Flying is often one of the most stressful forms of travel there is. There are so many things that can go wrong, from missing your flight entirely to experiencing a misspelled name on an airline ticket. I’ve personally done both of those things (multiple times), and let me tell you: knowing how to deal with a misspelled name on an airline ticket is a valuable skill for fat-fingered Neanderthals such as myself.
Luckily, most airline employees know exactly what to do if you screw up the spelling of the name. If you do find your name is misspelled on your ticket, the easiest way to handle it is to bring the ticket to the attention of your airline. More often than not, they can easily change it for you.
And depending on how your name is misspelled, a change might not even be necessary at all. Read on to find out why…
Tips for preventing misspelling your name on an airline ticket
I get it. People lead busy, stressed lives, so it’s easy to make mistakes. I’ve definitely made my fair share of mistakes over the years, and I doubt that’ll ever stop.
Anyway, as you’re booking your next flight, there are several things you can do to make sure you don’t mess up the spelling of your name:
- Take it slow
- Double-check everything
- Take advantage of frequent flyer programs
1. Take it slow
When booking your flights, more often than not, you’ll be giddy with excitement and be tempted to rush through the typing of your own name. The airline uses this version of your name when printing your ticket, so it’s important to slow down (just for a second at least) and type slowly. Use one finger if you have to. You’ll be more likely to write your name correctly if you type in a relaxed manner.
If you’re too distracted or frantic when trying to book a flight, you might accidentally hit the wrong key and call yourself “Svott” instead of “Scott.” Don’t ask me how I know this.
2. Double-check everything
If you’re booking a flight for someone else, having their passport or other identification on hand is a simple way to make sure you spell their name correctly.
If the passport matches the name of the identification document they will be using at the airport, you’re in the clear. If not, jump to the next section (as quickly as you can) before the person you’re booking the ticket for thinks you’re a total idiot.
By the way, I recently wrote a full guide explaining how to buy an airline ticket for someone else. I highly recommend reading that to ensure that you know all the rules. Additionally, because of how easy it is to use your frequent flyer number for someone else, it’s easy to make mistakes when combining your data with someone else’s. Double check everything!
3. Take advantage of frequent flyer programs
If you fly frequently, you can automatically put in all your information, like your name, passport number, and birthdate into your bookings. Auto-fill settings can prevent mistakes, so you never have to worry about making a typo when typing in your own name.
Solutions for dealing with airline tickets that have a misspelled name
A misspelled name on an airline ticket is often easy to fix, but there are some times when it can be a hassle to do. Expect fees or other inconveniences, but remember that each airline has a different policy when dealing with ticket changes.
- Rebook
- Call the airline
- Talk to an airline employee at the airport
1. Rebook
If you book your flight online and immediately notice in the confirmation email that your name is wrong, it’s pretty simple just to cancel your ticket. If you cancel and rebook your flight in a matter of minutes, it’s possible to correct your mistake and get the same seat for the same price.
Note that most airlines (at least here in the US) give you 24 hours to cancel a ticket without incurring fees.
This kind of solution is the riskiest because prices and seat availability can change while you’re trying to rebook. Especially if you’re trying to get on a busy flight. Canceling might get you bumped off altogether.
It’s also important to note that most airlines will charge your credit card immediately after a purchase, so make absolutely sure they cancel the first charge if you have to book another ticket.
2. Call the airline
If the day of departure is getting closer, and the prices of the tickets have climbed since you first booked, call the airline. They can explain to you the process of changing your name and the policies they have in place to accommodate this procedure.
Some airlines might charge you an extra fee for changing your name, so be aware of that possibility before calling.
4. Talk to an airline employee at the airport
If you’ve accidentally typed your name in wrong while booking, or even if the airline is at fault, you can explain yourself as you check in for the flight. If the mistake is obvious (i.e., “Ronert” instead of “Robert”), most airline employees will be very understanding and correct the mistake for you.
However, if it says something like “Bill” instead of “Scott”, don’t expect much sympathy.
