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Changing the Name on Your United Flight Reservation – A Step-by-Step Guide

January 27, 2024

By Charlotte Williams

If you have made a reservation with United Airlines and need to change the name on your ticket, don’t worry – the process is easier than you might think. Whether it’s a simple spelling mistake or a legal name change, United Airlines allows passengers to make name corrections quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Check United Airlines’ Name Change Policy

Before you proceed with changing the name on your United flight reservation, it is important to review the airline’s name change policy. Different airlines have different rules and fees associated with name corrections, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with United Airlines’ specific guidelines.

Step 2: Contact United Airlines Customer Service

Once you have familiarized yourself with United Airlines’ name change policy, the next step is to contact their customer service. You can easily find their contact information on their website or through your reservation confirmation. Reach out to their customer service team and explain your situation. They will guide you through the necessary steps and provide you with the options available for changing the name on your reservation.

Step 3: Provide Necessary Documentation

Depending on the reason for the name change, United Airlines may require you to provide supporting documentation. This could include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a government-issued identification card. Make sure to have the necessary documents ready to expedite the name change process.

Step 4: Pay Any Applicable Fees

In some cases, United Airlines may charge a fee for name changes on flight reservations. The customer service representative will inform you of any applicable fees during your conversation. Be prepared to pay these fees if required.

Step 5: Confirm and Receive Updated Reservation

Once the name change request has been processed and approved, United Airlines will provide you with an updated reservation confirmation reflecting the correct name. Make sure to carefully review the new reservation details to ensure all the information is accurate.

By following these steps, you can easily change the name on your United Airlines flight reservation. Remember to review the airline’s name change policy, contact customer service, provide any necessary documentation, pay any fees if applicable, and confirm the updated reservation details.

Understanding United Flight Reservations

When it comes to booking flights with United Airlines, having a solid understanding of the reservation process is essential. Knowing the ins and outs of how to make a reservation, what options are available to you, and how to manage your booking can save you time, money, and unnecessary complications.

First and foremost, making a reservation with United is a straightforward process. You have several options available to you, including booking through the airline’s website, calling their reservations line, or using a third-party travel website. Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to have all the necessary information, such as your travel dates, destination, and personal details, at hand.

Once you’ve made a reservation, it’s crucial to review the details carefully. Double-checking your flight dates, times, and destinations can help prevent any mistakes or surprises later on. Additionally, take note of the fare class and any restrictions associated with your ticket, as this can impact your ability to make changes or cancellations.

If you need to make any changes to your United flight reservation, such as updating your name, date, or destination, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies and procedures. United typically allows passengers to make changes to their reservations, but fees and restrictions may apply depending on the fare class and ticket type. It’s recommended to contact United directly or visit their website for specific guidelines and information.

When managing your United flight reservation, it’s advisable to stay organized and keep all documentation in a safe place. This includes your reservation confirmation number, e-ticket receipt, and any corresponding emails or receipts. These documents can be useful in case of any issues or discrepancies that may arise before, during, or after your flight.

In conclusion, understanding United flight reservations is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. From making a reservation to managing your booking, being familiar with United’s policies, and staying organized can help you make the most out of your journey.

Reasons to Change Name on United Flight Reservation

There are several reasons why you might need to change the name on your United flight reservation. Whether it’s a simple spelling mistake, a change in marital status, or a legal name change, United Airlines understands that these situations can arise and offers options to rectify them.

1. Spelling Error: It’s not uncommon to make a small mistake when entering your name during the flight reservation process. It could be as simple as a misspelled letter or a typographical error. However, even a small mistake can cause issues when it comes to security checks and identification verification at airports. Changing the name on your reservation ensures that your identification matches the information provided, helping to avoid unnecessary complications during your travel.

