When you're preparing for a flight with Korean Air, whether you're heading to the bustling streets of Seoul or connecting through Incheon to somewhere tropical, the last thing you want to see on your ticket is a typo. The Korean Air Name Change Policy is one of the more structured sets of rules you'll encounter, and while it isn't quite as flexible as a casual name-tag, it does offer pathways for fixing those common "oops" moments.

Here is a deep dive into the rules, eligibility, and the actual steps you need to take if your name and your passport don't quite line up.

Correction vs. Change: The Most Important Distinction

Before we get into the weeds, we have to clear up a major industry term that often trips people up. In the airline world, there is a massive difference between a "correction" and a "change."

• Name Correction: This is for when the traveler is the same person, but there’s a mistake on the paperwork. Maybe you typed "Johnn" instead of "John," or you accidentally swapped your first and last names. Korean Air generally allows these as long as you follow their procedure.

• Name Change: This is when you want to give your ticket to someone else entirely. Korean Air strictly prohibits this. Tickets are non-transferable. If your friend can't go and you want to put the ticket in your sister's name, you will have to cancel the original ticket, pay the refund fee, and buy a brand-new ticket for her.

What Types of Corrections Are Eligible?

Under the Korean Air Name Change Policy, most "minor" issues can be resolved with a bit of effort and, in some cases, a small fee.

1. Typographical Errors

If you've misplaced a letter or two (usually up to 3 characters is the unwritten "safe" limit), Korean Air will typically allow a correction. For example, "Catherine" to "Katherine" is usually a straightforward fix.

2. Inverted First and Last Names

This is incredibly common. Many people accidentally put their surname in the "Given Name" box. Because the passenger is clearly the same person, Korean Air can usually swap these around for you, though it often requires reissuing the ticket.

3. Legal Name Changes

Life happens. If you got married or divorced between the time you booked and the time you're flying, and your passport has been updated, you can request a correction. You will need to provide legal proof, like a marriage certificate or a court decree.

4. Middle Name Issues

If your passport has a middle name but your ticket doesn't, you might be worried. Generally, for travel not involving the US or Canada, the middle name isn't a "deal-breaker." However, for flights to North America, the Korean Air Name Change Policy is much more stringent due to TSA "Secure Flight" requirements. It's always safer to have it added if it's on your ID.

The Costs: Fees and Fare Differences

While the airline wants your name to be correct for security reasons, fixing a mistake isn't always free.

A Note on Reissuing: Even if the "Service Fee" is small, if your original ticket class is sold out and the airline has to "reissue" your ticket to fix the name, you might occasionally be asked to pay the fare difference if the system requires a fresh booking. This is rare for simple typos but common for major name inversions.

How to Actually Fix Your Name

You usually can't just hit "Edit" on the Korean Air website to change your name. Here is the typical workflow:

1. Call the Service Center: This is almost always a phone-based task. You’ll need to call the Korean Air reservation center (the US number is 1-800-438-5000).

2. Provide Your Booking Reference: Have your 6-digit PNR code or your 13-digit ticket number (starts with 180) ready.

3. Submit Documentation: For anything more than a single-letter typo, the agent will likely ask you to email or fax a copy of your passport's photo page.

4. Pay the Fee: If a fee applies, you'll provide your credit card over the phone.

5. Confirm the New Ticket: Make sure you receive a new "Electronic Ticket Itinerary & Receipt" via email. Check it immediately!

Third-Party Bookings (The Expedia Problem)

If you booked through a travel site like Expedia, Priceline, or a local travel agent, the Korean Air Name Change Policy has a major hurdle. JAL and Korean Air both generally tell you that "the point of purchase must handle the change."

This can lead to a frustrating loop where the agent says the airline won't let them change it, and the airline says they can't touch an agent's booking. If you find yourself in this situation, be persistent with the travel agent; they are the ones who officially "own" your ticket until you check in.

Deadlines and Timeframes

Don't wait until you're at the check-in counter at Incheon Airport to bring up a name error. While agents can sometimes fix minor typos at the airport, it adds a massive amount of stress to your travel day.

• Standard Corrections: Should be requested at least 72 hours before departure.

• US/Canada Flights: Because manifests must be sent to the government in advance, try to have these sorted at least a week before you fly.

The Korean Air Name Change Policy is built to ensure that "The person on the passport is the person on the plane." As long as you aren't trying to pull a fast one and transfer your ticket to a friend, the airline is usually willing to work with you to make sure your name is spelled correctly.