Things to consider
Mistakes happen all the time. If you’ve made a fat-finger mistake when booking your flight, know that your airline has most assuredly dealt with similar issues before.
- Don’t panic
- Minor misspellings
- Major misspellings
- Fees
- TSA
First things first: don’t panic!
When you’ve found a misspelled name on an airline ticket, remember to keep calm. There are processes in place to deal with these kinds of mistakes, and the airline you are flying likely has a policy addressed to just this issue.
Changing your name should not be all that difficult to do, and your airline might even tell you not to bother if it’s a minor (and obvious) mistake.
What happens for minor misspellings
If your name has one or two wrong letters, or if you’ve switched your first and last names, you can likely get on your flight without any issues.
If an airline assumes that the misspelling is due to human error, they often understand rather than condemn. Especially if you can explain to them what happened. In more situations than not, will likely let you get on with your trip without making you purchase a new ticket.
You will not be barred from flying if:
- Your name has one wrong letter
- Your middle initial is wrong
- Your name has been shortened
- Your first and last names are switched
- Your first and middle names are put together into one name
What happens for major misspellings
If your name has been so badly misspelled that it’s unrecognizable, you need to have it changed before you can go anywhere. You should also learn to slow down when booking airline tickets…
A few minor mistakes are acceptable as human error, but showing up with a ticket that names you “Bhavdeep” when your passport says “Jacques” is going to end badly.
You could (will) be prevented from flying if the name on your ticket does not closely match the name on your ID.
You may have to pay a change fee
Having to change the name on a ticket counts as a modification to the ticket for most airlines, and as we all know, modifications incur fees on non-refundable fares. If a name change is required, expect to pay a change fee.
For most airlines, if the mistake is their fault, they won’t charge for a correction.
TSA policy on misspelled names
Generally, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) understands typos and will not prevent you from flying with a slightly misspelled name. It’s been my experience that the TSA’s rules on names matches the rules of the airlines very closely.
If it’s a very minor misspelling, you’ll be ok. If it’s a completely different name, they won’t let you proceed through the security checkpoint without correcting it with the airline first.
Jordan
Was gonna scroll past this but I had to click on it the article after seeing “SANspitter” written on the boarding pass. Good job, very good chuckle.
Scott (SANspotter)
Haha, THANK YOU for noticing! I would have been miffed if nobody noticed.
Lena
A great article! I wonder if you write, for example, “Al Azhar” when the name in your passport is “Imam Al Alzhar” will be treated as a small, charge-free mistake
Scott (SANspotter)
That’s a tricky one. Definitely call the airline to be sure!
Anna
Flying with Turkish Airlines. My last name in a passport Krylovetsky,but at the ticket is Krilovetsky.
One letter typo. Airline does not want to help:(( You think i will have an issue at the check in counter?
Scott (SANspotter)
That’s a tough one. Here in the US, the TSA (and the airlines) will usually let a 1-letter mistake like that slide. I’ve misspelled my name on a ticket before with a 1-letter typo, and there were no issues. Although they did lecture me on being more careful next time.
It really depends on what the Turkish Airlines policy is on this. Personally, I think you’ll be fine. However, I’d try to reach out to them any way possible (call, social media, website support form, etc) to get a definitive answer. Good luck!
ANNA
The ticket was booked through the agency, TK cannot touch this ,sadly((
Agency keeps telling me ,that the changes are not permitted.
TK allowing up to 3 letters typo in the name ,but the customer service rep told me ,they cannot promise me ,that I will not have problems.
I am extremely nervous((
Gina
Ana , did you end up flying? What happened? I have the same problem with Turkish Airlines!
Juan
I booked two business RT tickets to Rome with AMEX travel next April and omitted my wife’s last letter of her first name. They are unable to fix it with airline (long story). Although the article above is encouraging, I feel uncomfortable taking my chances on the day of travel with a strict TSA agent, as their policy states:
“Does the name on my airline reservation have to match the name on my application?