2. Marriage/Divorce: In the case of a change in marital status, it’s important to update your name on your flight reservation to avoid any confusion. If you recently got married and changed your last name, it’s crucial to ensure that your reservation reflects your new name. Similarly, if you recently got divorced and reverted to your maiden name or changed your last name, updating your reservation will prevent any discrepancies.

3. Legal Name Change: If you legally changed your name due to personal reasons or court order, it’s necessary to update your name on your flight reservation. Providing the correct name on your reservation will eliminate any potential issues during check-in, security checks, and boarding processes.

4. Privacy Concerns: If you have privacy concerns or prefer to use a different name for personal reasons, you may want to change the name on your flight reservation. United Airlines allows passengers to change their names to protect their privacy or maintain anonymity. However, it’s important to note that proper identification will still be required at airports to ensure the security and safety of all passengers.

5. Business or Professional Purposes: For business or professional purposes, you may need to change the name on your United flight reservation. This could be due to corporate policies, client requirements, or visa application requirements. Ensuring that the name on your reservation matches your official identification documents is essential in these situations.

Whatever the reason may be, United Airlines provides a user-friendly process for changing the name on your flight reservation. It’s important to remember that name changes may be subject to certain fees or restrictions, so it’s advisable to check United’s name change policy or contact their customer service for specific details.

Steps to Change Name on United Flight Reservation

Changing the name on your United flight reservation is a straightforward process that can be done online. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth and hassle-free name change:

1. Visit the United Airlines website

Go to the official United Airlines website and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, create one by providing your personal information.

2. Access your reservation

Once you are logged in, navigate to the “Manage reservations” section of the website. Enter your booking reference number and last name to access your reservation.

3. Select the flight for name change

Locate the flight for which you would like to change the name and select it. Make sure to double-check the flight details to ensure you are making changes to the correct reservation.

4. Click on the “Edit passenger details” option

Look for the option to edit passenger details, usually located next to the passenger’s name. Click on it to proceed with the name change.

5. Enter the new passenger information

Provide the correct and updated passenger information in the designated fields. Make sure to enter the new name exactly as it appears on the passenger’s identification documents.

6. Review and confirm the changes

Before finalizing the name change, carefully review the updated passenger details and make any necessary adjustments. Once you are satisfied with the changes, confirm them and proceed to the next step.

7. Pay for any applicable fees

United Airlines may charge a fee for name changes, depending on the fare type and other factors. Make sure to review the fees associated with the name change and provide the necessary payment information to complete the process.

8. Save the updated reservation

After completing the name change and making the payment, save the updated reservation. United Airlines will send you a confirmation email with the revised details. Make sure to keep this email for future reference.

By following these steps, you can easily change the name on your United flight reservation. If you encounter any difficulties or have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact United Airlines customer support for assistance.

United’s Name Change Policy

United Airlines understands that sometimes passengers may need to change the name on their flight reservation. If you need to make a name change, it is important to be aware of United’s name change policy to ensure a smooth process.

1. Name Change Eligibility:

United allows name changes in certain circumstances, including misspelled names, legal name changes, and correcting gender markers. However, name changes for the purpose of transferring tickets to someone else are generally not permitted.

2. Time Limits:

If you need to change the name on your United flight reservation, it is recommended to do so as soon as possible. United typically requires name change requests to be made no later than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time.

3. Process:

To request a name change on your United flight reservation, you will need to contact United Airlines directly. You may reach out to their customer service via phone, email, or through their website. Provide them with your booking details and explain the reason for the name change.

4. Required Documentation:

Depending on the reason for the name change, United may require you to provide documentation to support your request. For example, if the name change is due to a legal name change, you may need to provide a copy of your legal documents.

United Airlines charges a fee for name changes on flight reservations. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the specific circumstances. It is advisable to check the United website or contact their customer service to find out the current fee for name changes.

6. Exceptions:

In some cases, United Airlines may waive the name change fee if there are extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the family or a serious illness. It is recommended to contact United directly and explain your situation to see if an exception can be made.

