Korean Air Name Correction Policy
Learn Korean Air’s one-time name-correction rule and why passenger-name changes after booking are restricted.
Korean Air booking guidance says changing the name of a passenger on a ticket is not permitted after booking or purchase. However, Korean Air says a one-time name correction on the ticket is permitted only under its conditions. Travelers should verify the correction through Korean Air or the ticket issuer before relying on third-party phone-number pages.
Policy snapshot
- Passenger transfer: Not allowed
- Name correction: Allowed only in specified cases
- Correction limit: One-time correction
- Spelling correction: Three or fewer letters in English spelling may qualify
- Legal name change: May qualify
- English-to-Korean name: May qualify
- Gender-related correction: May qualify
- Reissue fee: Waived for ticket name corrections
- Other-airline itinerary: Correction may not be possible
Can I Change My Name on a Korean Air Ticket?
Korean Air distinguishes between changing the passenger and correcting the passenger's existing name.
| Correct three or fewer letters in English spelling | ✓ May qualify |
| Legal name change | ✓ May qualify |
| Change English name to Korean name | ✓ May qualify |
| Name correction related to gender change | ✓ May qualify |
| Change the ticket to another passenger | ✕ Not allowed |
| Make repeated name corrections | ✕ Not allowed |
| Correct a name on an itinerary involving another airline | ⚠ May not be possible |
The key requirement is that the correction must still relate to the same passenger. Korean Air's published booking guidance specifically states that changing a passenger's name after purchase is not permitted, while a one-time correction is allowed when the case falls within its listed exceptions.
Korean Air Name Correction Rules
Korean Air does not use an American-style Minor vs Major table. A more accurate comparison is:
| Correction type | Korean Air guidance |
|---|---|
| English spelling correction | Up to three letters may qualify |
| Legal name change | Permitted as an exception when the passenger is confirmed to be the same person |
| English name → Korean name | Permitted as an exception |
| Gender-related name correction | Permitted as an exception |
| Passenger replacement | Not permitted |
| Number of corrections | One-time correction |
| Reissue fee | Waived for ticket name corrections |
| Other-airline itinerary | May require separate confirmation and may not be possible |
If the ticket includes another airline, Korean Air advises checking with the relevant airline in advance because name or spelling changes may not be possible on those itineraries.
No passenger-name change after booking
Korean Air booking guidance states that changing the name of a passenger on a ticket is not permitted after booking or purchase. This should not be rewritten as a flexible ticket-transfer policy.
One-time correction possibility
Korean Air also states that a one-time name correction on the ticket is permitted only under its conditions. Check directly with Korean Air or the ticket issuer before assuming a correction qualifies.
Middle names and document match
Because document matching can matter at check-in or security, compare the booking with the passport early and request guidance before travel.
Contact Korean Air About a Name Correction
Korean Air's published guidance says passengers who need a ticket name correction should contact the Korean Air Service Center. If the ticket was booked through a travel agency, the passenger should contact the travel agency for assistance.
Booked directly with Korean Air?
Contact the Korean Air Service Center and explain that you need a ticket name correction.
Booked through a travel agency?
Contact the agency that issued the ticket. The agency may need to process the correction.
Before contacting Korean Air, have ready:
- Reservation or booking reference
- E-ticket information
- Correct passenger name
- Passport or government-issued ID
- Supporting documentation if the correction relates to a legal name change
- Details of any other airline operating the itinerary
Korean Air also notes that tickets purchased or changed through its Service Center, branch office or airport may be subject to ticket-handling charges, but its published FAQ specifically states that the reissue fee is waived for ticket name corrections. These are separate concepts and should not be presented as a generic name-change fee.
Document Checklist
- Booking reference or ticket number
- Current passenger name
- Correct name as shown on the travel document
- Passport or government-issued ID
- Legal-name document if relevant
- Ticket issuer or agency details
- Written confirmation after the update
Change Timeline
When you find the mismatch
- Compare the booking with the travel document.
- Identify whether the ticket was issued by the airline or an agency.
Before paying or sending documents
- Use the airline or verified ticket issuer.
- Avoid third-party phone-number pages and unverified fee tables.
After the update
- Review the corrected ticket or booking.
- Save written confirmation.
No passenger swap
Korean Air says passenger-name changes after booking or purchase are not permitted.
One-time correction only
A correction may be possible only under Korean Air conditions.
Expert Pro Tips
"Start early before check-in or airport processing."
"Use the airline or verified ticket issuer."
"Do not rely on unofficial phone-number pages."
"Keep travel documents ready."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Korean Air change the passenger name after booking?
Korean Air says changing the passenger name on a ticket is not permitted after booking or purchase.
Does Korean Air allow any correction?
Korean Air says a one-time name correction may be permitted under its conditions.
Should I use a third-party phone page?
No. Use Korean Air or the verified ticket issuer.