How Do I Request a Name Correction with Southwest Airlines?

itsemiliacruz
Nov 3
6 min read

Ever found an error in your flight booking and realized your name doesn’t match your ID? It happens more often than you think. Whether it’s a small typo or a legal name update, getting it fixed before check-in is crucial. This detailed guide explains how the Southwest Airlines Name Change process works, the related fees, policies, and real tips to help you resolve it smoothly—especially during deal-heavy times like Black Friday, when rebooking options can offer discounts up to 40%.

Why a Name Correction Matters Before Your Flight

Your name on the ticket must exactly match the one on your government-issued ID. Even a small typo can lead to issues at security checks or boarding.

Here’s why name accuracy is important:

TSA and Southwest require identity verification to prevent fraud.
Mismatched names may void your boarding pass.
Name correction requests can only be processed before travel begins.

If you notice an error, act quickly. You can always contact Southwest Airlines customer support at +1-855-869-7071 for personalized help with your booking.

Understanding the Southwest Airlines Name Correction Policy

The Southwest Airlines name correction policy is designed to help passengers fix minor or legal name discrepancies on their tickets. However, the airline differentiates between corrections and changes:

Corrections refer to minor typos or spelling errors.
Changes refer to full legal updates such as marriage, divorce, or court order.

According to the Southwest Airlines name correction policy, travelers can:

Request one free correction if it’s a small typo (up to three characters).
Provide legal documents (e.g., marriage certificate) for legal name updates.
Get assistance via customer support at +1-855-869-7071 if unsure which applies.

Always check your booking confirmation after the correction is made.

What Does the Southwest Airlines Misspelled Name Policy Cover?

The Southwest Airlines misspelled name policy applies when there’s a typographical or clerical mistake in your first, middle, or last name.

Examples include:

Typing “Jon” instead of “John.”
Missing or extra letters in surnames.
Reversed first and last names.

Here’s what to remember:

You can usually fix simple typos by contacting customer service directly.
If your name error is minor, the correction is often free.
For major spelling differences, a reissued ticket may be required, following the Southwest Airlines name correction policy.

Tip: Always double-check your spelling before finalizing your booking—especially during flash sales like Black Friday, when fast bookings can lead to small errors.

How to Contact Southwest Airlines Customer Support

When you discover a mistake, don’t panic. The quickest way to resolve a name issue is to talk to a live agent. You can reach Southwest Airlines customer support through multiple channels:

Phone Support: Call +1-855-869-7071 for 24/7 help.
Website: Visit the official website’s “Contact Us” page.
Airport Counter: Speak with an agent directly if you’re at the airport.

Agents can help you identify whether your issue falls under the Southwest Airlines name correction policy or the Southwest Airlines legal name change policy, ensuring the right process is followed.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Name Change Fee?

While many corrections are free, the Southwest Airlines Name Change Fee may apply in certain cases—especially for legal updates or reissued tickets.

Typical fee ranges:

Minor typo: Free (first correction).
Legal name change: $50–$150 (depending on route and fare type).
Reissued ticket for major updates: Standard fare difference applies.

You can confirm the latest Southwest Airlines Name Change fee by calling +1-855-869-7071 before making any updates.

Speak to Southwest Airlines Customer Service

If you’re unsure how to classify your name issue, it’s best to speak to Southwest Airlines customer service directly. Their trained team can verify your booking, identify what kind of correction you need, and handle it on the spot.

Benefits of speaking directly:

Get clarity on the Southwest Airlines name correction policy.
Avoid rebooking errors or duplicate charges.
Learn about ongoing offers, such as Black Friday Deals on rebooking up to 40% off, which can save money if your correction requires a ticket change.

Tip: Keep your confirmation number handy when you call Travel Assistance.

Call Southwest Airlines Help Desk

Need fast help? The Southwest Airlines help desk is available for real-time assistance. You can call +1-855-869-7071 and connect with an agent who’ll walk you through the process.

What to prepare before calling:

Government-issued ID or passport.
Original booking confirmation.
Proof of legal name change (if applicable).

Whether your concern is a small typo or a complete update, the help desk will guide you based on the Southwest Airlines legal name change policy and make necessary adjustments quickly.

How Does the Southwest Airlines Legal Name Change Policy Work?

The Southwest Airlines legal name change policy applies to passengers who’ve changed their name legally due to marriage, divorce, or court order.

To process this type of change, you’ll need to:

Submit your current government-issued ID.
Provide official documentation (marriage license, divorce decree, etc.).
Request the update via Help Desk or the airport ticket counter.

In some cases, your ticket may need to be reissued under the new name, following the Southwest Airlines ticket name change guidelines.

Southwest Airlines Assistance Phone Number

For immediate guidance, you can call the Southwest Airlines assistance phone number at +1-855-869-7071. This is the most direct way to handle:

Typographical errors.
Legal name changes.
Verification document uploads.

Agents can also update your booking information and inform you about seasonal promotions—like Black Friday rebooking discounts—so you can save while correcting your ticket.

Tips for Hassle-Free Name Corrections

Here are a few expert recommendations to make the Southwest Airlines Name Change process smooth and stress-free:

Act Early: Don’t wait until check-in to spot an error.
Have Documents Ready: Keep legal paperwork handy if your change is official.
Call Support: Always call +1-855-869-7071 instead of relying solely on online forms.
Use Sales Wisely: During Black Friday Deals, check if rebooking with a discount is cheaper than paying a correction fee.
Review Confirmation Emails: Confirm spelling immediately after booking.

What About the Southwest Airlines Ticket Name Change?

The Southwest Airlines ticket name change policy limits ticket transfers but allows legal updates when justified. This means you can’t transfer your ticket to another person, but you can fix your own name if legally changed.

Here’s how it works:

Submit valid ID and supporting documents.
Pay any applicable Southwest Airlines Name Change fee if reissue is needed.
Receive a corrected confirmation email.

Always confirm your itinerary after the update to ensure all details reflect your legal name.

Final Thoughts

Fixing your name on a flight ticket doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether it’s a typo or a legal update, Southwest Airlines offers flexible solutions through its name correction and legal change policies. To make the process smooth, act early, keep documentation ready, and call +1-855-869-7071 for live support.

And don’t forget—during special promotions like Black Friday, you can save up to 40% when rebooking, making it the perfect time to fix your flight details and score a better deal.

If you still have issues, you can refer to this blog: Step-by-step Guide to Southwest Airlines Name Change (2025 Update).

FAQs

Can I change the name on my Southwest ticket after booking?

Yes, under the Southwest Airlines name correction policy, you can fix minor errors or apply for a legal change with valid proof.

Does Southwest charge a name change fee?

Sometimes. The Southwest Airlines Name Change fee depends on the nature of the correction and fare type.

Can I correct my name online?

In some cases, yes. However, calling the helpline number is faster and ensures accuracy.

What if my name is misspelled by just one letter?

The Southwest Airlines misspelled name policy allows small typos (up to three characters) to be corrected for free.

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

No. The Southwest Airlines ticket name change policy only applies to your own name, not transferring ownership.

Do I need ID proof for name changes?

Yes, for legal changes, you’ll need official documents as per the Southwest Airlines legal name change policy.

Can I fix my middle name error?

Yes. The Southwest Airlines misspelled name policy covers middle name typos too.

How long does it take to process a correction?

Most minor corrections are instant when done through customer support.

Are Black Friday rebooking discounts applicable?

Yes. During Black Friday Deals, you can save up to 40% on reissued or rebooked flights.

What should I do if my ticket was booked by a third party?

Contact Southwest Airlines customer support directly. Provide your booking code and ID for verification.