Remember, it is essential to confirm all the details regarding United’s name change policy directly with the airline as policies may be subject to change.

Necessary Documents for Name Change on United Flight Reservation

When it comes to changing your name on a United flight reservation, it is important to have the necessary documents readily available to ensure a seamless process. The following documents are typically required for a name change:

1. Government-issued identification: You will need to provide a valid government-issued ID such as a passport or driver’s license. Make sure the name on your ID matches the name you want to change it to on the reservation.

2. Proof of name change: If you have legally changed your name, you will need to provide documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This will verify the legitimacy of your name change request.

3. United reservation details: It is important to have your United flight reservation details readily available, including your confirmation number, flight dates, and flight numbers. This will help the United representative locate your reservation efficiently.

4. Contact information: Ensure that you have your current contact information, including your phone number and email address, easily accessible. This will allow United to reach out to you regarding any updates or concerns regarding your name change.

5. Payment method: United may charge a fee for a name change on your flight reservation. Make sure you have a valid payment method, such as a credit card, to cover any applicable fees.

6. Additional requirements: Keep in mind that additional requirements or documentation may be requested by United based on the specific circumstances of your name change. It is always wise to contact United or check their website for any additional information or requirements.

By having these necessary documents prepared and readily available, you can ensure a smooth name change process on your United flight reservation. Remember to double-check all documents for accuracy and contact United directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Avoiding Name Change Fees on United Flight Reservations

When it comes to changing the name on your United flight reservation, it’s essential to avoid incurring any additional fees. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

• Double-check your information before booking: To ensure that you enter the correct name at the time of booking, carefully review all details before finalizing your reservation. This simple step can save you from having to pay any name change fees later on.
• Contact United customer service immediately: If you notice an error in your name after booking, reach out to United customer service as soon as possible. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances of having the name change fee waived or minimized.
• Explain the reason for the name change: If you have a legitimate reason for changing the name on your reservation, such as a misspelling or a legal name change, make sure to provide supporting documentation. This can help strengthen your case for avoiding any fees associated with the name change.
• Check if your ticket is refundable: In some cases, if your ticket is refundable and the name change fee is significantly higher than the cost of a new ticket, it may be more cost-effective to cancel your existing reservation and rebook it with the correct name. However, this option may not always be available, so make sure to check the terms and conditions of your ticket.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance: Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected changes, including name corrections. Before purchasing a policy, carefully review the coverage details to ensure that it includes provisions for name changes without additional fees.

By following these tips, you can maximize your chances of avoiding name change fees on your United flight reservations. Remember to always double-check your information before finalizing your booking and to contact United customer service promptly if you need to make any changes.

Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process on United Flight Reservations

If you need to change the name on your United flight reservation, follow these tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process:

• Double-check the name change policy: Before attempting to make any changes, familiarize yourself with United Airlines’ name change policy. This will help you understand the requirements and any associated fees.
• Contact United Airlines: Once you understand the policy, reach out to United Airlines directly to request a name change. You can contact their customer service via phone, email, or through their website.
• Provide necessary documentation: United Airlines will likely require supporting documentation to process the name change. Make sure you have the required documents, such as a passport or legal identification, handy when contacting them.
• Be prepared for fees: Name changes on flight reservations often come with fees. Understand the cost involved and be prepared to pay it during the name change process. Fees can vary, so check the current rates with United Airlines.
• Be flexible with your travel plans: In some cases, United Airlines may not allow name changes for certain types of tickets or during specific timeframes. If you have strict travel plans, be prepared for the possibility that a name change may not be feasible.
• Stay patient and polite: Dealing with the name change process can be frustrating, but it’s important to remain calm, patient, and polite when interacting with United Airlines. This will help ensure a smoother experience and increase the likelihood of a successful name change.

By following these tips, you can navigate the name change process on United flight reservations with ease. Remember to double-check all details and requirements before initiating any changes to avoid any unnecessary complications or delays.