Yes. The name submitted on your airline reservation must be an exact match to the name you provided on your application. ”
It is a 3.5k ticket, and if AMEX does not solve this I am not sure if I should chance it.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Juan – in my experience, the TSA will generally forgive a simple one letter mistake like that (with a stern warning to double check in the future). It all depends on the mood of the TSA agent though, and there is no guarantee that you’ll get through. If this is a really important trip, and she absolutely cannot afford to miss her flight, I would cancel the ticket and purchase a new one.
You will have to pay $200(ish) to cancel, but you will be able to apply the remaining balance towards the cost of a new ticket.
Brandon
I booked my ticket through CheapOair.com. My ticket is misspelled Bradon instead of Brandon. I’ve been so stressed out getting through the agency and airlines to get it correct. I spent countless amount of time on the phone with them but no luck. I have connecting flights with ANA and Asiana in Korea and Tokyo. What are my chances of getting through security? Will the airlines issue the tickets with a mismatch name? Please help! Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Brandon – if you were flying within the US only, I’d say that you probably don’t have much to worry about (the TSA has been known to let 1 letter mistakes like this slide). However, since you’ll be flying internationally, there’s no telling what could happen. I’d cancel the ticket, pay the change fee, and purchase another ticket with the amount left over from the original ticket.
Ali
i have book a ticket. i have mistakenly switched my name 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. its saudi airline what can i do now kindly tell me am worried.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Ali – normally a simple mistake of having your first name in place of your last name (and your last name in place of your first) is ok because your full name is on the ticket. However, some airlines/airports are more strict about this than others, so you should probably call the airline and have them switch it for you. Honestly though, I think you’ll be ok even if you can’t get it changed.
Friederike
My son’s name is Johnathan, but on the ticket it’s Jonathan. We’re flying US to Germany tomorrow. Will it be a problem? Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Usually 1 letter mistakes like that are ok at US airports. It’ll all depend on the mood of the TSA agent of course, but I think he’ll be ok.
Flint Sibanda
My son’s name is Brian Matabile and I put Matabile and his suppose to go to Zimbabwe on the 6th and I called the agent as soon as I saw the mistake and she told me to pay, I’m just stressed his going for an exam. I send an email to SA airline try to call but nothing yet.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi – it would most lily be ok if this was a domestic US flight, but since you are flying internationally (and it sounds really important), you might want to cancel the ticket and purchase a new one with the correct spelling. You’ll have to pay a cancellation fee, but you’ll be able to apply the remainder of the cost to the new ticket.
Of course there is a chance that it won’t matter, but if he really needs to be there on that exact date, a new ticket is probably the safest option.
Israel
Hello Scott So I booked one to Mexico from Portland and it says my first name as. Israel dexter and my last name as dexter My name is Israel dexter so it’s all right but dexter twice. I am flying from Portland OR to Mexico City. And I’m so freaked out they will not give me a refund if I cancel it and I do not have enough money to get a new own so. I’m not sure it will be ok. I fly out October 32st
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Israel – I think that’s going to be ok. If it makes you feel any better, on my last trip to Mexico, the name on my ticket somehow ended up having my first name and middle name being put together as one name (with no space). It was “Firstmiddle Last” instead of “First Middle Last”). Nobody even batted an eye.
Noreen
My dad is flying on this Sunday from NYC to Karachi with me from Turkish Airlines. Did lots of calls back and forth but nothing helped.
The agent misspelled his last name. Instead of “Akhter” spelled “Akther”. I’m so stressed. He can not travel alone that’s why I was going along with him. Please suggest if that is an issue?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Noreen – yes, that’s a tough one. If you were flying within the US (or maybe even Europe), I’d say that you’d have nothing to worry about. 1-letter mistakes happen all the time and the airlines / security checkpoints are used to seeing it.
I’m not as confident about this when traveling internationally on non-US airlines unfortunately. It might be ok. It might not.
You might want to consider going to the airport ahead of time and taking to a Turkish Airlines agent about it. That way there will be no surprises on the day of departure. Good luck!
