# Can You Transfer Alaska Airlines Tickets to Another Person? Travel plans can be unpredictable. Sometimes you buy a ticket for yourself but can’t travel, or you purchase a ticket for someone else and they can’t make it, prompting the question: **Can you transfer Alaska Airlines tickets to another person?** This guide provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska Airlines’ ticket transfer policies, name change procedures, cancellation rules, alternatives, fees, legal and security reasons behind their policies, and practical tips to avoid trouble. Whether you're a frequent traveler or a first-time flyer, this article covers everything you need to know about transferring or changing tickets on Alaska Airlines. --- ## Contents 1. Introduction: Understanding Airline Ticket Transferability 2. Alaska Airlines Ticket Transfer Policy: The Official Stand 3. Why Are Airline Tickets Generally Non-Transferable? 4. Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy vs. Ticket Transfer Policy 5. Minor Name Corrections Allowed by Alaska Airlines 6. How to Request a Name Change on Alaska Airlines Tickets 7. Fees for Name Changes and Corrections on Alaska Airlines 8. Timing: When Can You Change a Name? 9. What Happens If You Travel With a Ticket That Has a Different Name? 10. Alternatives to Ticket Transfers: Cancel, Refund, and Rebook 11. Alaska Airlines Refund and Cancellation Policies Explained 12. Using Travel Credits and Vouchers for Other Passengers 13. Group Bookings and Ticket Transfers on Alaska Airlines 14. Third-Party Bookings and Their Impact on Transfers and Changes 15. The Legal and Security Foundations for Non-Transferable Tickets 16. How Alaska Airlines’ Policies Compare to Other Airlines 17. Travel Insurance: Can It Help With Transfers or Name Changes? 18. Real-Life Examples and Common Scenarios 19. Tips to Avoid Ticket Transfer Problems and Booking Errors 20. Contacting Alaska Airlines Customer Service for Help 21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 22. Summary and Final Thoughts --- ## 1. Introduction: Understanding Airline Ticket Transferability When you buy a plane ticket, what exactly do you purchase? Essentially, you buy a contract with the airline for transport on a specific flight under your name. This contract includes your personal information as verified by government-issued ID. Because airline tickets are contracts between the passenger and the carrier, the name on the ticket must match the traveler’s identification. Hence, **most airlines, including Alaska Airlines, do not allow passengers to transfer tickets to another person**. However, confusion often arises because name changes for minor errors are allowed. So, what’s the difference between a ticket transfer and a name correction? How strict is Alaska Airlines about these? This guide clears those doubts comprehensively. --- ## 2. Alaska Airlines Ticket Transfer Policy: The Official Stand **Alaska Airlines’ official policy is that tickets are non-transferable.** This means the name on the ticket cannot be changed to a completely different person after purchase. If you want to give or sell your ticket to someone else, Alaska Airlines will not permit it. The passenger named on the ticket must be the one who travels. This is a standard industry practice designed to meet regulatory, security, and operational requirements. --- ## 3. Why Are Airline Tickets Generally Non-Transferable? Airlines enforce non-transferability for several key reasons: * **Security:** Airlines must comply with regulations requiring accurate passenger identification for screening by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies. * **Fraud Prevention:** Prevents the illegal resale or misuse of tickets. * **Revenue Management:** Stops passengers from reselling tickets, which can undermine pricing structures. * **Passenger Safety and Accountability:** Having correct passenger data is essential in case of emergencies or changes. Because of these, airlines generally will not permit you to change the passenger name to a different individual. --- ## 4. Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy vs. Ticket Transfer Policy It’s important to distinguish between **name corrections** and **ticket transfers**. * **Name Corrections:** Fixing typos, misspellings, or updating a legal name change (e.g., marriage). * **Ticket Transfers:** Changing the passenger name to an entirely different person. Alaska Airlines allows name corrections under specific conditions, but ticket transfers to a new person are **not permitted**. --- ## 5. Minor Name Corrections Allowed by Alaska Airlines If you notice a minor spelling error or typo on your ticket, you can request a name correction. Common examples: * “Jonh” instead of “John” * Missing or extra letters * Minor rearrangements Alaska Airlines will allow these corrections but usually charge a fee. --- ## 6. How to Request a Name Change on Alaska Airlines Tickets If you need a name correction: 1. **Contact Alaska Airlines Customer Service** promptly via phone or website. 2. **Provide documentation**, such as a government-issued ID or legal documents if the name change is due to marriage or other reasons. 3. **Pay applicable fees** (discussed below). 