Is There a Fee to Update the Passenger Name on Hawaiian Airlines?

Booking an airline ticket should be simple, but even the smallest typo in your name can cause major issues at the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that the name on your boarding pass match your government-issued ID exactly. A single misplaced letter or missing middle initial can lead to denied boarding, delays, or stressful last-minute corrections.

For Hawaiian Airlines passengers, the rules about name changes and corrections are sometimes misunderstood. Many travelers ask: “Is there a fee to update the passenger name on Hawaiian Airlines?” The answer depends on several factors, including whether your ticket was purchased directly with Hawaiian Airlines or through a third-party booking service, whether you are using miles or cash, and whether you are correcting a minor error or making a full legal name change.

This article provides a comprehensive, 2000-word guide to Hawaiian Airlines’ name change policies, potential fees, processes, and traveler tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

2. Why Passenger Name Accuracy Matters

Airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, operate under strict federal regulations. TSA security checks require passenger names to match IDs exactly. Even small discrepancies—such as “Jon” instead of “John” or “Smith-Jones” vs. “Smith Jones”—can cause:

• Boarding delays
• Security checkpoint complications
• Ticket invalidation in worst cases

Thus, Hawaiian Airlines enforces rules to ensure accuracy, but also provides options for correcting mistakes, often with little or no fee.

3. Overview of Hawaiian Airlines’ Name Correction Policy

Direct Bookings

• Minor corrections: If you booked directly through Hawaiian Airlines (website, app, or call center), correcting up to four letters in your name is usually free of charge.
• Legal name changes: For changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal action, Hawaiian requires supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order). Fees are typically waived if documentation is valid.

Third-Party Bookings

• If you purchased your ticket via an online travel agency (OTA) or third-party site, Hawaiian Airlines applies a $25 service fee per ticket.
• In addition, the third-party agency may charge its own administrative fees, which vary.

Award Tickets (HawaiianMiles)

• For award tickets issued using Hawaiian Miles, Hawaiian Airlines does not charge a fee for name corrections, as long as documentation is provided.

4. Types of Name Changes

Not all name changes are treated equally. Hawaiian Airlines distinguishes between:

1. Minor Corrections
   • Typographical errors (up to four letters)
   • Spelling adjustments (e.g., “Steven” to “Stephen”)
   • Fixing misplaced middle names or initials

➝ Usually free for direct bookings

1. Legal Name Changes
   • Marriage (e.g., “Anna Lee” to “Anna Lee-Kim”)
   • Divorce (removal of a last name)
   • Court-ordered changes

➝ Requires supporting legal documents, often fee waived

1. Prohibited Changes (Name Transfers)
   • Hawaiian Airlines does not allow ticket transfers to another person.
   • For example, you cannot book under “John” and later transfer to “Mike.”

5. DOT’s 24-Hour Rule

U.S. Department of Transportation regulations grant passengers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window if:

• The ticket was purchased at least 7 days before departure.
• The booking is canceled or corrected within 24 hours.

For Hawaiian Airlines, this means if you spot an error right after booking, you can cancel and rebook with the correct name without paying any fee.

6. Fee Structure Breakdown

Here’s a simplified look at Hawaiian Airlines’ name change fees:

Scenario	Fee
Direct booking – Minor correction	$0
Direct booking – Legal name change (with docs)	$0
Award ticket (HawaiianMiles)	$0
Third-party booking (OTA, travel agent)	$25 per ticket + agency fee
Ticket transfer to another person	Not allowed

This shows that most direct changes are free, while third-party bookings introduce unavoidable costs.

7. How to Change a Name on Hawaiian Airlines

Step 1: Identify the Type of Correction

• Typo? Minor correction.
• New last name after marriage? Legal name change.
• Entirely different traveler? Not allowed.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

• Government-issued ID
• Marriage license, divorce decree, or court order (if legal change)

Step 3: Contact Hawaiian Airlines

• Direct booking: Call reservations or use the official website.
• Third-party booking: Contact the travel agency first, then Hawaiian Airlines.

Step 4: Confirm Updated Itinerary

Always check your updated confirmation email to ensure the correction was processed correctly.

