Everything that you need to know to about Southwest Airlines Name Change on Ticket
Accurate passenger information is crucial when traveling with Southwest Airlines. Even minor discrepancies between your ticket and government-issued ID can create complications during check-in, boarding, or security checks. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to correct errors in their names under certain circumstances, ensuring a smooth travel experience. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Southwest Airlines name change policy, procedures, fees, and best practices.
Southwest Airlines enforces a strict policy to ensure that the name on your ticket exactly matches your government-issued ID. Name changes are not allowed to transfer tickets to another person. Instead, Southwest permits minor corrections for typographical errors and major corrections for legal name changes.
The policy helps maintain compliance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements and prevents boarding issues.
Minor corrections can be made when the mistake is limited to:
Typographical errors of a few letters in the first, middle, or last name.
Reversed first and last names.
Missing or extra middle names or initials.
Correcting punctuation or hyphenation errors.
Adding or removing titles like Mr., Ms., or Dr.
These minor corrections usually do not require a ticket reissue and can be handled through Southwest Airlines customer service or online portals.
Major corrections involve legal name changes due to:
Marriage
Divorce
Court-ordered name changes
Adoption
Supporting legal documentation is required, and the ticket may need to be reissued, which can involve fees depending on the fare type and route.
Calling Southwest Airlines reservations is the most direct way to request a name correction.
Steps to follow:
Provide your confirmation number (PNR) and ticket details.
Explain whether the correction is minor or a legal name change.
Submit supporting documents if required.
Receive a reissued ticket or confirmation of the corrected name.
Pro Tip: Have your government-issued ID or passport ready during the call to ensure all information matches perfectly.
For eligible bookings, minor name corrections may be done online:
Log in to www.southwest.com → Manage Reservations.
Select your trip and check for an Edit Passenger Information option.
Make the necessary correction and save changes.
Confirm the updated itinerary and check your email for confirmation.
For major corrections, the website will prompt you to contact customer service.
If your booking was made through an OTA or travel agency, contact them directly to request a name correction. They will coordinate with Southwest Airlines. Note that agency service fees may apply.
To update your ticket after a legal name change, Southwest Airlines requires official documentation, including:
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court order for name change
Updated government-issued ID or passport
Ensure that all documents are legible, valid, and match the previous and current names.
Minor corrections: Usually free or up to $25, depending on how the ticket was purchased.
Major corrections (requiring reissue): Fees can range from $75–$200, depending on fare type.
Travel agency bookings: Additional service fees may apply.
Always confirm the exact fee before making any changes.
It’s important to request a name correction as soon as the error is discovered.
For domestic flights, submit corrections at least 24 hours before departure.
For international flights, allow 48–72 hours for processing and documentation review.
Delaying corrections may cause boarding issues or ticket invalidation.
For Rapid Rewards members, ensure that your loyalty account name matches your government-issued ID. Mismatched names can lead to:
Issues earning points
Redemption problems
Difficulty checking in
Update your profile online or through customer service if necessary.
If your itinerary includes flights operated by partner airlines, Southwest Airlines can only update the segments it operates directly. For partner-operated flights, you must contact the operating airline to request a correction.
Always enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
Avoid nicknames, initials, or abbreviations.
Review your confirmation email immediately.
Correct any mistakes within 24 hours of booking to minimize fees.
Ensure your Rapid Rewards account information is up-to-date.
Failing to correct a ticket name mismatch can result in:
Denied boarding at the airport
Ticket cancellation
Loss of fare value, as tickets are non-transferable
It’s crucial to verify your name before departure to avoid unnecessary travel disruption.
Minor corrections for infants are generally free. Major corrections require documentation like a birth certificate.
All passengers must have names that match their IDs. Name corrections for group bookings should be handled through Southwest Airlines group booking services.
For assistance with Southwest Airlines name correction, contact the official support line:
Toll-Free Helpline: 1-888-618-1672
Representatives are available 24/7 to help correct errors and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Accurate ticket information is essential for stress-free travel. Southwest Airlines provides flexible options for minor and major name corrections, but timely action and proper documentation are key. Whether you need to correct a small typo or update your ticket due to a legal name change, following the proper procedures ensures your journey remains smooth and hassle-free.
No, tickets are non-transferable. Only spelling errors or legal name changes for the original passenger are allowed.
Minor corrections may be free or up to $25. Major corrections requiring a reissued ticket can cost $75–$200.
Yes, minor corrections can be made online via the Manage Reservations section. Major changes require customer service.
Accepted documents include marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated government-issued ID.
Minor corrections are often processed immediately. Legal name changes may take 24–48 hours.
You may be denied boarding, so always ensure the ticket name matches your ID exactly.
Only for segments operated by Southwest Airlines. Partner airline segments must be updated directly with the operating airline.
Yes, minor corrections are usually free, but major corrections require birth certificate documentation.
Call 1-888-618-1672 for prompt assistance.
Yes, mismatched names between your Rapid Rewards account and ticket can cause problems with point accrual and check-in. Always update your account to match your ID.