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

Booking a flight can be exciting, but it can also bring unnecessary stress if you accidentally mistype your name during the reservation process. A minor spelling error, an omitted middle initial, or even a swapped letter might seem harmless, but when it comes to air travel, precision is crucial. Airlines and security agencies require that the name on your ticket matches your government-issued identification exactly.

For passengers flying with Sun Country Airlines, it’s important to understand whether there are fees involved in correcting such mistakes and what rules apply. This guide explores Sun Country’s name update policy, potential fees, and strategies to avoid paying more than necessary.

 

2. Why Name Accuracy Matters in Airline Tickets

Before diving into Sun Country’s rules, let’s first clarify why airlines enforce strict policies around passenger names:

1. TSA and Security Regulations
   The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires your boarding pass name to exactly match your passport or driver’s license. Even a small mismatch can trigger issues at the security checkpoint.
2. Fraud Prevention
   If airlines allowed easy name changes, people could resell tickets at different prices, which could lead to fare manipulation.
3. Booking System Restrictions
   Airline reservation systems are designed to lock passenger details once a ticket is issued. Making changes often requires reissuing the ticket, which can incur costs.
4. Smooth Travel Experience
   Matching names help avoid delays, boarding denials, and missed flights.

 

3. Sun Country Airlines Name Update Policy: An Overview

Sun Country Airlines does allow name corrections in specific cases, but these updates are not free in most scenarios. The main points of their policy are:

•  Minor spelling corrections are permitted.
•  Legal name updates (marriage, divorce, adoption) are allowed with proper documentation.
•  Ticket transfers are prohibited. You cannot change the passenger entirely to another person.
• Fees apply depending on when the correction is made.

 

4. Types of Name Changes Sun Country Allows

Not all name adjustments are treated equally. Here’s a breakdown of what you can and cannot update:

✔ Allowed Updates

• Fixing typos such as “Jonh” → “John”
• Adding/removing a middle name or initial
• Correcting misspellings in last names
• Updating your last name after a legal name change (marriage, divorce, etc.)

✖ Not Allowed

• Changing the entire passenger (e.g., “John Smith” → “Jane Doe”)
• Giving or selling your ticket to someone else
• Making multiple major edits to disguise a transfer

 

5. Sun Country Name Change Fees

Now to the critical question: Is there a fee to update the passenger’s name?

Yes, Sun Country charges fees for most corrections. The exact cost depends on how close to your departure date you make the change:

• 60+ days before departure → Free (no fee applied)
• 14–59 days before departure → $50 per passenger, per segment
• 0–13 days before departure → $100 per passenger, per segment

Additional notes:

• If the correction requires a higher fare class, you must also pay the fare difference.
• If you booked through a third-party travel agency (like Expedia or Orbitz), they may add extra service fees on top of Sun Country’s charges.

 

6. The 24-Hour Grace Period

One way to avoid fees entirely is by using Sun Country’s 24-hour cancellation policy:

• If you realize your name error within 24 hours of booking and your flight is at least 7 days away, you can cancel your ticket for free.
• After canceling, rebook your flight with the correct passenger’s name.

This is the easiest and most cost-effective method to fix mistakes.

 

7. How to Update a Passenger Name on Sun Country Airlines

If you’ve spotted an error, here’s the process to follow:

Step 1: Check If It’s Eligible

• Minor typo or legal change? Yes, allowed.
• Attempting to transfer your ticket to someone else? Not allowed.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

• Passport or government-issued ID
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (if legal name change applies)

Step 3: Choose Your Contact Method

• Online (Manage Booking Tool): Limited name corrections can sometimes be handled online.
• Phone Call: Call Sun Country reservations at (651) 905-2737 for corrections.

Step 4: Pay Any Fees

Be prepared to cover the $50–$100 correction fee plus any fare difference.

Step 5: Confirm the Update

Check your updated ticket details in your email and verify the corrected name matches your ID.

 

8. Practical Scenarios and Costs

Let’s consider a few real-world examples:

Scenario	Allowed?	Cost
“Smiht” → “Smith”	Yes, typo correction	$50 if 14–59 days before departure
Add middle initial “A.”	Yes	May be free or $50 depending on timing
“Sarah Johnson” → “Sarah Smith” (after marriage)	Yes, with marriage certificate	Fare difference + correction fee
“John Doe” → “Jane Doe”	No	Not allowed (ticket transfer)
Correction within 24 hours of booking	Yes	Free (cancel & rebook)

 

9. Special Considerations

9.1. Group Bookings

If traveling with a group under one reservation, correcting one person’s name may affect the record for the entire group. Always contact Sun Country directly to handle such cases.

9.2. Travel Agency Bookings

When booking through online travel agencies (OTAs), you’ll need to reach out to them first. They’ll coordinate with Sun Country, but extra service fees may apply.

9.3. Frequent Flyer Accounts

Make sure your frequent flyer account name matches your ticket. Otherwise, you may lose mileage credit for that flight.

 

10. Tips to Avoid Name Correction Fees

1. Always double-check details before paying.
2. Use your official ID or passport when booking.
3. Avoid using nicknames or shortened names. (Example: book as “Michael” instead of “Mike.”)
4. Take advantage of the 24-hour cancellation rule.
5. Book directly with Sun Country. Avoid third-party platforms if possible.

 

11. Why Sun Country Charges Fees for Name Changes

Passengers often wonder why such corrections aren’t always free. The reasons include:

• Administrative costs – Reissuing tickets involves processing fees.
• Security – Prevents ticket resale and fraud.
• Revenue management – Protects against fare manipulation.

Thus, while minor corrections are possible, Sun Country enforces fees to maintain compliance and protect its booking system.

 

12. Common FAQs About Sun Country Name Corrections

Q1: Can I correct a one-letter typo for free?
Not always. Unless you’re within the 24-hour window, fees may apply.

Q2: Can I change my ticket to another person’s name?
No, Sun Country prohibits ticket transfers.

Q3: What if my middle name is missing on the ticket?
It usually isn’t a big problem, but it’s best to correct it to match your ID.

Q4: Can I update my name after marriage?
Yes, but you must provide legal documentation and may need to pay fees.

Q5: How much is the fee if I notice the error 3 days before departure?
$100 per passenger, per segment.

 

13. Real-Life Example

Imagine booking a Sun Country flight six weeks before departure and accidentally entering your name as “Karan Johmson” instead of “Karan Johnson.” If you catch this error early—say 50 days before departure—you can correct it for just $50. But if you notice it only two days before travel, you’ll need to pay $100 plus any fare difference.

This example shows why it’s essential to review your booking right away and act fast.

 

14. Conclusion

So, is there a fee to update the passenger name on Sun Country Airlines?
Yes, in most cases there is. Sun Country charges between $50 and $100 depending on how close to departure you request the correction. The only exceptions are:

• Corrections made 60+ days before departure → Free.
• Using the 24-hour cancellation window → Free.

The airline allows typo corrections and legal name updates, but it does not permit ticket transfers to another person.

Key takeaways for travelers:

• Double-check your name at booking.
• Use the 24-hour grace period when available.
• Act quickly if a correction is needed—the longer you wait, the more you’ll pay.

By understanding these policies and planning ahead, you can save money, avoid hassles at the airport, and ensure a smooth travel experience with Sun Country Airlines.