Fix spelling errors or request a legal name change on United Airlines tickets. Learn rules, documents, fees & steps before you fly
Name Change & Name Correction Policy – United Airlines
United Airlines permits the correction of a customer‘s name in the case of minor misspellings and legally updated names if certain criteria are met. This includes: – You must still be the same person. – All name definitions must match government-issued photo identification.
What Is Allowed
Up to 1 to 2 letters of spelling correction.
Switching first and last names.
Changing your name due to marriage, divorce or court order.
What Is Not Allowed
Transferring a ticket from one individual to another.
Changing your name solely, and for no other reason, because you want it that way
Making changes to your name after checking in/on your boarding pass is issued (in most cases).
Step-by-Step Name Change Process:How to Change Your Name in Steps
Get in touch with United Airlines or a registered agent to book
You’ll need to give the booking reference, along with appropriate documentation
If necessary, you need to pay any fees or differences in fare.
After you’ve done all that, you’ll receive confirmation of your revised ticket with new details.
Necessary Documents
- A valid passport, or a valid photo identification issued by the government.
- A valid copy of your marriage license (if married)
- A valid copy of your divorce decree (if divorced)
- A name change order issued by the court
Fees & Charges
- Minor changes to names could be either low cost/ or no charge.
- The change of an individual’s name resulting from a change in legal status, as in marriages or divorces, could result in a service charge.
- If your new ticket is issued, you may have to pay fare difference.
- Different fare types/routes/ticket condition are the determinants of fee amounts.
Booking Type Considerations
United-issued tickets (016 stock): Most flexible
Codeshare flights: Subject to partner airline rules
MileagePlus award tickets: May require redeposit/reissue
FAQ’s
Is a full name change allowed?
Only for legal reasons with valid documentation. Ticket transfers are not allowed.
Can I request a name change online?
Minor corrections may be handled online. Legal name changes usually require customer support assistance.
Are name changes allowed on international flights?
Yes, but requests should be submitted well in advance to match passport details.
Is there a fee for name correction?
Some corrections are free; others may include service charges depending on the fare type.
2. What types of name corrections are allowed?
United Airlines typically allows:
Spelling or typographical corrections
Reversing first and last names
Adding or removing a middle name
Correcting a nickname to match government ID
Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order
Are full ticket transfers to another person allowed?
No. United Airlines does not allow full ticket transfers to a different person. The original traveler must remain the same, even when name corrections are approved.
4. How do I request a name correction on my booking?
You can request a name correction by:
Contacting United Airlines customer support
Using the “Manage Reservation” or “My Trips” feature on the official website (for eligible minor corrections)
What documents are required for a legal name change?
For legal name updates, United Airlines may require:
A government-issued photo ID
Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
Updated passport (for international travel)
6. Is there a fee for changing a name on a United Airlines ticket?
Fees vary depending on:
Type of ticket purchased
Nature of the name change
Fare rules and timing
Minor spelling corrections are often free, while legal name changes may involve fees or fare differences.
7. Can I fix a misspelled name after booking?
Yes. Simple spelling mistakes (such as one or two incorrect letters) are commonly corrected without issue, as long as the corrected name matches your identification.
What happens if my ticket name doesn’t match my ID?
Your ticket name must match your government-issued ID to avoid problems at check-in or boarding. If there is a mismatch, it’s important to correct it as soon as possible before your travel date.
Can I change my name after check-in?
Name changes are generally easier before check-in. Once check-in is completed, options may be limited and additional restrictions could apply.
How long does the name correction process take?
Minor corrections are often processed quickly. Legal name changes may take longer, depending on document verification and ticket conditions.
Does United Airlines allow name corrections on international flights?
Yes, but international flights are stricter. The name on your ticket must exactly match your passport, so corrections should be completed well in advance of departure.
What should I do if I notice a name error immediately after booking?
Review your booking confirmation right away. If you spot an error, request a correction as soon as possible—early corrections are usually simpler and less costly.
Name Correction vs Name Change – Comparison Table
| Feature | Name Correction | Name Change |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Typo / spelling error | Legal name update |
| Documentation | Not usually required | Mandatory |
| Fee | Often free or low | May apply |
| Ticket Transfer | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Processing Time | Fast | May take longer |
Legal Disclaimer
Name change requests are subject to United Airlines’ fare rules, ticket conditions, and final approval. Policies may vary by route and ticket type.