Laura
I have booked flights with booking.com and they wrote my son’s name wrong: First Name OK. They wrote his Middle Name as his Last Name. His Last Name is not written, but his sister’s and my ticket have the same Last Name, so I hope it will be OK.
The airline says I need to change it with Booking.com, however Booking.com says I need to cancel the booking and book again, which I said many times I will not do. They say they will send a request to the ‘Concern Team’, who will ‘try to fix it’ and ‘I will pay’. I said this is their mistake because I am very thorough and I would not have missed writing my son’s Last Name. They said to call again if I did not hear from the Concern Team within 24-36 hours. What I think is that Booking.com deliberately made a mistake so that I will return this ticket, because it was a rather good deal. How difficult it can be to change your own database? I am sure it is their fault. I will contact Air Canada again and send scans of our passports and ask them to write a letter to me that I can present at the airport. What do you think?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Laura – it’s definitely worth a try! Sounds like Booking.com is not going to budge, so contacting the airline is probably the only option you have left. You might be ok (especially if he has proper identification) but I think you need to be prepared to purchase a new ticket if nobody can give you a clear answer.
I have had instances where my last name appeared as my middle name (and my middle name as my last) on a ticket without any issues before. Airline and airport security agents are generally forgiving if it’s 100% obvious if there was a simple mistake, which is what your scenario seems to be. If was a completely different name altogether (for example, Jason instead of Michael), you’d have a real problem.
Tabby
My agent spelled my name Dawn instead of Dwan. Do you think this would pose any issue? I tried to edit it and they want a huge fee which I cannot afford. Delta cannot help me with it as it is a bulk airline ticket. Also, if a child has two middle names and only one is on the ticket is that ok? My main concern is my first name is connect to my middle name and one letter is off with the Dwan vs the Dawn. For example: Tabithadawn instead of Tabithdwan. Is that going to be ok?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Tabby – yeah, you’ll have to essentially buy an all new ticket if you want to correct the spelling. It’ll more than likely be fine leaving it the way it is. I’ve made mistakes like that on my own tickets in the past, and it was never an issue. Even someone here in the comment section posted their experience with a one letter mistake, and it wasn’t an issue for them either.
And yes, the middle name issue won’t be a problem either.
Jose J Grateraux
I just booked 3 flying to LAX for next March.
I just noticed my first name is Jose my middle name is Juan but my ticket says Jose Antonio.
But my date of birth and other personal information are mine. I also have skymile with Delta which is attached to my name.
Do you think than I will have a issue to fly ?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jose – I think that might be a problem. Usually it’s no issue if it’s a simple 1 letter mistake (or the names are switched), but having a completely different name is likely to cause problems. I’d cancel the ticket and purchase a new one if I were you.
Phil Hormel
My son purchased a TAP airlines ticket through an agency, and they put his first name twice on the ticket, i.e., TrevorTrevor. The airline honored the ticket going to Europe but didn’t honor it on the way back, and he was stuck at the airport and they made him buy a new ticket ($1.7k). Is there anything that can be done about getting a refund or credit for the original (unused) ticket? The gate person said he should be able to, but of course a complication is he got the ticket through some discount go-between service. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Phil – good question. The fact that he purchased it through a 3rd party makes things difficult. However, it’s still worth contacting the airline and trying to get the amount of the unused ticket credited to his account (minus the fee they usually charge, which will probably be something like $200).
But even that might not work since the day of the flight has already passed. In order to get credits for unused tickets, it usually requires cancelling the ticket before departure. Still, I’d contact the airline (but don’t get your hopes up). Good luck!
Dylan
I purchased a basic economy ticket for me and my friends. However when putting the information for one of my friend, it autofilled his information which I’ve used before for shipping packages but I didn’t realize the auto fill had a middle name that he doesn’t normally have on his normal documents. I just noticed the middle name and its been 3 days since i booked. Will this middle name cause an issue? we are planning to fly from nyc to canada. Any help would be appreciated.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Dylan – the only way it’ll be a problem is if (for example) his middle name is shown as his last name (and the last name is completely omitted from the reservation).