Why won’t the Visa Officer look at your documents?

Charlotte Williams

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How to Book Travel During a Name Change

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Regardless of the reason for changing your legal name, chances are you are ready to start using your new name . However, when booking travel around the time of your name change -- perhaps a honeymoon after your wedding -- you'll need to be careful. This is because airlines, hotels, security agents and immigration officers will need to verify your identity, and obviously you want to make these interactions as quick and painless as possible.

Ideally, you'll determine the correct name to use before applying for a passport (if needed) and booking flights, hotels and other non-refundable activities that require identification. So, this guide will focus on how you should book travel and apply for a passport during and shortly after a name change. But, as mistakes are bound to happen with some travelers, we'll also consider how to fix your travel plans when you realize you've used the wrong name.

How to Book Travel

Whether to use your previous name or new name when booking travel that will occur shortly after a name change depends on one thing: whether you plan to update your passport -- or ID, for domestic travel -- before or after your trip. This is because the name on your passport must match the name on your airline tickets -- regardless of whether this is the name you currently go by.

If you don't have a valid passport -- and need one for your trip -- you'll want to apply for a passport using your previous name if you will be traveling within six to eight weeks of your legal name change. After all, you can request a new passport with your new name within a year of your passport being issued for no additional charge. Just submit the following by mail once you're ready to update the name in your barely used passport:

• Form DS-5504
• Your most recent US passport
• Your original or certified name-change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• One color passport photo

When to Use Your Previous Name

If you'll be traveling with identification that uses your previous name, use your previous name when booking travel. For simplicity, just travel as if your previous name is still your name. If you're uncertain whether you'll be able to get a new passport with your new name before traveling, take the conservative route and use your previous name and carry your passport showing this previous name.

When to Use Your New Name

If you're not traveling soon after your name change, and hence have time to deal with changing your name legally and getting a new passport before travel, then you can book travel using your new name. For example, I got married in August and didn't take a honeymoon until December so I had ample time to go through all the name-change procedures and get a new passport before my December travel. Once you get a new passport, be sure to update your Global Entry .

Of course, if you travel frequently you'll need to consider when you'll be home long enough to get new identification. Although some states can print a new driver's license the same day, passports usually take longer. However, if you have urgent international travel plans within the next two or three weeks you can make an appointment at a passport agency or center ; these passport agencies or centers can get you a passport within hours of when you arrive at their office if needed. Otherwise, you'll want to allow four to six weeks for expedited passport service and at least six weeks for routine passport service.

How to Fix Issues

So, your trip is approaching and you've determined that you've booked travel under a different name than the identification that you'll take on your trip. If the name mismatch is for a hotel or tour, this may not be a huge issue. In these cases, your first plan should be to call the hotel or tour company, explain your situation and ask them to simply update your name.

But, in the case of air tickets -- or other transport where you'll be crossing borders or going through ID checks -- a name mismatch will likely be problematic. So, you'll want to fix this issue sooner rather than later. Here are some suggestions, generally in the order of the most reasonable to the least reasonable:

• If the ticket is refundable or offers free cancellation, cancel your ticket and rebook a new ticket.
• Call the airline and change the name. There's usually a change fee involved , and these fees can range from modest to ridiculous. A name change may not be possible with some airlines, even with a document like a marriage certificate.
• Obtain identification that matches the name on the ticket.
• Purchase a new ticket in the correct name, and abandon the original ticket.

Some of these solutions won't cost you anything, while others will end up being rather expensive and/or time-consuming. Credit card travel protections won't cover these costs -- although change fees may be eligible for the airline incidental fee credit that comes with cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card -- but some individual travel insurance plans may cover you. So, if you purchased travel insurance for your trip, take a look at your plan to see if these fees might be covered.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Or, although I don't recommend it, you could try to travel on a ticket with a different name. My one experience flying domestically on a ticket with a slightly different first name -- Katie versus Kathryn -- didn't even elicit a comment from the check-in agent or TSA agent. But, chances are you won't be as lucky if you attempt to fly with a mismatched last name, so be ready to pay an expensive name change fee, purchase a new ticket or even miss your flight if things don't go well.

