Everything that you need to know to about United Airlines Change Name on Ticket
When booking air travel, even a minor spelling error on your ticket can create problems at check-in or security. United Airlines requires that the name on your flight ticket exactly matches your government-issued ID or passport. If you notice a mistake, don’t panic — United Airlines allows name corrections in certain cases. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the United Airlines name change policy, procedures, fees, and everything else you need to ensure a smooth travel experience.
United Airlines strictly prohibits the transfer of tickets from one person to another. However, they do allow name corrections when the ticketed passenger is the same person and the change is only to fix an error, typo, or legal update. The goal of the policy is to maintain accurate passenger identification while following TSA security regulations.
There are two primary types of name corrections recognized by United Airlines:
Minor Name Corrections – Fixing small typographical errors or incorrect letter sequences.
Major Name Changes – Updating the name due to legal reasons such as marriage, divorce, or adoption.
United Airlines allows minor spelling corrections without reissuing the ticket. These are typically simple edits, such as:
Fixing up to three incorrect letters in the first or last name.
Correcting reversed first and last names.
Adding or removing a middle name or initial.
Adding or removing prefixes or suffixes (Mr., Ms., Jr., Sr., etc.).
Adjusting punctuation errors or missing spaces.
In these cases, the ticket number remains the same, and the correction is usually processed quickly by United’s customer service or the issuing travel agency.
If your name has changed legally — for example, after a marriage, divorce, or court order — United Airlines will reissue your ticket with the correct information.
In this situation, you’ll need to provide supporting documents that prove your legal name change, such as:
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court order for name change
Updated government-issued ID or passport
Major name changes are handled more carefully and may involve a reissue fee or fare difference depending on the circumstances.
Depending on where and how you booked your ticket, there are several methods to correct your name on a United Airlines reservation.
The easiest and most reliable way to change your name on a United Airlines ticket is by calling their reservations team.
Steps to follow:
Contact United Airlines customer support at the official toll-free number.
Provide your confirmation number and correct name spelling.
Explain whether it’s a minor correction or a legal name change.
Submit supporting documents (if applicable).
Confirm the updated booking and receive your corrected itinerary via email.
Pro Tip: Always double-check the corrected details immediately after receiving your updated ticket to ensure there are no further mistakes.
For eligible bookings, you can attempt minor name corrections online:
Visit www.united.com and navigate to the My Trips section.
Log in using your confirmation number and last name.
If eligible, select Edit Passenger Information or Correct Name.
Make the necessary corrections and save your changes.
Confirm the updated ticket details.
If the website doesn’t allow the correction, it will prompt you to contact United customer service for manual assistance.
If you booked your flight via an online travel agency (OTA) or a third-party platform (e.g., Expedia, Kayak, or Priceline), you must reach out to that agency directly. They will coordinate with United Airlines to process your name correction. Note that additional service fees may apply from the agency side.
United Airlines’ name correction fees depend on the type of correction and ticket conditions.
Minor corrections: Usually free or up to $25 for administrative handling.
Major corrections (requiring reissue): Range between $100–$200, depending on fare type and route.
Agency bookings: Additional third-party service fees may apply.
If there is a fare difference between your original and reissued ticket, you’ll be required to pay the difference as well.
United Airlines recommends that passengers request a name correction immediately after discovering the error.
For domestic flights, submit the correction at least 24 hours before departure.
For international flights, initiate the process 48–72 hours before departure to allow time for documentation review and ticket reissue.
If you are a MileagePlus member, ensure that your frequent flyer profile name matches your government ID. If not, you may face issues earning or using miles. To update your name:
Log in to your MileagePlus account.
Navigate to Profile & Preferences → Edit Personal Information.
Update your name details and upload supporting documents if necessary.
For group travel reservations, name corrections can be made through the group booking department. Ensure all passenger names match their identification before ticketing to avoid group delays.
For infants or children, minor spelling corrections can typically be made without extra cost. However, for major changes, documentation like a birth certificate may be required.
If your booking includes codeshare flights operated by partner airlines (such as Lufthansa, Swiss, or Air Canada), United Airlines can only correct the segments operated by United. For partner-operated flights:
Contact the partner airline directly for assistance.
Provide them with the updated United ticket information once corrected.
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport or ID.
Double-check spelling before finalizing your purchase.
Avoid using nicknames, initials, or shortened names.
Review the booking confirmation email immediately.
Correct any mistakes within 24 hours of booking to avoid fees.
If you need immediate help with your United Airlines name correction, reach out to the official customer service for fast assistance.
United Airlines Toll-Free Helpline: 1-888-618-1672
Customer service agents are available 24/7 to help you update or correct your ticket details before travel
A small error in your name shouldn’t derail your travel plans. United Airlines offers flexible options for correcting name mistakes — whether it’s a typo or a legal name change. The key is to act quickly, provide valid documentation, and verify all details before departure.
With the right steps, you can easily fix your ticket name and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free journey with United Airlines.
No, United Airlines tickets are non-transferable. Only spelling errors or legal name changes are permitted.
Fees vary between $0–$200, depending on the type of correction and fare rules.
Yes, minor typos can often be corrected online under the Manage My Trips section on United’s website.
You’ll need to provide official documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Minor corrections are instant or take a few hours. Legal name changes may take 24–48 hours.
Only for United-operated segments. For partner-operated flights, you must contact the operating carrier.
You may be denied boarding. Always ensure your ticket and ID names match exactly.
Yes, minor spelling mistakes can be corrected easily, but major corrections require documentation.
You can reach United Airlines customer service at 1-888-618-1672 for immediate assistance.