How To Fix Misspelled Name on an Airline Ticket
Flying is stressful, and finding out your name is spelled wrong on a plane ticket only adds to that stress.
Fortunately, you don’t need to panic. Most airlines make it easy to fix minor mistakes with your ticket but it is important to address the issue as soon as possible.
How to Fix Minor Misspellings
If your airline ticket has a minor misspelling, you should be able to get it fixed easily. A minor misspelling is an obvious human error – like forgetting a letter of your name or swapping your First and Last Name. Mistakes happen all of the time!
To fix a minor misspelling, follow these steps:
- Contact the airline: Reach out to the airline through their customer service hotline or website as soon as you notice the mistake. Explain the situation and provide them with the correct spelling of your name. Most airlines allow minor corrections for free. Be sure to have your booking reference or PNR on hand. This will help the airline locate your reservation quickly.
- Verify your identification: Make sure you have proper identification documents with the correct spelling of your name when you check in at the airport. This may include a passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID. Having these documents with the correct name can help mitigate any issues.
- Arrive early at the airport: If you cannot correct the name spelling in advance and have proper identification, arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for any potential delays or issues during the check-in process.
- Be polite and patient: When dealing with airline staff, it’s important to remain polite and patient. Mistakes happen, and the airline staff will do their best to assist you. Being courteous can make the process smoother and more pleasant for everyone involved.
How to Fix Major Misspellings
You will encounter issues with the airline and TSA if your ticket has a major misspelling.
A major misspelling is one where the ticket doesn’t obviously match your actual name. This could be because you purchased a ticket for the wrong person or you were seriously not paying attention when purchasing the ticket.
If you booked your ticket with miles, we recommend canceling the ticket and rebooking with the correct information. Most airlines still have flexible cancellation policies in place which means you should get a full mileage credit back when you cancel your ticket. You can then rebook with the correct information.
If you paid for your ticket with cash, we recommend calling the airline directly to discuss your options. You may need to pay a change fee.
Summary
Discovering a misspelled name on your plane ticket can amplify the stress of flying, but it’s a common issue that can usually be resolved without undue panic. For minor misspellings, promptly contacting the airline with the correct information is typically straightforward, often at no additional cost. Ensuring you have proper identification with the correct name is crucial for a smooth experience at the airport.
In the case of major misspellings, such as significant discrepancies between the ticket and your actual name, solutions may involve canceling and rebooking, especially if purchased with miles, or contacting the airline directly for resolution, albeit potentially incurring change fees.
Patience and politeness are key throughout the process, as airline staff strive to assist passengers effectively!
