Booking a flight seems simple until you realize you entered your name incorrectly. A tiny typing mistake, a missing middle name, or a title error might not feel serious, but for airlines, name accuracy is a strict security requirement. If the name on your airline ticket does not match your passport or government-issued ID exactly, you may face check-in issues, delays, or even denied boarding. This is why understanding the flight booking name change process is essential for all travelers in 2025.

Whether your issue is a minor spelling mistake or a full legal name update, airlines have specific rules for how corrections should be made. This article offers a fresh and detailed breakdown of what you can and cannot change, how the process works, what documents are required, fees involved, and practical tips for handling name corrections without stress.

What Is a Flight Booking Name Change?

A flight booking name change refers to modifying or correcting the passenger’s name on a confirmed reservation so that it matches legal identification. Corrections can include:

• Fixing spelling mistakes

• Correcting first and last name order

• Adding/removing middle names

• Correcting spacing/hyphens

• Updating names after marriage or divorce

• Fixing titles (Mr/Ms/Mrs)

• Replacing the name with a different passenger (rare)

Every airline has strict rules, and not all corrections are permitted.

Why Exact Name Matching Matters

Airlines verify passenger identity through:

• Airport security systems

• Immigration and customs databases

• International passenger data submissions

• Anti-fraud protocols

• Visa and travel authorization checks

A mismatched name may cause the following:

• Online check-in failure

• Denied boarding at the airport

• Immigration mismatches

• Ticket loss due to no-show policy

• Rebooking at higher prices

Correcting the name early prevents last-minute travel disruption.

What Types of Name Changes Are Allowed?

Airlines usually allow several types of corrections under the flight booking name change policy.

1. Minor Spelling Corrections

These include fixing a single letter or small typo, such as:

• “Davod” → “David”

• “Anjeli” → “Anjali”

Small corrections do not change the traveler’s identity.

2. Middle Name Add/Remove

If your ID contains a middle name and your ticket does not, airlines usually allow adding it. Removing or correcting middle names is also common.

3. Reversing First and Last Name

This correction is often needed when passengers from certain cultures reverse the order by accident.

Example:

• “Gupta Rohan” → “Rohan Gupta”

4. Title Correction

Correcting Mr, Ms, Miss, or Mrs is generally simple.

5. Legal Name Updates

This type of correction is allowed when the traveler legally changes their name due to:

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Court-approved changes

Documentation is required.

6. Formatting or Spacing Fixes

Corrections such as hyphens, spacing, or merged names are usually permitted.

Example:

• “MariaLopez” → “Maria Lopez”

What Name Changes Are NOT Allowed?

Airlines restrict major changes to prevent ticket misuse or fraud. Typically not allowed:

• Changing the ticket to a different person

• Swapping names between passengers in the same booking

• Adding nicknames or initials not in the passport

• Changing multiple names without documentation

• Modifying names on basic or saver non-changeable fares

• Altering identity in a way that cannot be verified

Some full-service airlines allow complete name replacement, but only for flexible fare tickets.

How to Request a Flight Booking Name Change

The process may differ depending on the airline and where you booked the ticket, but the general steps are similar.

Step 1: Open the Airline’s Manage Booking Portal

Enter your booking reference (PNR) and last name to access your itinerary.

Step 2: Check if an Online Name Correction Option Exists

Some airlines offer self-service correction for:

• Minor spelling errors

• Title adjustments

• Hyphen/spacing fixes

If the option is unavailable, move to the next step.

Step 3: Contact the Airline’s Customer Service

For moderate or major corrections, contact the airline via:

• Phone support

• Email

• Live chat

• Airport ticket counter

Provide a clear explanation of the mistake.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Depending on the correction, the airline may request:

• Passport

• Government ID

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Legal name change document

• Booking confirmation

These confirm your identity and prevent fraudulent changes.

Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fee

Different corrections come with different fees depending on the airline and fare type.

Step 6: Get the Updated Ticket

After approval, the airline issues a corrected e-ticket. Check all details again.

Flight Booking Name Change Fees in 2025

Fees vary widely across airlines. Common ranges:

Minor Typo Corrections

₹500–₹1500 or $10–$25

Middle Name Adjustments

₹1000–₹3000 or $15–$40

Legal Name Changes

₹2500–₹7000 or $30–$90
Requires documentation.

Full Passenger Replacement (rare)

₹5000–₹15000 or $60–$200
Fare difference may apply.

Premium or flexible tickets often allow free or low-cost corrections.

Documents You May Need

Depending on the correction:

• Passport copy

• National ID

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Name change affidavit

• Court-issued order

• Booking receipt

• Airline name correction form

Submitting clear, high-resolution documents speeds up the process.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Processing depends on the type of correction:

• Minor changes: 10–20 minutes

• Moderate corrections: 1–3 hours

• Legal changes: 24–48 hours

• Full name changes: 2–4 days

International flights may take longer due to extra verification.

What Happens If You Don’t Correct the Name?

If you ignore the flight booking name change issue, you may face:

• Check-in denial

• Irreversible no-show status

• High rebooking charges

• Missed flights

• Visa/immigration issues

• Loss of ticket value

Correcting the name early protects your travel plans.

Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes When Booking Flights

1. Always use the exact name from your passport

Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.

2. Double-check spelling before payment

Most errors occur when typing in a hurry.

3. Confirm middle names if required

Some countries require full name matching.

4. Verify names when booking for others

Ask for their ID to avoid mistakes.

5. Request correction immediately

The sooner you contact the airline, the easier the correction.

When Airlines Allow Free Name Changes

Some airlines waive name correction fees when:

• The error is reported within 24 hours

• Only 1–2 letters require correction

• Airline system auto-formatted the name incorrectly

• Booking was made directly with the airline

• Identity is clear and unchanged

Third-party travel agents may charge extra even if the airline does not.

Conclusion

A flight booking name change might feel stressful, but with the right knowledge, it becomes a straightforward process. Airlines allow several types of corrections, from simple typos to legal name updates, as long as you follow their rules and provide valid documentation. Acting early, reviewing your ticket carefully, and understanding your airline’s policy ensures a smooth correction and a stress-free travel experience.