a possible service fee.
- Transfers to a different person are strictly prohibited.
The best way to avoid paying fees is to double-check your booking details immediately. If you catch an error within 24 hours of purchase (and at least a week before departure), you can simply cancel and rebook without penalty.
If you do need to call Avelo, be clear that you’re requesting a correction, not a transfer, and always confirm whether a fee applies before finalizing.
By understanding these rules and acting quickly, you can ensure your Avelo flight goes smoothly without unnecessary costs or last-minute stress at the airport.