Booking a flight and spotting a spelling error in your name can be stressful. Even a small typo can create problems at TSA security or during international boarding. If you’re searching for how to fix a name mistake on a United Airlines ticket, this detailed 2026 guide explains the rules, fees, eligibility, documentation, and the fastest ways to correct your reservation.
📞 Need immediate assistance? Call 1-800-864-8331 or OTA 1-866-585-8270 for United name correction.
United Airlines requires that the passenger’s name on the ticket exactly matches the government-issued ID or passport used for travel. Even one incorrect letter may result in:
TSA security issues
Boarding denial
Immigration delays (for international travel)
Ticket reissuance fees
Missed flights
Correcting the issue as early as possible helps avoid stress and additional costs.
United Airlines does not allow full ticket transfers to another person. However, the airline does allow name corrections under certain conditions.
United generally permits:
Minor spelling corrections (1–3 characters)
Typographical errors
Reversed first and last names
Middle name additions or corrections
Legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court order)
Changing the passenger to a completely different person
Selling or transferring the ticket
Replacing one traveler with another
If you’re unsure whether your change qualifies, call 1-800-864-8331 or OTA 1-866-585-8270 for clarification.
Examples include:
Misspelled first or last name
Extra or missing letter
Reversed name order
These are usually the easiest to correct and may not require ticket cancellation.
If your name changed due to:
Marriage
Divorce
Court order
You may need to submit documentation such as:
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Legal court order
Updated passport or ID
Processing time may vary depending on verification.
For international routes, the ticket must match your passport exactly — including spelling and spacing. Even minor discrepancies can cause issues at immigration checkpoints.
📞 If your passport and ticket don’t match, call 1-800-864-8331 or OTA 1-866-585-8270 immediately.
Visit United Airlines’ official website.
Click on “My Trips.”
Enter your confirmation number and last name.
Review your booking details.
If eligible, submit a correction request online.
This method works best for small spelling errors.
For complex corrections or urgent travel, phone support is often the fastest option.
📞 1-800-864-8331 or OTA 1-866-585-8270
Be prepared with:
Booking confirmation number
Incorrect and correct name spelling
Legal documentation (if required)
If your flight is soon, you can visit the United ticket counter with:
Government-issued ID
Booking confirmation
Supporting documents
Keep in mind that last-minute changes may involve additional charges.
The cost of correcting a name mistake depends on:
Fare type (Basic Economy, Economy, Business, First)
Domestic vs. international flight
Timing of request
Ticket flexibility
Minor corrections may be free, especially within the 24-hour booking window. Larger changes may require ticket reissuance and fare differences.
📞 For an exact cost estimate, call 1-800-864-8331 or OTA 1-866-585-8270.
United Airlines offers a 24-hour flexible booking policy:
Full refund if canceled within 24 hours
Applies if booked at least 7 days before departure
If you notice the name mistake right after booking, act quickly to avoid fees.
Double-check spelling before confirming payment
Use your full legal name as shown on your passport
Avoid nicknames or abbreviations
Review confirmation email immediately
Fix errors before check-in
Taking preventive steps saves time and money.
A name mistake on your airline ticket may seem small, but it can create major travel complications if not corrected promptly. Understanding how to fix a name mistake on a United Airlines ticket ensures you travel confidently without delays or unexpected costs.
✔ Review your reservation now
✔ Ensure your name matches your ID exactly
✔ Take action early to avoid fees
📞 Call 1-800-864-8331 or OTA 1-866-585-8270 today to correct your United Airlines ticket and travel stress-free.
Don’t wait until airport check-in — fix your ticket name now and enjoy a smooth journey with United Airlines. ✈️
Can I change the name on my United Airlines ticket to another person?
United Airlines does not allow tickets to be transferred to a completely different traveler. Only corrections to the original passenger’s name are permitted under the airline’s official name correction policy. The updated name must match the identity of the same traveler on the reservation.
What types of name corrections are allowed by United Airlines?
United typically allows minor spelling corrections, typo fixes, or legal name updates due to marriage, divorce, or court order. The correction must reflect the same passenger and not a replacement traveler. Supporting documents may be required for legal name updates.
Is there a fee for correcting a name mistake on a United ticket?
Fees depend on the fare type, travel route, and timing of the correction request. Minor spelling errors may be adjusted without a charge, while more significant changes could require ticket reissuance and possible fare differences. Reviewing fare rules before requesting a change is recommended.
Can I correct my name online through the United website?
Some minor spelling corrections may be completed through the “My Trips” section if the booking qualifies for self-service changes. However, legal name changes and more complex corrections generally require assistance from customer support. Eligibility depends on ticket conditions.
What documents are needed for a legal name change on a United ticket?
If your name has changed legally, you may need to provide official documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-issued order. An updated government-issued identification may also be required to verify the correction. Documentation helps ensure travel compliance.
What happens if my ticket name does not match my passport?
For international travel, the name on your airline ticket must exactly match your passport, including spelling and formatting. Any mismatch can lead to boarding denial or delays during security and immigration checks. It is important to correct discrepancies before departure.
Are Basic Economy tickets eligible for name corrections?
Basic Economy fares follow stricter change policies compared to standard tickets. While full passenger changes are not permitted, minor spelling corrections may still be allowed if they meet policy guidelines. Restrictions vary depending on fare rules and booking details.
Can I fix a name error after checking in for my flight?
It is strongly recommended to correct name errors before completing check-in to avoid airport complications. After check-in, changes may require in-person assistance at the airport and could involve additional review. Early correction helps prevent travel disruptions.
How long does it take to process a United Airlines name correction?
Processing time depends on the type of correction and whether supporting documents are required. Minor spelling adjustments are often handled quickly, while legal name updates may take longer due to verification procedures. Submitting requests well before departure is advisable.
Does United have a risk-free booking window for corrections?
United offers a risk-free booking period that allows eligible reservations to be modified or canceled shortly after purchase without penalty. This option depends on booking timing and fare conditions. Checking eligibility promptly ensures smoother changes if needed. ✈️