Booking a flight can be exciting, but a small mistake in your name can quickly cause stress, especially when airlines require your name on the ticket to match your passport or government-issued ID exactly. If you are flying with United Airlines and notice an error on your reservation, don’t panic. United Airlines offers multiple options to correct typo mistakes, updating legal names, and adjusting minor formatting mistakes. Moreover, we will explain you the United Airlines name change policy, factors affecting, fees, documentation requirements, and the exact steps to update your details quickly and correctly.
United Airlines allow you to correct or modify your names under specific conditions. The airline distinguishes between minor name corrections and legal name changes. The key rule is that the correction must reflect the same traveler’s identity.
However, United Airlines does not allow transferring a ticket to a different passenger, even if the original traveler cannot fly.
United Airlines permits several types of name changes to ensure compliance with TSA and international travel requirements. You can check some of the common corrections accepted by the airline.
These include small errors involving 1–3 letters in the first, middle, or last name. These corrections do not require a complete name change and are typically easy to process.
If your first and last names were entered in reverse order while booking, United Airlines allows you to correct the structure. This is a common issue for international passengers and online travel bookings.
United Airlines permits full legal name changes when the passenger’s identity has been updated due to:
Legal name changes require documentation to confirm your updated identity.
While you are MileagePlus members, you should ensure that your loyalty account name matches their legal ID. If your name has changed recently. However, it ensures consistency across all United bookings and avoids TSA issues.
Despite offering flexibility, United Airlines does not allow certain types of changes. Moreover, if a complete name replacement is requested, you must cancel the reservation and purchase a new ticket.
With the United Airlines name change policy, you get multiple channels to request corrections.
Note: Online name correction is not available for all reservations.
If online correction is not allowed or you have a more complex request, contact the airline directly. Thus, this method works best for legal name changes or significant spelling updates.
If you booked through:
Then your correction must be processed by the agent who issued the ticket. United Airline staff cannot modify third-party bookings without approval from the issuing agency.
The United Airlines name change fee is based on the type of correction, fare class, and destination. Moroever, you can call our agents to know the exact fee for your fare type.
Legal name corrections may involve:
| Name change type | Name change fee |
| Minor corrections | No fee |
| Major name changes | $25 to $200 |
United Airlines strongly recommends requesting name changes as soon as you notice the error. Waiting until the last minute may limit your correction options. Early correction helps:
While changing name on United Airlines, there are factors that you must consider.
Fare Class Limitations: Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable and non-transferable.
Last-Minute Rules: Changes are rarely approved within 24 hours of departure.
Denied Cases: Requests to transfer tickets to another person are automatically denied. Tickets marked as “fraud” or purchased through unauthorized third-party sites may be ineligible.
United Airlines does not allow full name changes that replace the traveler with someone else. You must cancel and rebook.
Minor corrections are often free. Legal name changes may cost a fee, depending on fare rules and reissue requirements.
While correcting spelling mistakes, like small typo corrections, United usually do not require documentation.
You can update your name if your booking is through travel agency, but you must request the correction through the same agency where you booked your ticket.
United Airlines permits adding or correcting middle names as long as the passenger’s identity remains consistent.
Name change policies are subject to change by United Airlines. The information provided is for guidance only. Always verify the latest policy directly with United Airlines or the Department of Transportation (DOT). CheapFlyFinder is not affiliated with United Airlines.
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