What is the name correction policy for Hawaiian Airlines?

Hawaiian Airlines Name Correction Policy: Why Accuracy Matters & How to Avoid Travel Disruptions

In air travel, every detail matters, but none perhaps more than your name. It’s not just a formality—having your name match your government-issued ID exactly is a requirement enforced by security agencies and international regulations. Failing to meet this seemingly small detail can derail your entire travel plan.

Whether you’re flying to Honolulu for a honeymoon or island-hopping across the Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines’ name correction policy plays a critical role in ensuring smooth, compliant, and secure travel. This guide explores why name accuracy is so important, what Hawaiian Airlines allows in terms of name corrections, and how you can avoid costly or stressful mistakes.

---

1. Why Name Accuracy Matters

When you book a flight, the name on your airline ticket must match exactly what appears on your government-issued ID or passport. This isn’t just about consistency—it’s a legal requirement imposed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other international regulatory bodies.

Consequences of a Name Mismatch:

• Delays at airport security

• Denied boarding at check-in

• Issues with baggage verification

• Involvement of airport security or law enforcement

Given the layers of international coordination, security checks, and reservation system automation, a misspelled or mismatched name can create friction across the travel ecosystem. That’s why airlines like Hawaiian Airlines have developed strict, yet accommodating name correction policies—and why travelers should understand them in advance.

---

2. What Is Hawaiian Airlines’ Name Correction Policy?

Hawaiian Airlines distinguishes between minor corrections (typos) and legal name changes (due to life events). The policy is designed to offer flexibility for honest errors while protecting the airline and passengers from fraud or identity issues.

2.1 Types of Eligible Name Corrections

1. Minor Corrections (Typographical Errors)

These include:

• Spelling errors (e.g., “Jhon” instead of “John”)

• Transposed letters

• Missing or extra characters

• Adding a middle name or changing a nickname to a full legal name

Most of these don’t require supporting documents and are generally corrected over the phone with a reservations agent.

2. Legal Name Changes

These are more significant and stem from changes in legal identity due to:

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Court orders

• Passport renewal with a changed name

These corrections require official documentation, such as:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Updated passport or ID

• Court-ordered name change papers

2.2 Restrictions and Limits

• Hawaiian Airlines only allows one name correction per ticket.

• A correction is limited to four character changes. If more than that is needed, it is treated as a full name change, which may not be permitted or could require canceling and rebooking.

• After a correction, your ticket must be reissued immediately to ensure accuracy across all travel records and boarding documents.

---

3. What Isn’t Allowed: Ticket Transfers

One of the most important—and often misunderstood—policies is that tickets are non-transferable.

What Does That Mean?

You cannot give your ticket to someone else, even if they share your last name, and even if the ticket is fully paid.

According to Hawaiian Airlines’ Contract of Carriage:

“Tickets are non-transferable. Any attempt to use a ticket by a person other than the original ticketed passenger may result in the ticket being voided, denied for boarding, and non-refundable.”

This policy prevents fraud, ensures travel security, and maintains the integrity of fare structures. Attempting to circumvent this rule may lead to denied boarding without refund, regardless of ticket value.

---

4. Are There Fees for Name Corrections?

Yes—depending on where you booked your ticket.

If you booked directly through Hawaiian Airlines (website, app, or call center):

• Name corrections are usually free, provided they fall within allowable criteria.

If you booked through a third-party site or travel agency:

• A $25 service fee per ticket is typically charged.

Always be aware of where your ticket was purchased, as this can influence both the ease and cost of making changes.

---

5. Documentation & Correction Process

5.1 For Minor Corrections

• No documentation needed in most cases.

• Simply call Hawaiian Airlines Reservations:
  📞 1-800-367-5320 (U.S.)

5.2 For Legal Name Changes

• Documentation is required, such as:

  • Marriage certificate

  • Divorce decree

  • Passport or government ID showing the new name

• Upload documents via Hawaiian Airlines’ Contact Us page, selecting:

  • Topic: Other

  • Sub-topic: Other

5.3 Step-by-Step Correction Process

1. Review your ticket immediately after booking.

2. Call Reservations to request the correction.

3. Submit documentation if required.

4. Pay applicable fees (if booked via third party).

5. Obtain and verify the reissued ticket—this step is critical.

---

6. When Should You Correct the Name?

The sooner, the better.

• Immediately after booking: You’re more likely to avoid fees and complications.

• Within 24 hours: Best window for quick corrections, especially for small errors.

• Before check-in begins: Airlines restrict changes once check-in opens.

• Never on travel day: Waiting until airport arrival leads to delays or denial.

---

7. Why Air Travel Makes Name Corrections Complicated

The aviation industry is interconnected, automated, and tightly regulated.

Factors that complicate corrections:

• Coordination across multiple systems (airline, TSA, immigration, partner carriers)

• Security rules that require exact matches between ID and travel records

• International border control protocols and biometric verification

Even a harmless nickname or misplaced middle name can create significant issues when traveling across borders.

---

8. Real-World Examples

Typo Correction – Quick Fix

• Sarah noticed her name was printed as “Sarh.”

• She called reservations within 24 hours.

• Correction was free, and ticket was reissued the same day.

Legal Name Change – Document Submission

• John recently got married and changed his last name.

• He submitted his marriage certificate.

• His ticket was updated at no extra charge.

Ticket Transfer Attempt – Denied Boarding

• Alex tried to give his ticket to a friend.

• Hawaiian Airlines denied boarding.

• The ticket was invalidated, and the friend had to buy a new one.

---

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are Hawaiian Airlines name corrections free?
Yes, if booked directly with Hawaiian. $25 applies for third-party bookings.

Q2: What’s the maximum character change allowed?
Up to 4 characters. More than that is considered a name change.

Q3: What documents are needed for legal changes?
Marriage certificate, passport, divorce decree, or court documents.

Q4: Can I make corrections online?
No. You must call Reservations, though documents can be uploaded online.

Q5: What happens if I don’t correct the name?
You risk denied boarding, check-in issues, and possibly missed flights.

---

10. Pro Tips to Avoid Name Issues

• Use your full legal name (as it appears on your ID) during booking.

• Avoid nicknames, middle initials, or abbreviations.

• Double-check the spelling of your name before hitting “confirm.”

• Act quickly if you spot an error—within 24 hours is best.

• Book directly with Hawaiian Airlines when possible to avoid third-party issues.

• If working with a travel agent, confirm name accuracy before they issue tickets.

• Keep documentation handy in case of legal name changes.

• Save confirmations and ticket copies after changes are made.

---

11. Quick Reference Table: Name Correction Rules