Is there a fee to update the passenger’s name on Frontier Airlines?

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If you discover a misspelling, use a different last name after marriage, or need to transfer a ticket to another person, one of the first questions is: will Frontier charge me to update the passenger’s name? Short answer: yes usually. Frontier permits name changes, but they typically require you to pay a name-change fee plus any fare difference between the original ticket and the current price for the booking. The official fee listed by Frontier is $75 per passenger, and additional fare differences or change fees may apply depending on circumstances.

Below I’ll Walk through everything you need to know the difference between minor corrections and full name changes, how much you might pay, documentation requirements, how to request a change, ways to avoid or reduce fees, and practical tips so you don’t get stuck at the airport.

1) Two different situations: name corrections vs. name changes/transfers

Airlines make an important distinction between a correction (fixing a typographical error — e.g., “Jonh” → “John”) and a name change (replacing the named passenger with someone else or updating to a completely different legal name after marriage/adoption). Frontier’s rules treat these differently in practice:

  • Minor corrections / typos: Some small spelling mistakes or formatting issues can sometimes be corrected without the full cost of reissuing a ticket — but Frontier still expects you to contact them and may require proof or supporting documentation depending on the nature of the correction.
  • Full name changes / swapping passengers: When you replace the passenger name entirely (for example, you want another person to use the ticket), Frontier requires payment of the name change fee AND any difference in fare; some itinerary-change fees may also apply if you’re changing dates or routes. The practical takeaway: clarify whether your request is a correction (small fix) or a name change (new passenger or legal name change). Even corrections typically need airline approval.

2) How much does Frontier charge?

As of the most recent Frontier policy pages, the standard name change fee is $75 per passenger (non-refundable). On top of that you will be responsible for any fare difference between what you originally paid and the current fare for the same itinerary. If you’re also changing the itinerary (dates/route), Frontier’s itinerary-change fees will apply too.

To summarize the cost components you may face:

  • Name change fee: $75 per passenger (typical).
  • Fare difference: If the current ticket price is higher than what you originally paid, you pay the difference.
  • Itinerary change fee: If you alter dates/cities, that fee is added on top. Note: Frontier has changed its change-fee model in recent years (bundles can include no change fees for flight changes), but the specific name changes fee and fare-difference requirement remain a separate line item in Frontier’s policies. Always check the exact terms for the fare bundle you bought (Basic, Economy bundle, etc.) because bundles can affect change-fee treatment for flight changes  but not necessarily eliminate the separate name-change fee.

3) When is a name change permitted (and when is it not)?

Frontier allows name changes prior to travel, but there are conditions:

  • The request must be made before travel (you can’t transfer a ticket to someone else at the gate).
  • Name changes are permitted if you contact Frontier (they often require you to use chat or the contact center for these requests).
  • Restrictions and common rules:
  • Travel agents and OTA bookings: If you booked through a travel agent or online travel agency, an external reservation handling charge or agent fees may also apply — and you might have to go through the travel agency rather than Frontier to make changes.
  • Documentation: Legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court order) or corrections tied to identity may require supporting documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal documentation). Frontier’s terms explicitly state that supporting legal documentation may be required.

4) How to request a name change (step-by-step)

  1. Check your confirmation and policy pages: Start at Manage Trip on flyfrontier.com to confirm your booking details and the bundle you purchased.
  2. Use Frontier’s preferred channels: Frontier’s site and FAQ recommend using live chat or contacting customer service (phone/text/WhatsApp options) to request name updates; some changes can’t be completed fully online. Frontier lists its contact options on its customer service page.
  3. Be ready to pay: Have your payment method ready for the name change fee and any fare difference.
  4. Provide documentation if asked: If the change is due to a legal name change (marriage/divorce), be prepared to send supporting paperwork.
  5. Obtain written confirmation: After the agent processes the change, get an updated itinerary/receipt showing the corrected name and the charges applied.

Important note: If you need a name correction within the 24-hour window after booking, some corrections can be handled without fees by reissuing/cancelling under the 24-hour policy  more on that below.

