Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy +1-855-742-0149

When planning air travel, one small mistake in your booking details—like a misspelled name—can cause significant stress. Fortunately, airlines like Alaska Airlines have policies in place to help travelers correct such errors. Understanding the Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy is crucial to ensure your name matches your government-issued ID and to avoid disruptions on your journey.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Alaska Airlines’ name change rules, including what changes are allowed, associated fees, methods of correction, and tips for avoiding issues in the future.

What Is the Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy?

The Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy outlines the rules and procedures for modifying the passenger name on an airline reservation. This policy is designed to ensure that a passenger's ticket information matches their government-issued identification, a TSA requirement for all travelers.

Alaska Airlines allows certain name corrections or updates under specific circumstances. However, it's important to note that name changes and name transfers are different:

• Name Correction: Fixing typos or updating part of a name to match legal documents.

• Name Change: Altering a name due to legal reasons such as marriage, divorce, or court order.

• Name Transfer: Changing the passenger entirely (not allowed under Alaska’s policy).

Types of Name Corrections Allowed

Alaska Airlines allows the following types of name corrections:

1. Minor Spelling Errors
   Misspelled names with minor issues, such as an incorrect letter or misplaced character, can typically be corrected without much hassle.
   
   Examples include:
   
   

• "Jhon" to "John"

• "Smyth" to "Smith"

2. Middle Name Additions or Corrections
   If your middle name is missing or incorrectly spelled, you may request a correction. This is common if your ticket was booked without a middle name and it appears on your ID.
   
   

3. Legal Name Changes
   If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, Alaska Airlines allows you to update your booking. You must provide valid documentation such as:
   
   

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Legal name change certificate

What Name Changes Are Not Allowed?

While the Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy is traveler-friendly, there are restrictions:

• Ticket Transfers Are Not Allowed: You cannot transfer a ticket to another person. If someone else needs to fly, you’ll need to cancel the original ticket (subject to the fare rules) and book a new one.

• Major Name Modifications Without Documentation: If you attempt to make major changes without proper proof (such as changing a full name without legal documents), the request may be denied.

How to Request a Name Correction or Change

There are multiple ways to request a name correction under Alaska Airlines’ policy:

1. Online

For minor corrections, you can log in to the Alaska Airlines website:

• Go to "Manage Reservations"

• Enter your confirmation code and last name

• Make eligible changes directly if the system allows

2. Call Customer Service

For complex or legal changes, contact Alaska Airlines Customer Care at 1-800-252-7522. Be ready with your:

• Booking reference

• Full name as per government ID

• Supporting documents (if applicable)

3. Visit a Ticket Counter

If you're near an Alaska Airlines airport location, visiting a customer service desk can also help resolve name issues, especially for last-minute fixes.

Fees Associated with Name Changes

In most cases, Alaska Airlines does not charge a fee for minor corrections made within 24 hours of booking. This is in line with their 24-hour cancellation and modification policy.

However, for legal name changes or corrections made after that window, the airline may:

• Charge a name change fee (varies by route and ticket type)

• Require payment of fare differences, especially if the ticket must be reissued

Always verify the potential costs before submitting a request.

Name Change Rules for Different Fare Types

Alaska Airlines offers several fare classes, and name change flexibility can vary:

• Saver Fares: These are the most restrictive. Name changes are generally not allowed unless it's a minor correction.

• Main Cabin and First Class Fares: Allow more flexibility, including corrections and legal name changes, though fees may apply.

• Mileage Plan Award Tickets: You may correct names on award tickets as long as the change is minor and the traveler remains the same person.

Documentation You May Need

When requesting a legal name change, be prepared to provide one or more of the following:

• A copy of your government-issued ID with the updated name

• Legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)

• Your original booking confirmation

Make sure the documents are clear, unaltered, and match the details provided in your request.

When to Make Name Corrections

To avoid travel disruptions, it’s best to handle name corrections as early as possible:

• Immediately after booking: Check your confirmation email for any errors.

• At least 72 hours before departure: For major changes, give the airline enough time to process the request.

• Before check-in: Once you check in for your flight, it becomes much harder to change any details.

What Happens If Your Name Doesn’t Match Your ID?

TSA regulations require that the name on your ticket exactly matches your government-issued ID. If it doesn’t, you may not be allowed to board your flight. Even a minor mismatch (like a missing middle name) can cause delays during security checks.

That’s why the Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy is essential—it provides travelers with a way to correct issues and ensure a smooth journey.

Tips to Avoid Name Errors in the Future

Here are some best practices to help you avoid name correction hassles:

1. Double-Check Before Booking: Always review the spelling of your name before completing the booking.

2. Use Legal Names: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your ID or passport.

3. Avoid Nicknames: Don’t use shortened versions like “Mike” instead of “Michael.”

4. Book for Yourself: When possible, book your own ticket to reduce the risk of someone else making a mistake.

Final Thoughts

The Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy is designed to accommodate honest mistakes and legitimate name updates while maintaining TSA and airline security requirements. Whether you’ve made a small typo or recently changed your legal name, Alaska Airlines offers a clear process to help you update your ticket and travel without complications.