Air travel requires precision in every detail, and one of the most important aspects of booking a flight is ensuring that your name matches exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification. A simple typo, an added middle initial, or a missing letter can cause complications at the airport. For travelers flying with Sun Country Airlines, understanding their name correction policy can save you stress, time, and money.
This article provides a complete, in-depth guide to Sun Country Airlines’ name correction rules, fees, procedures, and expert tips to avoid unnecessary hassles when booking your tickets.
- Why Correcting a Name Matters in Air Travel
Before diving into the airline’s specific policies, it’s important to understand why airlines and the TSA take names so seriously:
- Security Compliance: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that the name on your boarding pass matches your government-issued photo ID exactly. Even a small discrepancy can flag you during check-in.
- Fraud Prevention: Allowing passengers to easily change names or transfer tickets could open the door for fraud, resale of tickets, and fare abuse.
- Reservation Systems: Airline booking systems are strict. Once a ticket is issued, even minor edits often require special intervention.
- Smooth Travel Experience: Avoiding a mismatch saves you from delays, denied boarding, or having to repurchase a ticket altogether.
- Sun Country Airlines Name Correction Policy Overview
Sun Country Airlines understands that mistakes happen when entering passenger details. Their name correction policy allows travelers to fix errors under specific conditions. Here are the key highlights:
- Minor spelling corrections are allowed. If your name has a typo, you may request a correction.
- Tickets cannot be transferred. Name corrections are not the same as transferring ownership Sun Country strictly prohibits transferring a ticket to another person.
- Legal name changes may require documentation. If you’ve recently changed your last name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you’ll likely need to show proof.
- Corrections may come with fees. Sun Country applies change fees depending on how far in advance you make the correction.
- Timing matters. The sooner you fix the issue, the cheaper and easier the process will be.
- What Types of Name Corrections Are Allowed?
✅ Minor Typos and Misspellings
- Examples: “Smiht” instead of “Smith” or “Jonh” instead of “John.”
- These are usually allowed with a correction fee or reissuance.
✅ Adding or Removing Middle Names/Initials
- TSA requires a close match, but middle names/initials are less critical than first and last names. Still, Sun Country allows you to add or remove them if necessary.
Legal Name Changes
- If your name has officially changed due to marriage, divorce, or adoption, you can request a correction by providing supporting documentation (e.g., a marriage certificate).
Prohibited Changes
- You cannot change a ticket from one passenger to another (e.g., from “John Smith” to “Jane Doe”).
- You cannot sell or transfer tickets; they remain non-transferable.
- Fees for Name Corrections
Sun Country applies a fee structure for any booking modifications, which also extends to name corrections. The fees are based on how soon before departure you request the change:
- 60+ days before departure: $0 (no change fee)
- 14–59 days before departure: $50 per passenger per segment
- 13 days or less before departure: $100 per passenger per segment
In addition:
- If a correction requires a new fare class or higher-priced ticket, you’ll also need to pay the fare difference.
- Booking through a third-party travel agency may result in additional service charges.
- The 24-Hour Grace Period
One of the best ways to fix a mistake for free is by using Sun Country’s 24-hour cancellation rule:
- If you notice a mistake within 24 hours of booking and your departure is at least 7 days away, you can cancel the ticket at no cost.
- Then, simply rebook the flight with the correct name.
This is the easiest and cheapest method to resolve name issues, so always double-check your booking right away.
- How to Correct a Name on a Sun Country Ticket
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify the Error
- Minor typo?
- Middle initial missing?
- Full legal name change?
This determines whether you’ll need documentation or just a quick correction.
Step 2: Act Quickly
- Try to make the correction as soon as you notice it. The earlier you act, the lower your fees.
Step 3: Contact Sun Country Airlines
- Use the “Manage My Booking” tool on Sun Country’s website if available.
- Otherwise, call their reservations team at (651) 905-2737.
Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents
- For legal name changes, have documents like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order ready.
Step 5: Pay Applicable Fees
- Expect $50–$100 fees depending on timing, plus any fare difference.
Step 6: Confirm the Correction
- Once updated, check your email confirmation and ensure your boarding pass matches your ID.
- Examples of Name Correction Scenarios
| Scenario | Allowed? | Fee Applied |
| “Jonh” → “John” | Yes, minor typo | $50–$100 depending on timing |
| Adding middle initial “A.” | Yes | May be free or with small fee |
| “Sarah Johnson” → “Sarah Smith” (marriage) | Yes, with documentation | Fare difference + possible fee |
| Ticket from “John Doe” to “Jane Doe” | No | Not allowed (ticket transfer) |
| Name correction within 24 hours of booking | Yes | Free (cancel & rebook) |
- Special Considerations
9.1. Group Bookings
If you’ve booked multiple tickets together, correcting one passenger’s name may require assistance from a reservations agent to ensure the rest of the group remains unaffected.
9.2. Third-Party Bookings
If you booked through Expedia, Orbitz, or another travel agency, you must contact them directly. They may apply extra service charges on top of Sun Country’s fees.
9.3. Frequent Flyer Programs
Name mismatches may cause issues with frequent flyer miles credit. Ensure your account name matches your ticket for smooth mileage accrual.
- Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes
- Double-check before paying: Always verify spelling before finalizing your purchase.
- Use your government-issued ID: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport or driver’s license.
- Avoid nicknames: Airlines don’t accept shortened names (e.g., “Mike” instead of “Michael”).
- Act fast: Use the 24-hour cancellation policy if you spot an error.
- Book direct: Avoid third-party sites when possible, to simplify correction procedures.
- Why Sun Country Restricts Transfers
Some passengers wonder why airlines won’t allow ticket transfers. Here’s why:
- Security: Prevents fraud and ensures TSA compliance.
- Revenue Management: Stops ticket scalping and resale.
- System Limitations: Once a ticket is issued, the airline’s reservation system locks in the passenger identity.
Thus, name corrections are limited to the same traveler, not a different person.
- Common Traveler Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I fly if my name has a one-letter typo?
Possibly, but it’s risky. It’s safer to correct it in advance to avoid TSA issues.
Q2: Can I change the passenger on my Sun Country ticket?
No, tickets are non-transferable.
Q3: Does Sun Country allow nickname corrections?
Yes, but the corrected name must exactly match your government-issued ID.
Q4: How long does a correction take?
It may be instant if handled online, but some changes require manual reissuance, which can take a few hours.
Q5: What if I booked with miles or a travel voucher?
Name corrections are still allowed, but fees may apply.
- Real-Life Example
Imagine booking a flight for your honeymoon and mistakenly typing your spouse’s name as “Annas” instead of “Anna.” Without correction, the TSA may deny boarding. By contacting Sun Country early, you can fix the error for $50, avoiding the nightmare of buying a new last-minute ticket at a much higher price.
- Conclusion
Sun Country Airlines provides travelers with a reasonable name correction policy that allows fixing typos, adding or removing initials, and updating legal names. While corrections may come with fees, acting quickly and using the 24-hour cancellation rule can often save you money.
The key takeaway:
- Corrections are possible, transfers are not.
- Act fast to minimize fees.
- Always match your ticket name to your ID.
By understanding these rules and following the right steps, you can ensure a stress-free check-in process and a smooth journey with Sun Country Airlines.