Bottom Line

When booking travel that will occur around a name change, use the name that will appear on the identification that you'll use when traveling. This means that if you don't have a passport or your passport is expired, you may need to apply for a passport with your previous name even if you'll be traveling after a wedding or other event during which you adopted a new name. In some cases, this may mean that all of your bills, records and identification except your passport may show your new name -- but if you're traveling internationally, you'll want to book travel using the name that will be on your passport.

UponArriving

Can You Change the Name on a Plane Ticket? [2023]

Did you make a typo or error when inputting your name in your airline ticket reservation? Or are you trying to completely change the name on the ticket that you purchased to someone else? In either case, you’d likely need to request a name correction or name change.

This can be a slightly confusing process because there are very different restrictions for each but in this article I will break it all down and explain how this can be done, sometimes even for free.

Table of Contents

Can you change the name on a plane ticket?

Yes, assuming there is sufficient time before departure you may be able to make a name correction or name change.

Name corrections involve simple changes such as fixing one letter and are generally free.

However, for major name changes many airlines will force you pay a pretty hefty fee. Keep reading below to find out how this process works and for some helpful tips on how to deal with the situation !

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Why can’t you change your name on a plane ticket?

There are two major reasons why you are not allowed to freely change your name on a plane ticket without approval or fees from the airline.

Security reasons

Changing your name on a plane ticket can present major security issues.

When you purchase a plane ticket, you can expect your name to be ran through a database to make sure you are not on a no-fly list .

This could be a no-fly list ran by the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) or the individual airline. Either way, airlines need to know that when you board the plane your background has been checked.

If you could change your name at will this could make it much more difficult for the background checks to be done properly, since they would be continually getting updated.

Aftermarket concerns

If passengers could freely change the name on a boarding pass they would essentially become transferrable and you could imagine a secondary market emerging for airline tickets.

People could buy airline tickets far in advance for holidays or peak seasons for routes heading to tourist hotspots like Orlando.

They could then sell those tickets for sky-high prices similar to the way people do it for concerts, sporting events, etc.

This could make it more difficult to find tickets and introduce uncertainty when dealing with shady aftermarket vendors. It also removes a lot of price control power from the airlines.

How to change the name on a plane ticket

There are basically three different types of name changes that take place and the process for each is different.

Minor name corrections

When a change is being made to fix a spelling mistake or typo and ensure that the name matches a government-issued ID, this is typically considered a “name correction” or “minor name correction” and NOT a name change.

Examples of minor name corrections could include:

• First names (Jon to Jonathon)
• Last names (3 letters or fewer)
• Adding/removing middle name
• Changing initial to full name
• Nickname to legal name (“Bob” to “Robert”)
• Adding an additional last name (hyphenated last name)
• Inverted first and last name
• Suffix and prefix changes

If you find yourself needing to correct the name, contact the customer service phone number for your airline as soon as you can and let them know that you need to make a minor correction to the name (not a change).

Some airlines request that you make this known to the airline at least one week prior to your trip.

If you have a travel agent simply let them know and they may be able to make the change for you and without any penalty.

But if you don’t realize the error until you arrive at the airport, some airlines will still allow you to make the change there.

Sometimes a minor name correction may have a limit on the characters that can be changed such as three letters.

This is especially true if you are correcting the last name (shorter last names may be limited to changes of only two characters).

It depends on the airline and perhaps even the discretion of the agent you are dealing with but you can pretty much rest assured that if you need to simply correct one or two letters of a misspelled name, it will be considered a minor name correction.

Most airlines should allow you to make minor name corrections for free.