It’ll be ok if his ticket is “first name / middle name / last name” but his middle name isn’t shown on his government issued ID.
Sheetal
Hi Scott, I purchased three ticket in Nov for myself and my two minor sons, unfortunately I made a mistake in one of my sons last name, the last 4 of the last name should be Nani but I spelled I typed it as Nnai, so basically the 2nd last and 3rd last letters are in reverse order. I did not notice the error in Nov but in Jan I received an email from my agent stating the departure and arrival time changed so they needed my approval to rebook the ticket if the time was ok, when I saw the rebooked ticket that’s when I noticed the error and called my agent. They took 35 days to let me know that it will cost me $467.00 for extra for them to reissue. I called them with 24 hrs of the second reissue, but they did not help me, so I think they were waiting for 90 days to pass so I could not dispute it on my card and will be forced to pay them. Could you please advise if the Airline will be able to help me at the airport, it is a two leg flight both are different airlines, one is US airline the other is International. I bought three tickets 3.7K just makes it hard to sell out extra to pay the difference. Your advise will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sheetal – if you were flying within the US only, I think you’d be able to get away with it. 1-letter mistakes are common, and most of the time, the airlines/TSA will let it slide.
Flying international (and doing the customs/immigration thing) is what makes this complicated. If it were me, I’d purchase a new ticket just to be safe. Note that you should be able to receive some credit for the cost of the original ticket after paying a cancellation fee. That’ll help to reduce the cost a bit. Good luck!
Tyler
I purchased a ticket to fly from the US to Europe through Chase rewards on Scandinavian Airlines. In the Chase travel system my name on the reservation appears as First Name / Middle Initial / Last Name however on the airlines website my middle initial has been added to the end of my first name without any spaces. Is this simply a limitation of the airlines website or is this something I should be worried about. Thank You.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Tyler – in my experience, this isn’t anything to worry about. I’ve flown both domestically and internationally with my middle initial attached to end of my first name without issues.
Gigi
Hi There! The conference lady person who booked through 3rd party company: flyin.com (She probably book it and make this huge mistake booking my hubby ticket have his first name “Sun” and last name “Yi” put both as last name “SunYi” AND also error on the month of his DOB from July to March! I’ve been trying to reach them no response yet from conference booking lady+ the organizer, both JetBlue and Egypt Air not able to amend the change, it’s been few days now still no luck with emails/calls/chatbot still for all, flyin.com told me they can’t fit it. ONLY way is to cancel this non-refundable ticket and pay another $4K USD (which the booking lady should contact them still no response (they’re extremely busy) – I’m not paying another $4K beside my own ticket already 🙁 please help!!!). What do you think? Do you think JFK airport should be ok? Just not Egypt Cairo Airport? Would it help if I print out the website article mentioning my hubby speaking at this conference (in 5days)? Thanks in advance
Edit: forgot to mentioned JFK airport is just connecting flight, flight out from AUS airport please help!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Gigi! Two things:
1). Here in the US, having his first name listed as “SunYi” (and the space for the last name being left blank) would probably be ok. Technically, his entire (correct) name is on the reservation. I’m not sure how strict they would be about in Cairo through.
2). The biggest problem is the incorrect birthdate. That has to be correct, or else he cannot fly. I mistakenly put my wrong birthdate on a reservation once, and I was denied access through the security checkpoint because of it. Thankfully, I was able to get it resolved by going back to the airline ticket counter and having them manually update my reservation.
If you cannot get the birthdate issue resolved, you will have no choice but to cancel the ticket and purchase a new one. You can still get credit for the unused ticket though! Call the airline to cancel the ticket. You will have to pay a cancellation fee (usually like $200), but you can then apply the remainder of the value of that ticket to a new one. It’ll be a lot cheaper than spending another $4000.
Good luck!
Kostas
Hi Scott my name is Kostas I booked a flight from Greece to Canada. I have spelt my name wrong on the ticket. My name is kostantinos and I spelt it Konstantinos. They will not refund my ticket. Do you think it’s possible to flight with my current ticket?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi! Yes, as long as your last name is spelled properly I think it’s going to be ok. One letter mistakes (especially with given names) happen all the time. I can’t guarantee that you won’t have issues, but it’s most likely not going to be a problem.
