Who should pay for the mistake?

Your friend should offer to pay for the mistake but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. You have to make sure next time you are dealing with anyone about anything that you always check behind them or tell them to recheck to make sure. Some people will take responsibility for their mistakes but others just don't.

Also the other option would be not to trust anyone with anything important like that and just do it yourself such as buying tickets in this case.

Your friend should at least offer to reimburse your parents. In general, whenever you are writing names down (invitations, thank-you notes, plane tickets, reservations, etc) you have to make sure you know their full name and how to spell their name. If anything, he should have asked you ahead of time if you should go by Mike or Michael. It's just a common courtesy. Since he's the one who made the mistake, he should at least offer to pay.

I would definitely try to ask the airline company if they could correct the mistake. I would imagine it is a easy correction because Mike is short for Michael - it isn't like your ticket said James but your first name is Michael.

If you (or your parents) end up having to pay, I would mention that to your friend. If he's a good friend, maybe he'll pay for the ticket or treat you to dinner while your on Spring Break to make-up for the mistake.

I think if your parents pay, your friend should at least offer to reimburse them. It was his mistake. He should of payed attention to you when you told him to write your full name.

I wouldn't sweat it. You'll show your drivers license or passport and everyone knows it's just a nick name for Michael. If you're concerned, check with the airline.

Pay for what?

The airlines are not going to care if your ticket says Mike on it.

If they do tell them to get bent.

im unclear about the paying part, nobody should have to pay for anything, the ticket has been paid for so thats the end of it

why should u pay for it? the airline company must fix it for free. he did tell your surname correct, didn't he?