Booked a Southwest flight and noticed your name is spelt incorrectly? Whether it’s a small typo, a missing middle name, or you’ve legally changed your name after marriage or divorce, it’s important to correct your ticket before you travel.
This guide explains how to change name on Southwest Airlines ticket, what corrections Southwest allows, which documents you may need, and when you should contact the airline.
Need help with a Southwest Airlines name correction or manage booking request? Contact Flying Getaway at +1 (646) 814-6001 for assistance.
Quick Answer: Can You Change Name on a Southwest Airlines Ticket?
Yes, Southwest Airlines allows name corrections for spelling mistakes, inverted names, missing middle names, and legal name changes with supporting documents.
However, Southwest does not allow tickets to be transferred to another person. The passenger travelling must remain the same person who originally booked the ticket.
What Is Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy in 2026?
The Southwest Airlines name change policy allows passengers to correct minor errors on their ticket and update their name after a legal name change.
Generally, Southwest allows:
- Minor spelling corrections
- First and last name reversals
- Adding or removing a middle name or initial
- Correcting hyphenated surnames
- Legal name updates due to marriage, divorce, or court order
Southwest does not allow transferring a ticket to another traveler. If a different person needs to travel, a new booking is required.
💡 Flying Tip: Your ticket name should match the government-issued ID you plan to use at airport security.
Name Correction vs Name Change: What’s the Difference?
Many travelers confuse these two terms.
Name Correction
A correction fixes small mistakes made during booking, such as:
- spelling errors
- missing middle names
- reversed first and last names
Legal Name Change
A legal name change updates your ticket after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change. Supporting documents are required.
Ticket Transfer
Changing the ticket to a completely different traveler is not permitted under Southwest Airlines policy.
When Should You Request a Southwest Airlines Name Correction?
Request a correction as soon as you notice the error.
Don’t wait until check-in because an incorrect name may cause delays during identity verification at the airport.
Correct your name before:
- online check-in
- printing your boarding pass
- arriving at the airport
Early corrections are usually processed more smoothly.
How to Change Name on Southwest Airlines Ticket
If you need to change your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket, follow these steps:
- Review your booking and identify the error.
- Contact Southwest Airlines or your booking provider.
- Request a name correction or legal name update.
- Submit supporting documents if required.
- Verify the corrected name before check-in.
If your booking was made through a travel agency, contact the agency first.
What Name Changes Are Not Allowed?
Southwest Airlines generally does not allow:
- transferring tickets to another traveler
- changing the passenger entirely
- correcting birth date or gender through the name correction process
- making multiple unrelated name changes on the same booking
If the traveler changes completely, a new ticket is usually required.
Flying Tip: Ensure your Rapid Rewards name matches your ID to avoid travel hiccups. Quick fixes like typos are a breeze with Southwest Airlines’ name correction!
Southwest Name Correction Rules
The Southwest Airlines Name Correction rules make minor fixes easy. Here’s what’s allowed:
- Inverted Names: Correct swapped first and last names (e.g., “John Smith” to “Smith John”).
- Middle Names/Initials: Add or remove middle names or initials.
- Hyphenated Names: Adjust hyphenated surnames.
- Minor Typos: Fix up to three characters in the first name (e.g., “Rebeca” to “Rebecca”).
- Repetitive Letters: Correct errors like “Willliam” to “William.”
- Prefixes/Suffixes: Add or remove titles like “Mr.” or “Jr.”
For seamless Southwest Airlines manage booking, call Flying Getaway at our phone.
Types of Name Changes Allowed
The Southwest Airlines name change policy covers these corrections:
| Change Type | Description | Examples |
| Inverted Names | Fix swapped first and last names | “John Smith” to “Smith John” |
| Middle Name/Initial | Add or remove middle names/initials | Add “Marie” or remove “M.” |
| Hyphenated Last Name | Adjust hyphenated surnames | “Smith-Jones” to “Smith Jones” |
| Repetitive Characters | Correct typos in spelling | “Willliam” to “William” |
| Prefix/Suffix Adjustments | Add or remove titles | Add “Dr.” or remove “Jr.” |
Documents Required to Change Name on Southwest Airlines Flight
No documents are typically needed for minor Southwest Airlines name corrections. For a legal Southwest Airlines name change on a ticket, provide:
- Old and new government-issued IDs
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- Legal name change documentation (e.g., court order)
Final Thoughts
Correcting a name on your Southwest Airlines ticket is usually simple when the request is made early. Minor spelling corrections are often straightforward, while legal name changes require supporting documentation.
Before traveling, make sure the name on your ticket matches your government-issued identification to avoid delays during check-in or security screening.
Need help with a Southwest Airlines name correction or a booking request? Call us at +1 (646) 814-6001 to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the passenger name on a Southwest Airlines ticket?
No. Southwest Airlines does not allow tickets to be transferred to another traveler. Only corrections for the original passenger are permitted.
How do I change the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket?
Contact Southwest Airlines or the travel agency where you booked your ticket. Minor spelling corrections are usually simple, while legal name changes require supporting documents.
Can I fix a misspelt name on my Southwest Airlines ticket?
Yes. Southwest allows corrections for spelling mistakes, reversed names, missing middle names, and similar booking errors.
Does Southwest charge a fee for a name correction?
Minor name corrections are generally handled without a separate name correction fee, although requirements may vary depending on how the ticket was booked.
Can I change my name online on Southwest Airlines?
Some profile updates can be made online, but ticket name corrections and legal name changes typically require contacting Southwest Airlines customer support.
What documents are required for a legal name change?
Southwest may request a government-issued ID, marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated passport depending on the reason for the name change.
Can I travel if my name is misspelt on my ticket?
Minor spelling mistakes may not always prevent travel, but your ticket should match your government-issued identification as closely as possible. It’s best to request a correction before check-in.
How long does a Southwest Airlines name correction take?
Simple corrections are often completed quickly, whereas legal name changes may take longer because supporting documents must be verified.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