This is the case even for some budget airlines as Spirit states : “Reservations with slight misspellings or legal name changes are eligible for a free name change.”

Here are a few more things to keep in mind about minor name corrections:

• If you need to make multiple minor name corrections, airlines will usually consider that a major change and begin charging you to process the change.
• If you need to make changes to the gender and/or date of birth as well as the name , that will also often be considered a major name change.
• If your itinerary involves flights on codeshares or partner airlines, making a minor name correction could be more difficult

And finally, sometimes for whatever reason the airline cannot make a change to the error on your boarding pass.

This recently happened to us when flying through Alaska when Brad’s middle initial was displayed as the last letter on his first name. “BradleyK.”

We contacted the airline and they told us that his name was showing up properly in the system that TSA uses so it would not be a problem.

However, his boarding pass still had the typo “BradleyK” when printed.

So in some cases you may not be able to fix the error on your boarding pass but it apparently doesn’t matter because as long as it is correct in the airline’s system, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Indeed, we got through TSA just fine.

Major name change

Now let’s say that you need to change the name on your boarding pass from John Doe to Sarah Sally.

This is referred to as a “major name change” and is often possible but it can be a very expensive endeavor. The reason?

This type of change will involve fees which could include:

• Name change fee
• Difference in fare from the time you booked to the current date
• Possible change fee

In some cases the fees can total up to several hundred dollars pretty easily.

So your best bet is to try to avoid this approach as much as possible or be prepared to shell out a lot of cash.

Tip: If you realize your mistake within 24 hours of booking your ticket you should be able to cancel the ticket without any penalty .

If you are not allowed to make a major name change then your only real option is to purchase a new airline ticket (assuming that you can find availability).

Assuming your ticket was nonrefundable, you may be able to get a flight credit for your original ticket.

Make sure you take note of the expiration time for it because these flight credits/travel funds usually expire within one year.

Sometimes you can change the name on the flight credit but other times you cannot.

Legal name change

If you need to change your name because your legal name changed due to things like marriage, divorce, adoption, etc. every airline should be willing to work with you so long as there is enough time before takeoff.

Airlines may allow you to make a name change based on a legal name change for free provided that you submit the necessary documentation.

Possible documentation needed could include:

• Marriage License
• Court Order
• Divorce Decree
• Or Legal Name Change Document

Some airlines will have a dedicated webpage for you to submit this information and attach copies of your documents and in other cases you may just need to email them at a specific email address.

As you can imagine this process will take a little bit of time so it is best to make your submission as soon as possible.

However, based on the DOT Fly Rights it seems you could show up at the airport with your documentation and be fine as is states:

If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different (or will be different by the time of your trip), bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order).

Just be sure to give yourself extra time for the verification process.

Name matching issues

Middle names.

Sometimes (as shown above) middle names can be a problem.

In some cases, due to glitches your middle name might appear as part of your first name or simply an initial in front of your first name.

If an airline is familiar with this glitch they should be able to recognize it and allow you to proceed with a minor name correction.

In other cases there are issues were a middle initial is used in one case but the full middle name is used in another.

This should be okay in a lot of instances but my advice is to always be consistent with the use of your middle name. This is especially true for international travel.

Non-ascii characters

If your name has non-ascii characters, and you are trying to make sure that it matches with your passport you can check the name on the bottom of the main passport page and go with that.

This will be located in the red rectangle found in this image here.

Restrictions

Sometimes you might encounter routes where name changes are not permitted.

For example, as of the summer of 2021 Delta does not allow changes on international flights between the US and China.

Other times, there may be special policies in place to deal with name changes on certain routes.

In these cases you may have to call a special phone number and speak with an agent and the name change process may not be as smooth, even for minor name corrections.

If you run into an issue where your name is not accepted and you need to modify or change the name there’s a good chance you will not be issued a refund.

Why can’t you get your money back?

Typically, a refund is only granted by the airline if they were at fault. For example, if they have staff shortages that lead to a significant delay in your flight, it’s possible that you could receive a refund.

