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

Travel plans can be exciting, but a small detail like a misspelled passenger name on your Spirit Airlines ticket can cause unnecessary stress. Since airlines require passenger names to match exactly with the government-issued photo ID, even a single letter mistake could lead to issues during check-in or boarding.

Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra-low-cost fare model, has specific policies regarding name corrections and potential fees. Understanding these policies can help you save time, avoid surprises at the airport, and ensure a smoother travel experience.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about Spirit Airlines’ name update policy, including:

• When you can update your name
• When fees apply and when they don’t
• The process to request a correction
• Documentation requirements
• Tips to avoid extra charges

 

1. Why Name Accuracy Matters for Spirit Airlines Tickets

Airlines, including Spirit, follow strict Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and international travel regulations. Your booking details must match your passport or government-issued ID to prevent issues during security checks.

Incorrect names can cause:

• Check-in delays
• Boarding denials
• Additional fees for reissuing tickets

While Spirit Airlines allows certain name changes, they differentiate between minor corrections (fixing typos) and major changes (transferring the ticket to another person).

 

2. Spirit Airlines Name Correction Policy Overview

Spirit Airlines does not allow full ticket transfers to a different passenger. This means if you want someone else to take your flight, you can’t simply change the name on your ticket to theirs.

However, they do allow name corrections in these scenarios:

1. Minor spelling mistakes – correcting a typo (e.g., “Jhon” to “John”).
2. Legal name changes – after marriage, divorce, or court order.
3. Nicknames to legal names – changing “Mike” to “Michael” if it matches your ID.

 

3. When Is There a Fee to Update Your Name on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines’ fees for name changes depend on the reason for the change and how you request it.

1. Minor Spelling Corrections – Usually Free

If the change is small (1–3 letters) and doesn’t alter the passenger’s identity, Spirit often waives the fee.
Example: “Sara” to “Sarah” — no cost if corrected promptly.

Tip: Call Spirit Airlines within 24 hours of booking to avoid any charges.

 

1. Legal Name Changes – Free with Proof

If your name changed due to:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Court order

Spirit will update your ticket free of charge, provided you submit official documents like:

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

 

1. Significant Name Changes – Fee Applies

If the change is large enough to appear like a new passenger, Spirit may treat it as a new booking. In such cases:

• You may pay a reissue fee (varies, around $90–$120 per passenger).
• Fare differences between your original ticket and the new one may also apply.

 

1. Changes After 24 Hours – Fee Applies

Spirit Airlines allows free name changes within 24 hours of booking if your flight is at least 7 days away.
After that, standard correction fees may apply, depending on the change type.

 

4. How to Request a Name Update on Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines offers several methods to request a correction:

1. Online (Fastest)

1. Go to the official Spirit Airlines website.
2. Click on My Trips.
3. Enter your confirmation code and last name.
4. Select Edit Name (if eligible).
5. Submit supporting documents if required.

 

1. Phone Support

• Call Spirit Airlines Customer Service: 1-855-728-3555 (or your regional number).
• Have your booking reference, travel date, and proof of identity ready.

 

1. Airport Ticket Counter

• Visit a Spirit Airlines counter at the airport.
• This is best for last-minute corrections before departure.

 

5. Documentation You May Need

Depending on the type of change, Spirit may ask for:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Marriage certificate
• Court order
• Passport copy (for international flights)

 

6. Spirit Airlines 24-Hour Name Change Policy

Spirit follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour rule:

• You can make changes or cancel for free within 24 hours of booking, if your flight is at least 7 days away.
• This is the best time to fix name errors without fees.

 

7. International Flights and Name Updates

For international travel, Spirit requires passenger names to exactly match the passport.
Even a minor difference (extra space, missing middle name) can cause problems with immigration authorities.
If you spot an error on an international booking:

• Contact Spirit immediately.
• Provide scanned passport copies.
• Expect strict verification before the change is approved.

 

8. Avoiding Name Change Fees on Spirit Airlines

Here are some practical ways to avoid paying extra:

1. Double-check before paying – Review your name spelling carefully before finalizing the booking.
2. Use the 24-hour grace period – Make corrections right after booking.
3. Have proof for legal changes – This ensures your request is fee-free.
4. Avoid last-minute corrections – Fees often apply when requests are made close to departure.

 

9. Common Myths About Spirit Airlines Name Changes

Myth: You can transfer your ticket to anyone by paying a fee.
Truth: Spirit does not allow ticket transfers to different people.

Myth: Middle names aren’t important.
Truth: While middle names are not always mandatory for domestic flights, they are required to match ID for some international routes.

Myth: Small typos don’t matter.
Truth: Even minor errors can cause TSA or immigration issues. Always correct them.

 

10. Spirit Airlines Name Update Fee Table

Type of Change	Fee	Documents Needed
Minor typo (1–3 letters)	Free (if reported quickly)	ID copy
Legal name change	Free	Marriage certificate, court order
Major change	$90–$120 + fare difference	ID, supporting docs
Change within 24 hours	Free	None
After 24 hours (non-legal change)	Fee applies	ID copy

 

11. Step-by-Step Example: Updating Your Name on Spirit

Scenario: You booked “Andrw Smith” instead of “Andrew Smith” for a Miami to Chicago flight.

1. Step 1: Log in to Spirit’s website within 24 hours of booking.
2. Step 2: Open your reservation in My Trips.
3. Step 3: Select Edit Name and fix the typo.
4. Step 4: Save and confirm. No fees applied since it was a minor correction within the grace period

 

12. Spirit Airlines vs. Other U.S. Carriers

Compared to other airlines:

• Spirit Airlines is stricter with full name transfers (not allowed at all).
• Southwest Airlines allows free corrections for minor typos without a strict fee structure.
• Delta & American Airlines allow minor corrections but charge for major changes.

 

13. Final Tips Before Traveling

• Always match your ticket name to your passport/ID.
• For group bookings, check each passenger’s details before paying.
• Save all correspondence with Spirit in case you need proof later.

 

14. Final Thoughts

Spirit Airlines keeps fares low by charging for most extra services, but name corrections are often free for minor mistakes especially if caught early. The key is acting quickly, having the right documents, and understanding that full name transfers are never allowed.

If you double-check your booking details and use the 24-hour free correction window, you can avoid unnecessary fees and travel stress.