When booking a flight with United Airlines, it is important to ensure that the name on your reservation exactly matches the name on your government-issued ID or passport. Even a minor spelling error can lead to check-in delays or boarding issues. Understanding the United Airlines Name Change Policy can help you correct eligible mistakes before your departure.
United Airlines allows eligible name corrections for the same traveler, such as fixing spelling mistakes or updating a name after a legal name change. However, tickets cannot be transferred to another passenger, meaning you cannot replace the original traveler with someone else.
This guide explains United Airlines’ name correction rules, eligible changes, required documents, possible fees, and the steps to request a correction.
Can You Change the Name on a United Airlines Ticket?
United Airlines distinguishes between name corrections and name changes.
Name Corrections
Passengers may request corrections for:
- Minor spelling mistakes.
- Typographical errors.
- Missing or extra letters.
- Reversed first and last names.
- Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order.
These corrections are allowed only if they apply to the same passenger.
Name Changes
United Airlines does not allow passengers to transfer a ticket to another person. If someone else needs to travel, a new reservation must generally be purchased.
United Airlines Name Correction Rules
Before requesting a correction, keep these rules in mind:
- The passenger’s identity must remain the same.
- Tickets are non-transferable.
- Minor spelling corrections are generally permitted.
- Legal name changes require supporting documents.
- Requests should be made before departure.
- Partner airline itineraries may have additional restrictions.
Minor Name Corrections
United Airlines generally permits corrections involving:
- Misspelled first names.
- Misspelled last names.
- Missing letters.
- Extra letters.
- Reversed first and last names.
- Minor typographical errors.
These corrections help ensure the ticket matches the passenger’s government-issued identification.
Legal Name Changes
Passengers who have legally changed their name may request an update by providing supporting documentation.
Examples include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Court-ordered name changes
Supporting documents may include:
- Updated passport
- Government-issued photo ID
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order
United Airlines reviews each request individually before approving the correction.
United Airlines Name Change Fee
United Airlines does not publish a standard name correction fee for all bookings.
The total cost, if any, depends on factors such as:
- Fare type
- Route
- Ticket conditions
- Type of correction requested
Some eligible corrections may be completed without additional charges, while more complex bookings or partner airline itineraries may require ticket reissuance or other processing.
How to Request a United Airlines Name Correction
Step 1: Review Your Booking
Compare the passenger name on your reservation with your passport or government-issued ID.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
If applicable, prepare:
- Passport
- Government-issued ID
- Marriage certificate
- Court order
- Divorce decree
Step 3: Contact United Airlines
Reach out to United Airlines Reservations or the travel agency where the ticket was purchased.
Provide:
- Booking reference (PNR)
- Passenger name
- Ticket number
- Description of the correction
- Supporting documents, if required
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
United Airlines will review your request and notify you once the correction has been approved or if additional information is required.
Can You Transfer a United Airlines Ticket to Another Person?
No.United Airlines tickets are issued to a specific passenger and cannot be transferred to another traveler after booking. If another person needs to travel, a new ticket must be purchased.
Tips to Avoid Name Correction Issues
- Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Double-check all passenger information before payment.
- Review your booking confirmation immediately after purchase.
- Request corrections as soon as you notice an error.
- Keep copies of your booking confirmation and supporting documents.
Conclusion
The United Airlines Name Change Policy allows eligible passengers to request name corrections for spelling mistakes, typographical errors, and legal name changes while ensuring the traveler remains the same person. Complete ticket transfers to another individual are not permitted. To avoid travel disruptions, always verify that the name on your booking matches your passport or government-issued ID and request any necessary corrections as soon as possible before your scheduled departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can request an eligible name correction for the same passenger, but you cannot transfer your ticket to another person.
Yes. Minor spelling mistakes, typographical errors, and similar corrections are generally permitted if they relate to the original traveler.
United Airlines does not publish a fixed fee for every name correction request. Any applicable charges depend on the ticket and itinerary.
No. United Airlines tickets are non-transferable and cannot be reassigned to another passenger.
You may need an updated passport, government-issued ID, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to support the request.
You should contact United Airlines as soon as you discover the error to improve the chances of completing the correction before departure.
Yes. If your ticket was issued by a travel agency or online booking platform, you should usually contact the original booking provider to request the correction.