Martin
HI! My ticket has my first and last name but for the first name the agency put MARLENAMISS instead of MISS MARLENA (not sure why they put the MISS on the ticket anyway) all the names are correct, they just ran the names together. hopefully this will fly. (and I will too.)
Scott (SANspotter)
I don’t see that being an issue at all. You will fly! 🙂
William
Hi Scott, I’m flying to Vancouver next week from the UK and my ticket says Will Davis but my full name on my passport is William Davis. Do you think this will be an issue?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi William – I don’t think this will be an issue at all. It’s technically the same name.
Vanessa
Our daughter is flying internationally tomorrow and last night we noticed when the travel agency who booked their group tickets used her nickname “Abby” vs Abigail on her passport. The agency was notified and they said that the airlines she is flying have been notified. We’re still nervous she might not be able to make all her flights and connections and especially on the return flight- will the country she’s leaving understand? Any thoughts on how to do what we can we she checks in at the airport ?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Vanessa – as long as her last name is shown correctly, I don’t think it’ll be an issue at all. “Abby” is a very common shortened version of “Abigail” and I’d be really surprised if she’s denied boarding because of it.
There’s no guarantee, but I think she’ll be fine.
Onur
Hi, i am flaying from brussels to warsaw in the next week with ryanair and i put my surname wrong, oezkan instead of ozkan. Do you think it will create a problem for me?
Scott (SANspotter)
There’s always no guarantee that a misspelled name will be OK. However, I think you’ll be fine – the mistake seems relatively minor in my opinion.
EVELYN ORTIZ
Hi,
I am traveling to Turkey from NY in September with Turkish airlines. the ticket has my name and last name correctly my issue is that the passport is written with my both parents last name instead of just one. The travel agent will have to add a last name to the ticket to match the passport . They want me to buy anothet ticket it’s insane ! What do you think ?
Scott (SANspotter)
First of all, if you purchased this ticket through a travel agent, it’s their fault for not getting it right the first time. It would be their responsibility to purchase a new ticket – not yours.
That said, I don’t think it’s an issue honestly. My wife’s passport has both her married name and her maiden name. Most airlines only allow one last name, and she’s never had any issue using just one of them (even when traveling internationally).
Just something to think about…
Sadat
Hi Scott, I bought a ticket through an agent to fly from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. On the ticket they have misspelt my name, it’s supposed to be Md Sadat Hossain, but on the ticket, it’s written as “Mdsadatmr Hossain”. I contacted Qatar Airways, and they advised me to talk with the agent, and the agent told me that it wouldn’t cause any problem. What do you think? Is this something I should be worried about? Thank You.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sadat – I agree with the agent. You most likely won’t have any issues since your name on the ticket is technically correct (it’s just the formatting that is messed up).
Ralph
May I know of you have a successful flight? I am facing the same issue. Thank you
Cherish arua
Hi,
I’m travelling to ny from the UK with virgin Atlantic. Instead of putting my name “cherish” I put “chersh” my middle name and surname are correct however.
I called the travel agency and they said they can’t change it because it’s a code-share flight. ( I’m coming back with delta but it’s operated by virgin Atlantic) they suggested to rebook it with the correct name, but I can’t find the same flight and the price’s increasing
Scott (SANspotter)
Personally, I think that’s going to be OK. Simple one-letter mistakes are extremely common and you’re not likely to have any issues. They may warn you not to do it again, but I think you’ll be fine.
Chekkie
Hry Scott, I have the same problem I purchased my Ticket and just saw awhile ago that I misspelled my name instead of Chekkie I made ir CHEKKKE.. And my flight will be this coming July 30, from Philippines to Austin Texas and my Airlines is ANA. My question is can I still fly even my name is misspelled?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Chekkie – one letter mistakes aren’t usually a problem. Of course, there’s no guarantee that it will be OK. The only way to be sure is to cancel your existing ticket and purchase another one.
