Getting your name wrong on a flight reservation is one of those small mistakes that can feel like a massive problem when you’re staring at your confirmation email. If you've booked a flight with Contour Airlines and realized that your middle name is missing or your last name is misspelled, you are likely wondering about the Contour Airlines Name Change Policy.

Because Contour is a smaller regional carrier, their approach is often more direct than the giant legacy airlines, but they still have to follow strict TSA security guidelines. Here is a breakdown of how to handle name corrections, what it might cost you, and the rules for changing a passenger entirely.

The Difference Between a Correction and a Change

Before you start worrying about fees, it’s important to distinguish between a "correction" and a "change." In the airline world, these are two very different things.

Name Corrections (Typos and Minor Errors)

A correction is when you’ve made a mistake in the spelling of the name for the person who is actually flying. Examples include:

• Misspelling "Jonathon" as "Jonathan."

• Swapping two letters (e.g., "Smithe" instead of "Smith").

• Leaving out a middle name or initial.

• An inverted first and last name.

Under the Contour Airlines Name Change Policy, these are generally viewed as simple fixes to ensure the ticket matches your government-issued ID.

Name Changes (Passenger Swaps)

A name change is when you want to give your ticket to someone else entirely—for instance, if you can no longer fly and want your friend to go in your place.

• The Rule: Generally, Contour Airlines does not allow you to transfer a ticket to another person. Tickets are non-transferable.

• The Exception: If you have a "Flexible" fare, you might have more luck cancelling for a refund and rebooking, but "body swapping" (changing the passenger name to someone new) is almost never permitted.

Rules for Legal Name Updates

Life happens between the time you book a flight and the time you actually take off. If you’ve recently gotten married, divorced, or had a legal name change, Contour Airlines typically accommodates this.

• Documentation: You will be required to show proof of the change. This usually means emailing a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order to their customer service team.

• Timeline: It is best to handle this as soon as the legal change is finalized. Don't wait until you're at the check-in desk, as the gate agents may not have the authority to re-issue a ticket with a new name without prior approval from the reservations department.

Fees for Correcting Your Name

One of the most common questions is "How much is this going to cost?"

For minor typos (1–3 characters), many regional airlines like Contour will often waive the fee as a gesture of good faith, especially if you catch it quickly. However, the official Contour Airlines Name Change Policy does not guarantee a free pass.

If a fee is applied, it typically ranges from $25 to $150 depending on the fare class and how close you are to the departure date. Additionally, if the ticket needs to be "re-issued" at the current market price, you might be asked to pay the difference in fare. This is why it is so critical to double-check your name during the booking process before you hit "Purchase."

How to Request a Name Correction

Contour Airlines doesn't always have a "Fix My Name" button on their website, so the process is usually manual.

1. Call Customer Service

The most effective way to handle a name issue is to call their Customer Experience team directly at 1-888-332-6686. Speaking to a live person allows you to explain the situation—especially if it's a simple typo—and they can often fix it on the spot.

2. Use the "Manage Booking" Portal

You can log in to the "Manage Booking" section on the Contour website using your confirmation code and last name. While you might not be able to edit the name yourself, you can check your ticket's fare rules to see if you have a "Flexible" or "Standard" ticket, which will tell you how much leverage you have.

3. Email Support

If your request isn't urgent, you can email customercare@contourairlines.com. Be sure to include your confirmation number and a clear explanation of what needs to be fixed. If it’s a legal name change, attach your supporting documents to the first email to save time.

The 24-Hour Grace Period

If you notice the error immediately after booking, you are in luck. Like most U.S.-based carriers, Contour follows the Department of Transportation's 24-hour rule. If you booked at least seven days before your flight, you can cancel the entire reservation for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase.

If you see a typo right after you get your confirmation email, the easiest "fix" is often to just cancel the whole thing and re-book it with the correct spelling. This avoids all name change fees and ensures everything is 100% accurate.

Final Checklist Before You Travel

To avoid issues at the airport, keep these points in mind:

• The TSA Standard: Your ticket name must match your ID. If your ID says "Robert" but your ticket says "Bob," the TSA might give you a hard time.

• Check Your Confirmation: Look at your email the moment it arrives. It’s much easier to fix a name 30 days before a flight than 30 minutes before boarding.

• Flexible Fares: If you think there’s a chance your plans (or passengers) might change, paying a little extra for a "Flexible" fare can save you a lot of money and stress later.

Managing your travel details doesn't have to be a nightmare, but it does require a bit of proactivity. By following the Contour Airlines Name Change Policy guidelines, you can ensure your only focus is getting to your destination on time.