In regards to a wrong or misspelled name on any ticket, there is never a definite answer as to what can be done. Different airlines have different policies, a travel agent as your advocate can sometimes get an exception made, or it might be the person that you are talking to which makes all the difference.
When booking a ticket, it is vital you look over the booking and ticket several times. Within 24 hours of ticket issuance, you will almost never have an issue getting the name changed. If you are booking through a travel agent, look over the booking before the ticket is issued, and look at it again after the ticket is issued as well. The sooner a mistake is noticed, the easier time you will have in getting the situation rectified.
If you do notice that the name on the ticket is misspelled, the first thing to do is update the Secure Flight Information (NAME, DOB, PASSPORT NUMBER) right away. That can be done at any time. If your name is spelled correctly in that field and security checks clear, it is highly unlikely you will be denied boarding. Call the airline as well and have your name documented in your record and ask for the name to be changed to the correct spelling. Some airlines allow the call takers to do it themselves, some need to call their help desk for assistance, and with some airlines and/or situations the passenger needs to show up at the airport with additional documentation, such as a birth certificate. Be calm, thorough, and don't get nervous. The vast majority of these situations are resolved positively.
There is never one answer to this kind of situation.
Safe Travels!