In the case of needing a name correction or name change, you are the party who filled out the identification information and therefore you are the party at fault.

When you proceed through the booking process, airlines usually make it very clear that your name you fill out needs to match exactly what your government issued ID shows.

For example, here is the warning from United Airlines.

This is key because it means that if you input a name during the booking process that does not match your ID, the mistake is on you and not the airline.

That doesn’t mean that you will never get a refund but it is just going to be more of the exception and not the norm.

This is one reason why it helps to fill out your frequent flyer profile and save your account information.

This will prevent you from needing to input your name each time you book a flight with that airline and thus decrease the odds of an error happening.

Getting through TSA security checkpoint

Whenever you head through the TSA security checkpoint a TSA agent will be screening your ID to make sure that it matches your boarding pass.

This is why you need to handle your name change request as soon as you can.

Contrary to what a lot of people think, TSA agents usually do not scan your ID which is one reason why people with outstanding warrants are often allowed to get through security.

On one occasion I was actually allowed to get through security with a boarding pass that did not match my name!

I made it through the TSA Pre-Check line and realized that I had a boarding pass with Brad’s name on it. I told the agent that my husband had my boarding pass and the agent allowed me to get through security.

It turns out that actually Brad somehow had a duplicate of his own boarding pass so I actually made it through TSA security without having any boarding pass with my name on it.

But you don’t want to rely on blind luck like that and instead you should just take care of your name change needs.

Related: Can You Get Through TSA and Fly with No ID?

Changing your name for a plane reservation can be a simple process if you are only fixing a typo, have the necessary documentation needed, and you give yourself plenty of time before departure.

Things get pricey when you need to make a major name change and everything can get a lot more complicated if you are trying to sort this out just before departure. So do your best to take care of everything in advance.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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United Loosens Ticket Change Rules For Travel Agents

United Airlines made several changes to its rules regarding how travel agents can make changes to tickets. Previously, many of the changes required the intervention of a United reservations agent.

It has discarded the rule that limited rebooking to four nonrefundable booking classes above the original class.

Agents can book the original class or next lowest up to and including M (full-fare economy).

The threshold for agency intervention or unacceptable schedule changes is now 30 minutes from the originally scheduled arrival or departure time.

For schedule changes, on other airlines agents can change any United-operated segments in line with the full UA schedule change policy.

Agents can now rebook customers using airports within a 100-mile radius of the original the origin or destination airport.

They also can change a customer’s departure date within a seven-day range before or after the original schedule to maintain full trip duration.

A United issued weather waiver is no longer required to self-serve irregular operation delays of less than hours. Agencies can service any disruption resulting in delays 60 minutes or longer (including blue sky delays).

The re-accommodation window has been extended to seven days both before and after the original date of travel, rather than the previous window of one day earlier or two days later.

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Delta Updates its Name Correction Policy   

Effective immediately and until further notice, Delta is restricting name changes and name corrections  for travel between the U.S. and China. After confirming the itinerary, if the passenger’s name needs to be updated, a new reservation will need to be booked.

Delta will require that Travel Agents contact Global Sales Support for assistance with any name correction for a ticketed itinerary, for travel between the U.S. and China, until further notice.

Delta’s complete Name Correction policy , including the update for travel between the U.S. and China, can be found in the Policy Library on Delta Professional.

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United Airlines Name Change Policy

Errors on your flight tickets must be corrected without fail. To allow the same, the United Airlines name change policy has been determined. It enables passengers to modify the incorrect details on their tickets such as name corrections, legal name changes and etc. This policy also discloses the main conditions related to such changes to hint at eligibility.

Which Conditions Apply to the United Name Change Policy?

