Delta Airlines Change Name on Ticket: Step-by-Step Policy Guide

A name on a ticket looks harmless until it’s wrong. One missing letter, one flipped surname, and suddenly the journey feels shaky. If you’re trying to change name with Delta Airlines, you’re not alone. This is one of those quiet travel problems that shows up late and demands attention fast.

Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide to the Delta Airlines name change process, explained step by step, with policy rules laid bare no fog, no filler.

Understanding Delta Airlines Name Change Policy

Before anything else, let’s be blunt.

Delta allows name corrections, not passenger swaps. The ticket belongs to one person, and that doesn’t change. The goal of the policy is simple: your ticket name must match your government ID.

Under the Delta Airlines flight change policy, name updates are treated separately from flight changes. You can fix the name without altering dates, routes, or destinations if you follow the rules.

Allowed under Delta Airlines name change policy:

• Minor spelling mistakes

• Typing errors in first or last name

• Adding or removing a middle name or initial

• Correcting name order (first/last reversed)

Not allowed:

• Transferring the ticket to another person

• Replacing your name with a completely different traveler

Same passenger. Clean correction. That’s the line Delta doesn’t cross.

Change Name with Delta Airlines: Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how to fix it without turning it into a bigger mess.

Step 1: Check the error immediately
Compare your ticket with your passport or ID. Even small mismatches matter.

Step 2: Decide how big the correction is
Minor typo? You may be able to handle it online.
Anything more than that? Prepare to contact Delta directly.

Step 3: Try “My Trips” for small corrections

• Visit Delta’s official website

• Open My Trips

• Enter your confirmation number and last name

• Look for a name correction option

This works only for limited cases.

Step 4: Contact Delta Customer Support
For most name issues, calling Delta is the safest route. Keep these ready:

• Booking reference

• Ticket number

• Correct full name

• Legal documents if applicable

Step 5: Pay any applicable fee
Some corrections are free. Others may involve a fee or ticket reissue, depending on timing and fare type.

Step 6: Reconfirm your updated ticket
Always double-check the corrected name before travel.

Are There Fees for Delta Airlines Name Change?

It depends on timing and complexity.

• Within 24 hours of booking:
  Most name corrections are free.
  
  

• After 24 hours:
  
  

  • Minor corrections: Often free or low cost

  • Larger corrections or legal name changes: Fees may apply

  • If a new ticket is issued, fare difference may also apply

The closer you are to departure, the less flexible things become.

How Name Change Differs from Delta Airlines Flight Change Policy

This part matters.

A name change:

• Does not alter flight date, route, or destination

• Focuses only on correcting passenger identity

A flight change:

• Involves changing dates, times, or routes

• May trigger fare differences and change fees

Mixing the two usually complicates things so keep them separate if possible.

Tips to Avoid Name Problems Later

• Always enter your name exactly as shown on your ID

• Avoid nicknames or shortened versions

• Check details immediately after booking

• Fix errors early Delta is far more flexible then

Airports are unforgiving places for name mistakes.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Airlines name change process isn’t designed to scare you it’s designed to protect identity and security. As long as you’re correcting an error and not changing the traveler, Delta usually cooperates.

So if you need to change name with Delta Airlines, act early, follow the steps, and keep your documents ready. Letters can be fixed. Journeys can continue. And once the name is right, the rest of the trip breathes easier.