8. Special Considerations for Hawaiian Miles Members

For loyal Hawaiian Miles members:

• Award tickets are flexible with name corrections.
• No fees apply when correcting typos or legal updates.
• However, miles cannot be transferred to cover another passenger by simply changing the ticket name.

9. Risks of Not Correcting a Name

Failing to correct a name error may result in:

• Being flagged at TSA checkpoints
• Being denied boarding
• Losing the value of your ticket entirely

For international flights, name accuracy is even more critical due to passport and visa checks.

10. Tips to Avoid Fees and Stress

1. Double-check before booking – Always review spelling before payment.
2. Use the 24-hour rule – Cancel and rebook if you notice errors immediately.
3. Book direct with Hawaiian Airlines – Avoid third-party service fees.
4. Keep documentation handy – Especially for legal name updates.
5. Correct early – Don’t wait until the airport; resolve name issues weeks in advance.

11. Comparison with Other Airlines

• United Airlines: Minor corrections free; legal changes with documents accepted.
• Delta Air Lines: Minor corrections free; full name change not allowed.
• American Airlines: Similar rules; name transfers prohibited.

Hawaiian Airlines’ policies are consistent with industry standards, though its $25 fee for third-party corrections is slightly lower than some competitors.

12. Real Traveler Experiences

Travel forums reveal stories such as:

• A passenger corrected “Michale” to “Michael” for free after calling Hawaiian Airlines directly.
• Another traveler booked through Expedia and had to pay $25 to Hawaiian + $50 Expedia fee to fix a typo.
• A newly married traveler updated her last name with a marriage certificate at no cost.

These examples show that direct bookings save time, money, and stress.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I transfer my Hawaiian Airlines ticket to another person?
No, Hawaiian Airlines prohibits ticket transfers.

Q2. How long before my flight should I fix a name error?
At least 72 hours in advance; earlier is better.

Q3. What happens if my middle name is missing?
Usually not an issue if first and last names match. But it’s safest to correct.

Q4. Can I correct my name at the airport?
Possible, but risky. Call customer service ahead of time.

Q5. Do infants or children require exact name matching?
Yes, children’s names must also match birth certificates or passports.

14. Legal and Security Implications

Incorrect names may violate security rules, leading to:

• Boarding denial
• Homeland Security watchlist mismatches
• Immigration issues abroad

Thus, name accuracy is not just about convenience but about legal compliance and safety.

15. How Hawaiian Airlines Handles Documentation

When requesting a legal name change:

• Submit scanned or physical copies of documentation.
• Hawaiian Airlines verifies and updates the record.
• New confirmation email is issued.

Examples of accepted documents:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court-issued name change certificate

16. Policies for Group Bookings

If booked as part of a group through Hawaiian Airlines:

• Corrections follow the same rules as individual tickets.
• Group coordinators should notify Hawaiian Airlines early for smooth adjustments.

17. The Financial Angle

For third-party tickets, fees can add up quickly. Consider this example:

• Family of 4 booked via OTA
• Two tickets had typos
• $25 Hawaiian fee × 2 = $50
• $40 OTA fee × 2 = $80
• Total extra cost = $130

Booking direct would have avoided this entirely.

18. Proactive Strategies

• Enroll in Hawaiian Miles: Streamlines corrections and documentation.
• Always book direct: Even if third-party offers small discounts, added correction fees can erase savings.
• Monitor confirmations: Review emails within 24 hours.

19. The Bottom Line on Fees

To recap:

• No fee for direct bookings with minor corrections or documented legal changes.
• $25 per ticket fee for third-party bookings, plus agency costs.
• No fee for Hawaiian Miles award tickets.
• No ticket transfers allowed.

20. Final Thoughts

So, is there a fee to update the passenger’s name on Hawaiian Airlines?

• In most cases, no fee applies if you booked directly and are only correcting minor errors or making legal updates with proper documents.
• However, if you booked through a third party, expect at least a $25 fee per ticket, plus whatever your agency charges.
• Award tickets enjoy the most flexibility, with no fees at all for corrections.

Ultimately, Hawaiian Airlines’ policies are designed to balance passenger convenience with strict security requirements. By double-checking details at booking, using the 24-hour grace period when needed, and booking directly with Hawaiian Airlines, travelers can avoid unnecessary fees and fly stress-free.