While most travelers worry about spelling mistakes in their names, one of the most frequent issues airlines actually see involves wrong gender, incorrect title, or prefix errors—such as choosing Mr instead of Mrs, selecting Ms instead of Miss, or accidentally marking the wrong gender on the booking form.
Though these errors may seem small compared to spelling mistakes, airlines still require accuracy because all passenger information must match security databases, immigration records, and government screening systems. Sometimes these mistakes require a simple fix; other times they require a full flight booking name change depending on how the airline categorizes them.
This detailed guide explains how airlines treat gender/title errors, what can be corrected easily, when documentation is required, how it impacts international travel, and the exact steps to correct such mistakes.
1. Why Gender, Prefix & Title Fields Matter in Flight Bookings
When a passenger books a flight, several key details are collected:
Name
Gender
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport number
Title/prefix
These details are matched against:
Visa information
Immigration systems
Security screening databases
Airline passenger manifests
APIS (Advance Passenger Information)
Mistakes in gender or title can confuse identity checks, even if the spelling of the name is correct.
Examples of common errors:
Mrs selected instead of Ms
Mr selected for a female passenger
Miss chosen for an adult woman
Dr auto-applied from saved profile
Gender “Male” selected instead of “Female”
These mistakes often require a flight booking name change or minor correction.
2. Types of Prefix & Gender Errors That Airlines Commonly See
✔ Wrong Title Chosen
Examples:
“Mr” instead of “Mrs”
“Miss” instead of “Ms”
“Mrs” for unmarried female travelers
✔ Wrong Gender Selected
Examples:
Male selected for female passengers
Female selected for male passengers
Other/Unspecified selected accidentally
✔ Gender & Prefix Mismatch
Examples:
Gender: Male, Title: Mrs
Gender: Female, Title: Mr
✔ Auto-Fill Mistakes
Digital wallets, browser auto-fill, and saved profiles often fill in the wrong prefix.
These mismatches can create confusion at security and immigration checkpoints.
3. Do Airlines Allow Correction of Wrong Title/Prefix?
Yes.
Most airlines treat title or prefix errors as minor corrections that don’t affect the passenger’s identity.
Airlines usually allow quick correction of:
✔ Mr ↔ Mrs
✔ Ms ↔ Miss
✔ Miss ↔ Mrs
✔ Dr → Mr/Ms/Mrs (if not accurate)
✔ Removing unused titles like Prof, Capt, etc.
These changes rarely require documentation unless the name also needs to be corrected.
4. Do Airlines Allow Gender Corrections?
✔ Yes—airlines allow gender corrections.
Airlines understand that gender fields sometimes get selected incorrectly or that a passenger’s legal gender may have changed.
Corrections are allowed for:
✔ Male ↔ Female
✔ Female ↔ Male
✔ Non-binary/unspecified → Male/Female
✔ Gender updates after legal change
However, for significant gender changes (such as those relating to transitioning), some airlines may require:
Passport copy
Updated government ID
Still, these corrections remain easier compared to a full flight booking name change.
5. When Title/Gender Errors Must Be Corrected Before Travel
Even though these fields seem small, they can cause issues during:
Immigration
Security screening
API submission
Boarding pass verification
You MUST correct title/gender errors if:
✔ Gender on ticket differs from passport
✔ Title does not match the gender specified
✔ You have an international flight
✔ The error affects visa matching
✔ Airline explicitly requires matching metadata
For domestic flights, errors are often tolerated, but international travel requires consistency.
6. When Title/Gender Errors Can Be Ignored
Some scenarios do not need correction.
You may be able to fly without correction if:
The name is 100% correct
Only title is wrong
Domestic travel only
Airline confirms title mismatch is acceptable
Example:
“Ms” instead of “Miss” is usually acceptable domestically.
However, errors like “Mr” for a female passenger may still cause unnecessary questioning at check-in or immigration.
7. How Airlines Categorize These Corrections
Airlines group corrections into three categories:
A. Minor Correction (Free or Low Fee)
Includes:
Title change
Gender correction
Removal of unnecessary honorifics
Fixing prefix spelling
These are usually done instantly with only a passport copy.
B. Medium Correction (Documentation Required)
Includes:
Gender change after legal update
Title correction accompanied by name correction
Multi-passenger bookings with mismatched titles
These require:
Passport
Legal documentation (if applicable)
C. Major Correction (Flight Booking Name Change)
A prefix or gender correction becomes a flight booking name change when:
It must be paired with a spelling correction
The entire identity section must be updated
Passport was renewed with new gender
Legal name and gender changed together
In such cases, a full reissue is required.
8. How to Correct Wrong Gender/Prefix on Airline Tickets
Step 1: Contact the Airline or OTA
Use:
Customer support phone
Live chat
WhatsApp support
Travel agent (if booked via OTA)
Step 2: Explain the Exact Issue
Example:
“I selected the wrong title by mistake. Please update my prefix to match my passport.”
Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents
Usually:
Passport copy
For legal gender changes:
Government ID
Legal certificate
Step 4: Pay Correction Fees (If Applicable)
Minor fixes often free; major fixes may cost more.
Step 5: Receive Updated E-ticket
Always verify before check-in.
9. Fees for Gender/Prefix Corrections
Fees depend on airline and fare rules:
✔ Minor Corrections
Free – $30
✔ Major Corrections
$50 – $200
✔ OTA/Agent Fee
$10 – $40
International name-related corrections always cost more.
10. Gender & Title Errors in Group or Family Bookings
Group bookings often cause:
Mixed-up titles between family members
Wrong gender selected for children
Auto-fill errors due to multiple profiles
Airlines must split the PNR before making corrections.
A flight booking name change is required if other details need correction too.
11. Special Considerations for International Travel
Many countries have strict requirements:
✔ USA
TSA Secure Flight requires correct gender and name.
✔ UAE
Gender must match passport due to identity restrictions.
✔ UK
Title mismatch might cause questioning but usually allowed.
✔ Schengen Countries
Gender mismatch flagged during API submission.
For safety, correct errors before departure.
12. Special Considerations for Transgender or Non-Binary Travelers
Airlines increasingly support gender identity updates.
Travelers may require:
Passport with updated gender
Court-ordered name change
Updated national ID
Some airlines allow gender “X” or “Unspecified.”
A flight booking name change might be required if both name and gender changed.
13. When Airlines Might Reject Gender/Prefix Changes
Airlines may refuse correction if:
It appears to be a new passenger
The ticket is non-changeable
It’s too close to departure
You’ve already checked in
Name, gender, and DOB all differ
OTA refuses to process changes
In such cases, a new ticket may be required.
14. Tips to Avoid Gender/Prefix Mistakes
✔ Double-check gender before paying
✔ Do not rely on saved traveler profiles
✔ Turn off auto-fill
✔ Verify children’s titles carefully
✔ Update airline frequent flyer profile
✔ Follow passport as final reference
Most errors happen because passengers rush through the booking process.
15. Conclusion
Wrong gender or prefix selections are extremely common but easily fixable. Airlines generally allow quick corrections for these issues, as long as the passenger’s identity remains unchanged. When the correction involves both gender and legal name changes, it may require a full flight booking name change and ticket reissue.
By understanding airline rules, acting promptly, and ensuring all passenger details match official documents, travelers can avoid hassle at the airport and enjoy a smooth journey.