4. Receive confirmation of the name change. It is recommended to do this as soon as possible to avoid problems at the airport. --- ## 7. Fees for Name Changes and Corrections on Alaska Airlines Name change fees depend on fare type and timing: * For **Saver Fares** (most restrictive), fees typically range from $125 to $150. * For more flexible fares, fees may be lower or waived. * Fees apply regardless of whether the change is minor or a legal name update. * Additional fees may apply if changes are requested close to the departure date. Check Alaska Airlines’ official website or call for the most current fees. --- ## 8. Timing: When Can You Change a Name? * Name corrections are best requested **as soon as you spot the error**. * Changes made **before check-in** are easier. * Changes requested at the airport may cause delays or be denied. * Alaska Airlines may refuse name corrections within a certain window before departure (often 24 hours). --- ## 9. What Happens If You Travel With a Ticket That Has a Different Name? If the name on your ticket does not match your ID: * You can be **denied boarding**. * You may be forced to buy a **new ticket at full price**. * Airlines strictly enforce this policy for security reasons. * Airport security will not allow you to proceed without matching ID. --- ## 10. Alternatives to Ticket Transfers: Cancel, Refund, and Rebook Because transfers to another person aren’t allowed, the alternatives are: * **Cancel your ticket** if your fare allows it. * Receive a **refund or credit** depending on fare rules. * Have the other person **book their own ticket** separately. * Using credits or vouchers from canceled tickets toward future bookings. --- ## 11. Alaska Airlines Refund and Cancellation Policies Explained * **24-hour cancellation:** Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. * **Refundable fares:** Eligible for a refund minus any applicable fees. * **Non-refundable fares:** May only receive travel credit. * Cancellation fees vary by fare and timing. * Changes and cancellations must often be made before flight departure. --- ## 12. Using Travel Credits and Vouchers for Other Passengers Some travelers wonder if they can use travel credits or vouchers obtained from canceled tickets to book a ticket for someone else. * Alaska Airlines **allows travel credits to be used for booking tickets in a different name**. * This is a legal and permitted way to effectively "transfer" the value of your ticket to someone else. * Check the expiration date and terms of your credit. --- ## 13. Group Bookings and Ticket Transfers on Alaska Airlines * Group bookings have their own rules. * Names usually must be finalized ahead of time. * Minor name corrections may be allowed, but full transfers are prohibited. * Contact Alaska Airlines Group Sales for specific arrangements. --- ## 14. Third-Party Bookings and Their Impact on Transfers and Changes * Tickets booked through travel agents or third-party sites require you to contact the agency for changes. * The airline may not deal directly with the passenger for name changes. * Additional fees or restrictions may apply. --- ## 15. The Legal and Security Foundations for Non-Transferable Tickets The Passenger Name Record (PNR) created at booking contains passenger data linked to security databases. * Airlines must submit accurate passenger manifests to TSA and other security agencies. * Allowing transfers would violate these regulations. * It ensures passenger accountability and safety. --- ## 16. How Alaska Airlines’ Policies Compare to Other Airlines Most major U.S. carriers like Delta, American, and United follow similar no-transfer policies. * Some international airlines may be stricter. * Low-cost carriers often have very strict rules. * A few airlines allow limited name changes with fees, but full transfers are rare. --- ## 17. Travel Insurance: Can It Help With Transfers or Name Changes? Travel insurance typically does not cover ticket transfers but may help with: * Reimbursement for non-refundable tickets if you cancel due to covered reasons. * Trip interruption coverage. * Emergency name changes under certain conditions (rare). Always review your policy carefully. --- ## 18. Real-Life Examples and Common Scenarios **Scenario 1:** John books a ticket but misspells his name as “Jonh.” He calls Alaska Airlines and pays $125 for correction. **Scenario 2:** Sarah buys a ticket for her brother but he cannot travel. She cancels the ticket, loses the non-refundable fare, but uses the credit to book a new ticket for her friend. **Scenario 3:** Mike tries to board with a ticket in his friend’s name and is denied boarding. --- ## 19. Tips to Avoid Ticket Transfer Problems and Booking Errors * Always **double-check names** at booking. * Use exact names as per government IDs. * Purchase refundable fares if you anticipate changes. * Get travel insurance. * Contact Alaska Airlines immediately if you notice mistakes. --- ## 20. Contacting Alaska Airlines Customer Service for Help * Phone: 1-800-252-7522 (US and Canada) * Website: [alaskaair.com](https://www.alaskaair.com) * Mobile app for managing bookings * Social media support channels --- ## 21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) **Q:** Can I give my Alaska Airlines ticket to someone else? **A:** No, tickets are non-transferable. **Q:** Can I correct a typo in the passenger name? **A:** Yes, with fees and documentation. **Q:** What if I legally change my name? **A:** Provide legal proof and request a correction. **Q:** Can I use travel credits to book for another person? **A:** Yes, travel credits can be used for bookings in different names. --- ## 22. Summary and Final Thoughts To conclude: * Alaska Airlines tickets are non-transferable. * Name changes are limited to minor corrections or legal name changes. * Transferring tickets to another person is not allowed. * Use cancellation, refunds, or travel credits as alternatives. * Always verify passenger information at booking. * Contact Alaska Airlines promptly for any changes.