A Complete Guide to Southwest Airlines Name Correction and Update Rules

Booking a flight should be exciting, but what if you realize your name is misspelled on your Southwest Airlines ticket? Don’t panic — Southwest Airlines understands that mistakes happen and offers a clear, traveler-friendly name correction and update policy. Whether you made a small typo or recently changed your name legally, this guide explains how to correct your details easily and fly without issues.

📞 Flights Counsel: +1 (844) 643-2887

🔗 How to Change Passenger Name on Southwest Ticket

✈️ Why Your Ticket Name Must Match Your ID

Airline security and TSA regulations require that the name on your flight ticket exactly matches your government-issued photo ID or passport. Even a small discrepancy can cause check-in delays or boarding denials. Southwest Airlines ensures passengers can correct these details quickly and maintain compliance with identification standards.

So, if you’ve made a typo, changed your surname after marriage, or had a legal name update, Southwest’s name correction policy ensures you’re covered.

🟨 Types of Name Corrections Allowed by Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines distinguishes between minor and major name changes:

Minor Name Corrections:

Cover simple spelling mistakes or typographical errors (up to 3 characters).
No supporting legal documents are required.
Usually free of charge or subject to a small administrative fee.
Example: “Jonh” → “John” or “Emliy” → “Emily.”

Major (Legal) Name Changes:

Applied when a passenger has legally changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or court order.
Supporting documentation is required for verification.
Possible fare difference or service fee may apply depending on the ticket type.

Important: Southwest Airlines does not allow transferring tickets to another individual. All name changes must apply to the same traveler originally listed on the booking.

📄 Documents Required for Legal Name Updates

When submitting a name change request, Southwest Airlines may ask for verification documents. Depending on the reason for the update, you may need to provide:

A valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
Marriage certificate for name changes after marriage
Divorce decree for reverting to a previous surname
Court-issued name change document for other legal updates
Booking confirmation or e-ticket receipt

These documents confirm that the change is legitimate and ensure smooth identity verification before boarding.

💰 Southwest Airlines Name Change Fees

Southwest Airlines keeps its name correction fees affordable. Here’s how it works:

Minor corrections: Typically free or subject to a nominal administrative fee.
Major (legal) name changes: May involve a processing fee and any applicable fare difference if the same fare class is unavailable.

For an accurate quote or clarification, you can contact Flights Counsel or Southwest Airlines’ customer service.

📞 Flights Counsel: +1 (844) 643-2887

🕓 Time Limit for Requesting Name Changes

It’s crucial to request your name correction before check-in or flight departure. Once your boarding pass is issued or your flight departs, Southwest Airlines will not process any name change requests.

To avoid last-minute issues, always double-check your ticket details right after booking and contact Southwest immediately if you notice any discrepancies.

💻 How to Request a Name Change or Correction

Southwest Airlines offers several convenient methods to correct your name:

Online via Southwest Airlines Website:

Visit Southwest.com and go to the My Trips section.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Select “Edit Passenger Details” or “Name Correction.”
Upload required documents if needed and follow the prompts.

By Phone:

Call Southwest Airlines or Flights Counsel for guided assistance.
Provide your booking details, name correction reason, and documents.
The agent will verify and process your request.

At the Airport Ticket Counter:

Visit a Southwest Airlines desk with your ID and supporting documentation.
This is ideal for last-minute or urgent name corrections.

🚫 Restrictions and Non-Allowable Changes

Southwest Airlines strictly prohibits certain name change actions, including:

Transferring a ticket to another person.
Changing both first and last names without legal documentation.
Requesting changes after flight departure or check-in.

These rules ensure fairness, security, and compliance with aviation regulations.

🌍 Expert Tips for a Smooth Name Correction Process

Double-check your passenger details before confirming any flight booking.
Always use the name exactly as it appears on your ID or passport.
Keep digital copies of your ID and legal documents ready for submission.
Contact Flights Counsel early to save time and avoid last-minute fees.

✅ Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ Name Correction and Update Rules are designed to make the process simple and stress-free. Whether fixing a small typo or updating your name after a legal change, Southwest ensures passengers can travel confidently without complications.

Act promptly, keep your documents handy, and reach out for help if needed — ensuring your travel plans stay seamless from booking to boarding.

📞 Flights Counsel: +1 (844) 643-2887
🔗 How to Change Passenger Name on Southwest Ticket

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