That said, I don’t think you’re likely to have any issues.
Eric
Hi Scott,
I am traveling from Toronto to Las Vegas in December and I forgot to put my middle name on the reservation but my middle name is shown on my government ID. Will it be an issue? My first and last name are correct it is just missing my middle name. I called the airline Air Canada and they told me it will not be an issue as I can show my middle name when showing my NEXUS or passport. Will I be denied boarding to the US by TSA because I forgot to put my middle name on my reservation?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Eric – nope, that won’t be a problem at all. This happens to me all the time, and I’ve never once had an issue.
Filip Mandic
Hi Scott,
I’m flying to from Serbia to Denmark in two days. I spelled my name on the ticket Fillip instead of Filip. Changing the name would cost me around 120 Euros which is more than half of the initial price of the two tickets I bought for me and my sister. Will this be a problem? This is my first time flying l, I’m really nervous I won’t go to see Denmark. Is explaining this to the TSA Agent going to help me anything?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Filip! Single letter mistakes aren’t usually a problem in my experience – my guess is that you’ll be perfectly fine. If you don’t mind, can you report back and let me know what happened? It’ll be helpful to everyone who reads this post I think. Thank you!
Fillip Mandich
Hi Scott,
It’s Filip again! I must say that no one even batted an eye! I passed trough every type of control with minimal hassle. Maybe it was because rows were huge, so everyone made sure we pass as quickly as possible, I don’t know, but I guess people just have better things to do than deal with kids with double “l”s in their names.
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks for following up Fillip! I didn’t think you were going to have an issue, so it’s good to know that everything worked out.
Cindy
Hi Scott,
My son is taking an international flight and I misspelled his first name from Brian to Brain. I also didn’t put his middle name on the ticket. Somehow his passport combined first and middle name in one line under given name. The travel agent is of no help when I request a name change. They insist to add his middle name to the ticket, which is then over the 3 letter change limit imposed by airlines. Will he be okay if we leave the wrong name as us? Thanks so much!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Cindy – he will be fine IMHO. I’ve flown many times (without issue) on tickets where it’s just my first and last name (even though my passport shows my middle name). Also, simple 1-letter mistakes are hardly ever a problem in my experience.
Keith
Hi Scott … very similar to Cindy above, I have just realised a spelling error on the wives’ first name on the ticket vs her passport. First name on the passport is DEBORAH and on the ticket it is DEOBRAH (the O and B is swapped around – finger problem), otherwise all other details are correct. We are travelling next week Wednesday from Cape Town South Africa to Auckland New Zealand on Singapore Airlines to Singapore and the on Air New Zealand to Auckland.
After booking and paying for the Ticket in January already and just picked up the mistake now. After calling Singapore Airlines they advised they cannot help because of the onward flight is a different airline even though I did the full booking though Singapore as Air New Zealand is a partner of Singapore Airlines. I have to now cancel this flight and because of the short time left there on no flights around that time with the closest flight almost double the price of the first booking.
We are so frantic and stressed about this, but reading the above experiences from other people it seems worth going ahead and explaining this to the airport staff who hopefully will understand our issue.
Holding thumbs … Thanks … Keith
Scott (SANspotter)
Hey Kieth – yeah, it’s a simple (and common enough) mistake that is unlikely to cause any issues. You’d have a real problem if the name was completely different. But a single letter mixup? No problem.
Jojo
Hi Scott,
I recently purchased a multi-city flight ticket through Cheapoair for a trip from Vancouver to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Tokyo, and Tokyo back to Vancouver. Unfortunately, I realized that I swapped my last and first names on the booking, spelling are correct tho.
I’ve already contacted Cheapoair and spoken to six different representatives, but they all mentioned that they are unable to make changes and advised me to get in touch with Air Canada. Upon reaching out to Air Canada, they directed me back to the booking agent.
