How to Change Name on WestJet Ticket

If you've spotted a mistake on your WestJet booking or need to update your name after a legal change, you're not alone. Name issues are among the most common post-booking problems travellers face. This guide covers everything you need to know about WestJet's name change and correction policies — clearly, without the runaround.

WestJet Passenger Name Change Policy — The Basics

WestJet, like all airlines operating in Canada, requires that the name on your ticket matches your government-issued photo ID or passport exactly. This is a Transport Canada and CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) requirement. A name mismatch — even a small one — can create serious problems at check-in or security, and in some cases may prevent you from boarding altogether.

That said, WestJet draws an important distinction between two very different situations:

• Name corrections — fixing a typo, updating after a legal name change, or correcting a data entry error. These are generally permitted.
• Ticket transfers — reassigning a ticket to a completely different person. This is not permitted under WestJet's policy.

Understanding this difference is the first step to resolving your situation smoothly. Passengers who also require mobility support during their journey should know that WestJet wheelchair assistance can be arranged separately ideally at the time of booking or as soon as travel plans are confirmed.

WestJet Spelling Mistake Correction on Ticket — What Qualifies?

A spelling mistake is the most frequent name issue travellers encounter. Whether it's a transposed letter, a missing character, or a name entered incorrectly during booking, WestJet classifies these as minor corrections and typically handles them with less friction than a full name change.

If your error falls into the "minor correction" category, you have a good chance of resolving it quickly and at low cost. If it doesn't, cancellation and rebooking may be your only path forward.

How to Change Name on a WestJet Ticket — Step by Step

WestJet name corrections can be initiated through a few different channels depending on how your ticket was originally purchased and how complex the correction is.

Step 1 — Check your booking online first Log in to westjet.com and navigate to "My Trips." In some cases, particularly for minor corrections, an edit option will appear next to your passenger details. This is the fastest route if it's available.

Step 2 — Contact WestJet directly if online doesn't work If self-serve isn't available, call WestJet Guest Relations. Have your booking reference number, your government-issued ID, and any relevant legal documents ready before you call. Be specific about the nature of the error when you speak to the agent.

Step 3 — Go through your travel agency if applicable If you booked through a third-party travel agent, online travel agency (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.), or any platform other than WestJet directly, the name correction must usually be initiated through that same platform. WestJet may not be able to process changes on third-party bookings without the agent's involvement.

Step 4 — Act early The earlier you catch the error, the more options you have. Name corrections become significantly harder — and sometimes impossible — to process as departure approaches. Aim to resolve any discrepancy at least 72 hours before your flight.

WestJet Name Change Fee — What to Expect

WestJet does not publish a single flat fee for name corrections. The cost depends on the type of correction, the fare class on your ticket, and how far in advance you are acting.

WestJet's 24-hour booking policy is your best protection against name correction fees. You have a full 24 hours after completing your booking to cancel or make changes at no charge. Always double-check the passenger name immediately after booking — before that window closes. If you're still within that 24-hour window and the name error is significant enough that a rebook makes more sense than a correction, the fastest path is to cancel the booking and start fresh. See our step-by-step guide on how to cancel a WestJet flight online to walk through the process without having to call."

WestJet Legal Name Change Ticket Update — Marriage, Divorce, and Court Orders

If your name has legally changed since you made your booking — due to marriage, divorce, or a court-issued name change — WestJet can update your ticket to reflect your new legal name. This is handled differently from a simple typo correction because documentation is required.

In most legal name change scenarios, WestJet processes the update without a name-change fee. Standard fare-difference rules may still apply if any aspect of the itinerary changes alongside the name update.

Can I Change the Passenger Name on a WestJet Flight to a Different Person?

No. WestJet tickets are non-transferable. A ticket issued in one passenger's name cannot be reassigned to a different individual, regardless of the circumstances. This is an industry-wide policy rooted in aviation security regulations, not just a WestJet rule.

If the original traveller can no longer fly, the correct steps are:

1. Check your fare rules to determine refund or travel credit eligibility.
2. Cancel the original booking if a refund or credit is available.
3. Make a new booking in the name of the person who will actually travel.

WestJet's EconoFlex and Premium fares offer more flexibility and better cancellation terms than the basic Econo fare. If you purchased travel insurance, check whether your policy covers cancellation due to the original passenger being unable to travel. Families rebuilding a cancelled booking who are also travelling with a young child should separately confirm how to add a lap infant to their WestJet reservation — this is a step that is easy to forget when managing multiple changes at once.

Wrong Name on WestJet Ticket — What to Do Based on Your Situation

The urgency of the fix depends on how soon your flight departs. Here is what to do based on your timeline:

Once your name is confirmed and your ID matches your ticket, make sure you're also prepared for the next step. Here's a full guide on WestJet web check-in so you know exactly what to do before reaching the airport counter.

It is worth noting that CATSA security screeners check ID against your boarding pass. A single-character difference is sometimes tolerated, but this is never guaranteed and should never be relied upon as a plan. In a worst-case scenario where a name discrepancy causes you to be held at security or check-in, it is important to understand your options under the WestJet missed flight policy. Knowing what protections exist can make a stressful situation significantly more manageable.

WestJet Name Correction Online vs. Through Customer Service

Many travellers wonder whether they can handle WestJet name corrections entirely online, or whether a phone call is always necessary. The honest answer is: it depends.

If your booking was made directly through WestJet, try the online option first. If it is not available, a phone call to Guest Relations is the most reliable path. Once your name correction is confirmed. You have your updated boarding pass in hand, it's worth asking the agent — or checking the WestJet app — whether any Westjet last-minute upgrade offers are available on your flight. Check-in desk agents occasionally have access to discounted premium seats, and passengers who arrive early enough to resolve a name issue are usually early enough to take advantage of one.

WestJet Name Change Customer Service — How to Reach Them

When calling, have the following ready: your booking reference number, the passenger's full name as it appears on the ticket, the correct name as it appears on the ID or passport, and any supporting legal documents if applicable.

Keep in Mind: Always verify the passenger name on your WestJet booking immediately after purchase. Catching errors early is the single most effective way to avoid fees, delays, and stress at the airport.