The Delta Name Change Policy explains how passengers can correct errors in the name displayed on a Delta Air Lines ticket when it does not exactly match the traveler’s government-issued ID or passport. Delta allows minor name corrections and legal name changes under clearly defined rules, while strictly prohibiting ticket transfers or passenger replacement.
This guide explains how to change or correct a name on a Delta ticket, the approved correction methods, documentation requirements, timelines, fees, and FAQs.
Under the Delta Airlines name change policy, name corrections are allowed only when:
The ticket is issued on 006 ticket stock
The ticket is unused
The itinerary, route, and flight numbers remain unchanged
The request follows Delta’s official name correction guidelines
Delta allows name corrections, not ticket ownership changes.
Delta permits minor name corrections for common booking errors, such as:
Spelling mistakes (up to 3 characters)
First name and last name reversed
Missing or extra middle name
Typographical errors or formatting issues
These corrections are usually processed without a name change fee.
Example: Ticket Name: JHON SMITH
Correct Name: JOHN SMITH
Treated as a minor correction and typically approved.
A legal name change is allowed when the passenger’s name has changed due to:
Marriage
Divorce
Court-ordered name change
Adoption
Passengers must submit valid documentation, such as:
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court order
Updated passport or government ID
A fare difference may apply if the ticket must be reissued.
Example: Old Name: EMILY CARTER
New Name (after marriage): EMILY CARTER JOHNSON
Legal documents required for approval.
Delta does not allow:
Changing the passenger to a different individual
Replacing both first and last name without legal proof
Selling, gifting, or transferring tickets
Example: Ticket Name: MICHAEL BROWN
Requested Name: DAVID BROWN
Denied (ticket transfer not permitted).
For eligible bookings, minor name corrections can be requested online.
Steps:
Access the booking with the confirmation number
Review passenger name details
Submit a name correction request (if available)
Best For:
Spelling mistakes
Reversed names
Missing middle names
Example:
“Sarahh Lee” corrected to “Sarah Lee” before check-in.
If the ticket was purchased through a travel agency or an online travel website, name correction should be done by the original booking source only.
Steps:
Contact the agency with booking details
Provide the correct name spelling
Submit documents if required
Best For:
a) Agency-issued tickets
b) Group or corporate bookings
Example:
Passengers booked through Expedia request spelling correction via the agency.
Legal name changes and international bookings often require manual review.
Steps:
Submit a request with legal documentation
Wait for verification approval
Ticket is updated or reissued if needed
Best For:
a) Marriage or divorce name changes
b) Passport-related corrections
c) International itineraries
Example:
Passenger updates surname after divorce with court order.
There are very few instances when minor changes may be handled at the airport, but it is not advisable.
Risk Factors:
Limited time before departure
Higher chance of denial
Possible rebooking or missed flight
Example:
Correcting a missing middle name on the day of departure.
Immediately after booking
At least 72 hours before departure
Before international check-in opens
Late requests increase the risk of:
Fare differences
Rebooking delays
Denied boarding
If the ticket name does not match ID:
Online check-in may fail
TSA or immigration may deny boarding
International travel may be refused
Correcting the name early prevents travel disruptions.
If the ticket name does not match ID:
Online check-in may fail
TSA or immigration may deny boarding
International travel may be refused
Correcting the name early prevents travel disruptions.
SkyMiles profile name should match ticket name
Name mismatch may prevent mileage credit
Legal name changes should be updated in both the SkyMiles profile and ticket
Waiting until check-in day
Using nicknames instead of legal names
Assuming middle names never matter internationally
Trying to transfer the ticket
Ignoring passport spelling
Misspelled name - Minor correction approved
Marriage name update - Documents required
Missing middle name - Usually acceptable domestically
Reversed names - Minor correction
Passport mismatch - Mandatory correction
Ticket transfer - Not permitted
Yes. Delta allows minor name corrections and legal name changes; however, ticket transfers to another passenger are not permitted.
Small mistakes in the spelling of the name (1–3 characters) can be fixed through Delta’s website (Manage My Booking) or by calling Delta customer support.
No. The Delta app does not allow full name changes. Minor corrections might be done through the website, but most changes require contacting customer support or the booking agency.
Minor corrections are typically free. Legal name changes or ticket reissues may incur a fare difference depending on the route and ticket type.
Passengers must provide official documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-issued name change, or updated passport/ID.
Yes, but your ticket name must exactly match your passport. Even small errors can lead to denied boarding.
You may encounter denied boarding, denied online check-in, or problems at TSA/security. Always make sure that the names are correct before the trip.
Yes. If your ticket was done through a travel agency or an OTA, usually they need to do the name correction for you.
Yes. For domestic flights, the middle name is generally optional if the first and last names on the ID match. For international travel, it is better to have the passport exactly.
No. Major name changes without legal documentation are not allowed by Delta. Passenger transfers are also not allowed.
The best time to do it is right after the booking or at least 72 hours before the flight in order to avoid being late, having to pay extra fees, or being refused boarding.
Minor changes can be done at the airport counter; however, it is not certain, so you should consider that as your last option.
Yes. Your SkyMiles account name must match your ticket. Any mismatch may prevent earning miles, so update both the ticket and your SkyMiles profile if needed.
Yes. Avoid:
Waiting until check-in day
Using nicknames instead of legal names
Assuming middle names don’t matter internationally
Trying to transfer tickets
Ignoring passport spelling
Note: In case you want to alter the name on your Delta ticket, call Delta Airlines at +1-866-438-9027(USA) or go to Manage My Booking and change your name there to make your trip go smoothly.
The Delta Name Change Policy is implemented to enable passengers to rectify a mistake of the person's name in a fair way, at the same time, it keeps the ticket secure. Delta Airlines generally allows small spelling mistakes and legal name changes if applied for early and verified with original documents. Nevertheless, in any situation, Delta does not give permission for the replacement of passengers or transfers of tickets.
It is important for passengers to make sure the name on their Delta ticket matches exactly with their government-issued ID to avoid problems during check-in and boarding which gives unnecessary stress. Therefore, complete awareness of the right methods to follow while requesting a Delta name correction, helps passengers in having an effortless and burden-free experience of travel.