I want to find a solution to this issue. The ticket is non-refundable, and purchasing a new one would cost me around 22k and I already paid 18k for the previous ticket. I’m uncertain about the next steps and would greatly appreciate any suggestion or guidance to help resolve this matter. Thank you
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi JoJo – I can’t promise anything with 100% certainty but my guess is that it’s going to be OK the way it is. Your full name is technically on the ticket – It shouldn’t matter if it’s in the reverse order IMHO.
What you might want to do is to see if they can swap it for you when you check in at the airport. They may just tell you that it’s fine.
If it were me, I’d leave it and hope for the best. Unless it was a very important trip that I couldn’t afford to miss. In that case, I would cancel the existing ticket and purchase a new one just to be 100% safe.
Amir
Hi Scott,
I’m travelling with Emirates Airline and I made a minor typo. Instead of “Amir” I put “Amiir”. An extra (i) became a nightmare now. I talked to a third-party —justfly and of course no help received. Do you think that minor typo would an issue? Let me know your thought. Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Amir – in my experience, simple one letter mistakes like that are fine. I don’t think you’re going to have any problems.
Sharon
I just noticed I misspelled my brother-in-law middle name as Edwards by adding an “s” to end. It should be Edward. I spend a lot of time on phone to try and get corrected — third party booking and American Airline. We are flying from Grand Rapids, MI to Cozumel. I can no afford to cancel and rebook flight — cost of ticket and limited flight schedule. American Airline advised that we request change at ticket counter on our departure date. Do you think it will be a big issue at checking and going through TSA?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Sharon – I can’t guarantee that you won’t have any problems, but I’m willing to bet that it won’t be an issue. If all of the other information is correct, they’re likely not to say anything.
That said, if it were me (and this was a very important trip that I couldn’t afford to miss), I’d spend the money to get it fixed. Just in case.
It’s a gamble, but I think he’ll be OK.
Robin
Hi Scott, thanks for sharing your experience!
Like many others, just to calm me down, I wanted to describe my situation too: We are a group of 5 to travel to Shanghai from Germany, Frankfurt. On one ticket, a letter is wrong. Instead of a “P”, there is a “B” in the last name. Mausberger instead of Mausperger.
Do you think that will be fine? Support with Air China is not that great. My travel agent said, that in the past, everyone with a similar problem was able to fly. But my concern is, that it’s actually China and that they could be a bit more rough in terms of checking in and security.
Thanks in advance!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Robin! Yeah, I understand the concern. China is the wildcard here. That said, I have never once heard of anyone being denied boarding due to a one letter mistake.
If it makes you feel any better, I wouldn’t do a thing. There’s a 99.9% chance you’ll be OK IMHO.
Cecilia
Hi Scott,
I booked an international flight with Emirates Airlines, my first and last name are spelled correctly. However, my middle name has been spelled incorrectly ’Morninola’ instead of ‘Morinola’ (extra n added). I called the customer service and they said that because one of my flights has been booked with Vietnam Airlines, that I would have to cancel my flight and book a new one with which would cost me £500 extra.
Do you think the incorrect spelling will be an issue?
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Cecilia – you’ve got nothing to worry about IMHO. A one-letter mistake like that (especially in your middle name) isn’t likely to cause any issues.
If it were me, I’d just leave it alone.
Kyoumin
Hello, I am from Korea, and I am planning to go to Bali for my honeymoon through Garuda Indonesia. My name is Kyoumin, but I made a silly mistake and missed one letter, so it appears as Kyomin. The airline says they cannot correct the name due to their policy, and even if I try to get a refund and rebook, all tickets are sold out. Despite searching through many Korean communities, I couldn’t find any similar cases.Does my name (Kyoumin) and “Kyomin” sound similar in English? Could my flight be denied because of this one-letter mistake? I’m so worried..
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kyoumin – one letter mistakes are normally not a problem. In most cases, I would advise not doing anything about it since it never usually causes any issues.
However…
A honeymoon is kind of important. 🙂 For these sorts of “once in a lifetime” trips, you should consider canceling the ticket and purchasing a new one on another airline. You can’t afford to miss this trip.
Congrats on the marriage – and good luck!