5) Can I avoid the fee? (practical strategies)

There are a few legitimate ways to avoid or reduce the cost:

  • 24-hour grace period: If you discover the mistake within 24 hours of booking and the booking was made at least 7 days or more prior to departure (or per the airline’s specific 24-hour rules), many airlines including Frontier in practice allow changes or cancellations under their 24-hour policy without incurring the later name-change fees. Use this window immediately if possible. (Always check the exact timing and conditions for the 24-hour rule on your ticket.)
  • Minor spelling corrections: If the issue is a tiny typo (transposed letters, missing middle initial), ask explicitly for a “name correction” rather than a formal name change. Some corrections are simpler to process and sometimes don’t attract the full fee — though Frontier’s policies still require you to contact them and they may charge depending on the case.
  • Book the right bundle: Frontier’s different fare bundles affect change fees for flight changes. If you anticipate flexibility needs, buy a bundle with change benefits; that won’t necessarily remove the name-change fee, but it can reduce other costs if you also need to change flights.
  • Use travel insurance or travel credits: For name changes tied to emergencies or covered events, travel credits or insurance might apply — but this is case-by-case.

6) Special situations: marriage, legal name changes, infants

  • Marriage / legal name change: Frontier may require certified documentation (marriage certificate or legal name-change document). Expect to pay the name change fee and any fare difference unless you can act within a grace period.
  • Infants / lap children: Adding a child or infant to a reservation or transferring a ticket for an infant is not the same as a name change for an adult. Follow Frontier’s specific policies for adding passengers; contact customer service for these scenarios.
  • International travel: Name accuracy is more strictly enforced for international flights (immigration checks), so make corrections well in advance and be sure your passport and ticket names match exactly. The same fees and documentation rules apply, and you may face additional scrutiny at check-in.

7) If you’re booked through an agent or OTA

If you purchased through a travel agency or third-party site (Expedia, Priceline, etc.), expect extra fees or hoops:

  • Frontier’s site lists an External Reservation Handling Charge for changes made through Frontier agents on OTA/agency-issued tickets. That means the total cost to change a name might combine the name-change fee, fare difference, and handling charges. Always check with your booking provider first.

8) What if the airline won’t allow a transfer?

Airlines generally do not allow ticket transfers to unrelated third parties as a rule — tickets are sold to named individuals and transferring a ticket to someone else is tightly controlled. Frontier does permit name changes under certain conditions, but the fees and documentation reflect that the airline treats this as an exception, not a standard practice. If your goal is to let someone else use the ticket, expect to pay fees and provide a valid reason/documentation.

9) Real-world example (typical cost calculation)

Suppose you bought a Basic fare for $80. You later need to change the name to someone else and the identical seat now sells for $120. Expect to pay:

  • $75 name change fee (per passenger), plus
  • $40 fare difference ($120 − $80) = $40.
    Total additional cost: $115. If you also change flight dates, add any applicable itinerary change fee.

10) Quick checklist when you need to update a name

  1. Act immediately check if you’re within 24 hours of booking.
  2. Locate booking confirmation confirmation code and original payment receipt.
  3. Contact Frontier via chat or phone — Frontier’s site encourages chat or calling for name updates.
  4. Ask whether it is a “correction” or a “name change” and request the fee breakdown in writing.
  5. Provide supporting docs if required (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
  6. Get updated itinerary and proof of payment for your records.

11) Final tips and best practices

  • Double-check names when you buy tickets. The simplest way to avoid any fee is to get it right at booking.
  • Keep a copy of the ID you’ll use to travel handy so the name format matches (e.g., include middle initial or not, hyphens).
  • If you expect changes, buy a more flexible bundle or add refundable/changeable options if you think name changes or date swaps are likely.
  • If in doubt, contact Frontier customer service and ask for a clear explanation of charges before authorizing payment. Frontier provides chat, phone, and WhatsApp contact options.

12) Where this information came from (and when it’s current)

I used Frontier’s own help and policy pages for this summary. Frontier’s FAQ and optional-services pages list the $75 name change fee and note that fare difference applies; their travel policies explain documentation requirements; the contact pages show how to reach customer service to make changes. These Frontier pages were the primary sources for the fee and process details. (Policy summaries and help pages reviewed include Frontier’s “Can I change the name on my ticket?”, “Optional Services”, and “Change Policy” pages.)

Note: airline policies can change. The statements above reflect Frontier’s published guidance as checked on Frontier’s website and FAQs as of my lookup today. If your travel date is very near or your situation is unusual (international travel, visa issues, travel booked via agency), contact Frontier directly for the definitive answer on fees and required documents.

Bottom line

Yes  Frontier typically charges a $75 name-change fee plus any fare difference, and possibly additional handling fees if the ticket was booked through an agent. Small spelling corrections sometimes have more lenient treatment (especially if handled within 24 hours of booking), but you should assume there will be a cost for anything beyond a trivial typo. Always contact Frontier promptly, request a written fee breakdown, and keep records of the updated itinerary.

 

 

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