📞+1／844／213／7319 Name errors on airline tickets can cause significant travel problems. 📞+1／844／213／7319 One of the most common questions is "Can you actually change a name on United ticket?" 📞+1／844／213／7319 The short answer is yes, but with important limitations. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Understanding what changes are allowed will help you handle name issues correctly.📞+1／844／213／7319
The Difference Between Correction and Transfer
📞+1／844／213／7319 United distinguishes between name correction and name transfer. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Name correction fixes errors in the same passenger's legal name. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Name transfer means giving the ticket to a completely different person. 📞+1／844／213／7319 United allows corrections but prohibits transfers—all tickets are non-transferable.📞+1／844／213／7319
Types of Name Changes United Allows
📞+1／844／213／7319 United permits these specific types of name corrections:
Fixing spelling mistakes of up to 3 letters📞+1／844／213／7319
Correcting reversed first and last names📞+1／844／213／7319
Adding or removing middle names or initials📞+1／844／213／7319
Updating names after marriage or divorce📞+1／844／213／7319
Fixing typos made during the booking process📞+1／844／213／7319
Correcting suffixes like Jr., Sr., or III📞+1／844／213／7319
📞+1／844／213／7319 All corrections must be for the same passenger who originally booked the ticket.📞+1／844／213／7319
What Name Changes Are Not Allowed
📞+1／844／213／7319 United will not approve these types of changes:
Transferring the ticket to another person📞+1／844／213／7319
Complete name changes to a different individual📞+1／844／213／7319
Selling or giving your ticket to someone else📞+1／844／213／7319
Major name changes beyond minor corrections📞+1／844／213／7319
📞+1／844／213／7319 Attempting these changes will result in denial and may require purchasing a new ticket.📞+1／844／213／7319
Cost of Name Changes on United
📞+1／844／213／7319 Name correction fees vary based on several factors. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Simple spelling errors caught early may be corrected free of charge. 📞+1／844／213／7319 More complex corrections can cost between $75 and $200. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Last-minute changes close to departure date typically cost more.📞+1／844／213／7319
📞+1／844／213／7319 The fare type also affects the fee—Basic Economy tickets may have stricter rules. 📞+1／844／213／7319 International tickets might have different fee structures than domestic flights.📞+1／844／213／7319
How to Request a Name Change
📞+1／844／213／7319 Follow these steps to correct your name on a United ticket:
Contact United customer service as soon as you notice the error📞+1／844／213／7319
Have your confirmation number ready📞+1／844／213／7319
Clearly explain what needs to be corrected📞+1／844／213／7319
Provide a copy of your valid government ID or passport📞+1／844／213／7319
Submit any additional documents like marriage certificates if needed📞+1／844／213／7319
Pay the applicable correction fee📞+1／844／213／7319
Receive updated ticket confirmation via email📞+1／844／213／7319
Verify the corrected name matches your ID exactly📞+1／844／213／7319
Documentation Required for Name Changes
📞+1／844／213／7319 United requires proper documentation to process name corrections. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Always provide a clear photo or scan of your government-issued ID. 📞+1／844／213／7319 For legal name changes, submit marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Ensure all documents are current, valid, and show the corrected name clearly.📞+1／844／213／7319
Time Limits for Name Corrections
📞+1／844／213／7319 Act immediately when you discover a name error on your ticket. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Corrections become more difficult and expensive closer to your departure date. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Some name changes cannot be processed after online check-in begins. 📞+1／844／213／7319 The earlier you request the correction, the better your chances of smooth processing.📞+1／844／213／7319
Special Cases: Legal Name Changes
📞+1／844／213／7319 If you legally changed your name after booking, United will update your ticket. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Common reasons include marriage, divorce, adoption, or court-ordered name changes. 📞+1／844／213／7319 You must provide official legal documents proving the name change. 📞+1／844／213／7319 United may waive or reduce fees for legitimate legal name changes with proper documentation.📞+1／844／213／7319
Name Changes for International Travel
📞+1／844／213／7319 International flights require extra attention to name accuracy. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Your ticket name must exactly match your passport, including all middle names. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Immigration and customs will deny boarding for name mismatches. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Request corrections well before international departure to allow processing time.📞+1／844／213／7319
What If You Booked Through a Third Party?
📞+1／844／213／7319 Tickets purchased through travel agencies or online booking sites require different handling. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Contact the original booking agent first to request name corrections. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Third-party bookings may have additional restrictions or fees. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Some online travel agencies handle name changes differently than United directly.📞+1／844／213／7319
Preventing Name Errors When Booking
📞+1／844／213／7319 Avoid name mistakes with these simple precautions:
Keep your ID or passport in front of you while booking📞+1／844／213／7319
Type slowly and carefully when entering passenger names📞+1／844／213／7319
Use your full legal name exactly as shown on your ID📞+1／844／213／7319
Avoid using nicknames, shortened versions, or preferred names📞+1／844／213／7319
Double-check all spelling before clicking purchase📞+1／844／213／7319
Review the confirmation email immediately after booking📞+1／844／213／7319
Name Errors at the Airport
📞+1／844／213／7319 If you discover a name error at the airport, go to the United ticket counter immediately. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Airport agents may be able to make minor corrections on the spot. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Bring your government ID and explain the situation calmly. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Be prepared for potential fees or the need to purchase a new ticket for major errors.📞+1／844／213／7319
MileagePlus Members and Name Changes
📞+1／844／213／7319 United MileagePlus members should ensure their account name matches their ID. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Update your MileagePlus profile if you change your legal name. 📞+1／844／213／7319 This prevents future booking errors when using saved passenger information. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Medallion status members may receive priority assistance with name corrections.📞+1／844／213／7319
Final Thoughts
📞+1／844／213／7319 Yes, you can change names on United tickets, but only for legitimate corrections to the same passenger's name. 📞+1／844／213／7319 The key is acting quickly, providing proper documentation, and understanding the difference between corrections and transfers. 📞+1／844／213／7319 Always verify your ticket information immediately after booking to catch and fix errors early.