Booking a flight is exciting—but a simple typo in your name can quickly turn your travel into stress. Whether you’ve spotted a misspelling, a misplaced middle name, or undergone a legal name change, understanding Alaska Airlines’ name change policy will ensure smooth boarding and peace of mind.
👉 Want a step-by-step guide? Start here:
Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy
✍️ Minor Name Corrections – FREE & Hassle-Free
Alaska Airlines allows minor name corrections (typos, swapped first and last name, middle name entries) at no cost—if they involve only up to three letters and the name is changed on an unused ticket. This includes being within 24 hours of booking or even later, thanks to their waiver code and ticket reissue process.
- For example, changing “Jonh” → “John” or reversing “Smith/Jane” to “Jane/Smith” is permitted.
- Alaska remains one of the few airlines that still offers free corrections for up to three-letter typos, even as other carriers tighten their name-change fees to $200 or more.
⏱️ 24-Hour Grace Period – Extra Protection
Tickets can be updated free of charge within 24 hours of purchase—regardless of the type of change needed. After that window, major name changes incur fees, but typos remain free if within the minor correction guidelines.
- According to policy, any corrections (typos or legal) are free within 24 hours and need a ticket reissue
💼 Major Name Changes & Transfers – $125 Fee (Gold Members Excepted)
Need to transfer a ticket to another person or update your name entirely?
- You’ll pay a $125 transfer/reissuance fee, plus any fare difference, but only for unused tickets
- For legal name changes (like post-marriage or divorce), documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order is required
- Importantly, MVP Gold members enjoy waived transfer fees—though fare differences still apply
🚫 When Name Changes Aren’t Allowed
Alaska doesn’t permit changes on:
- Partially flown tickets—any used segment prevents modifications
- Partner or codeshare bookings, which often block online adjustments
- Bulk or group bookings, since those have separate policies .
📈 How to Change Your Name – Easy Options
Depending on your situation:
- Minor corrections:Fix via Manage Booking online or by calling within the 24-hour window
- Major changes or transfers:Need ticket reissue via GDS-equipped travel agents or Alaska inside sales desk
- At the airport, staff may process corrections at check-in—normally without fees—even close to departure
🗣️ Real Traveler Experiences
Reddit users echo the airline’s flexible stance:
“I got through … she was lovely … fixed it.”
“One to three letters? No problem.”
But also caution: user updates show mixed results—sometimes requiring multiple contacts or onsite adjustments at the airport.
✅ Summary – Tips to Save Time & Money
- Review your name immediately after booking; utilize the 24-hour window.
- Fix typos (≤3 letters) any time before flying for free.
- Major name changes or transfers cost $125 plus fare difference—unless you’re a Gold member.
- Prepare legal documents if making a legal name change.
- If online correction fails, call or go to the airport—agents are helpful.
Alaska Airlines strikes a balance between security and flexibility—giving customers room to correct honest errors without being penalized.
🧭 Final Thoughts
By knowing their policy, you’ll smooth your travel and avoid costly issues. Alaska’s approach is among the most passenger-friendly—so don’t let a typo ground you!