To change your name on United tickets without facing any kind of hassle, you will need to follow the basic conditions: 

• Modifications can be made when the flight has been reserved officially.
• The details on the ticket should be the same as that on your passport.  
• To make full changes, you will have to submit certain documents. 
• The alterations can be minor or significant. 
• All the requests for modifications must be submitted in writing. 
• Your eligibility for such adjustments depends on the type of ticket you have reserved. 
• A fee may or may not apply based on the type of alteration. 
• On certain tickets, there can be a limit on how many times you modify.
• Alterations after check-in may not always be allowed. 
• Travel agency bookings should be referred to the agents themselves. 

Note : In case any update is made to these guidelines, you will be intimated via the official website.

What Types of Name Changes on United Airlines are Allowed?

United Airlines allows both corrections and changes to personal information. 

Minor Modifications

Simple and minor alterations will be categorized as corrections under these regulations: 

• All spelling corrections made to a passenger’s first name like one or two letters 
• Corrections made to the last name 
• Modifying the full details of the passengers from that of a nickname to the main name 
• United Airlines name changes made to the titles/prefixes like Ms., Mr., Dr., and so on 
• Inverting the first and last names as a minor correction 
• Deleting or modifying an initial 

Note : United Airlines has no rules against making bookings with your nicknames. 

Major Changes

Apart from the types of name changes on United Airlines mentioned in the above section, all other modifications are considered to be major. Some of these include: 

• Adjusting the entire first or last name
• Adding a middle name to the ticket
• Name change due to marriage or divorce 
• Legal name changes on the passport resulting in the modification of the ticket 

Note : Requests for the above will be accepted upon submitting the required documents/identity proofs. 

What Documents Are Required for United Airlines Name Change on Tickets?

To enable the authorities to correctly scrutinize your details and change your name on United Airlines tickets, you will have to submit: 

• Marriage certificate when the last name has to be modified 
• Divorce decree when adjustments are to be done as a result of the same 
• Court-issued documents in case of legal name changes 
• Identity proofs that show both your original and new names 

When the Documents are not Available:

In case any one or more of the above-mentioned documents are not available for immediate submission, you will have to present: 

• A name affidavit highlighting the details regarding your modification 
• Government-issued identification proof 

Are there Any Special Regulations of the United Airlines Name Change Policy?

Sometimes, the general conditions might not apply to passengers who have uncommon names. Then the United Airlines name change policy has determines that:

• If you only have a first and middle name, the middle one is entered as your last name. 
• You have a single first name 
• And, it has no other prefixes or suffixes
• Middle name
• Or, last name 
• A flier’s middle name cannot be entered as the first one. 
• It is not mandatory for you to submit your middle name during the reservation. 
• In case your middle name is mentioned on your passport, enter it on the ticket too. 
• When other flight operators are involved in an itinerary, United’s rules will also apply.

How to Change Name on United Airlines Tickets?

The United Airlines change name feature is available for both general tickets and MileagePlus reservations online/offline.

Method 1: Using the Site

To change or correct your personal details on general bookings, follow the given steps: 

Step 1: Open the United website of this carrier.

Step 2: Go to the “ My Trips ” section on the dialogue box of the first page.

Step 3: Give your “ Confirmation Number ” and “ Last Name ”. 

Step 4: Click on the “ Search ” button. 

Step 5: Your booking will be retrieved . 

Step 6: Follow the on-screen directions . 

Step 7: Use the United name change on the ticket option to make the necessary alterations. 

Step 8: Pay any fee if required and you will receive a confirmation message. 

Method 2: For MileagePlus Bookings

To change your name on United Mileage Plus reservations, you will have to implement these steps: 

Step 1: Open the authorized site of the airline . 

Step 2: On the top right corner, tap on the “ MileagePlus Program ” option.

Step 3: In the drop box, select the “ My Account ” option on the left. 

Step 4: A new redirected page will open where you can sign in by entering your:

• MileagePlus Number” 
• And “Password” 

Step 5: Select the booking which you wish to modify .

Step 6: Then make the required corrections.

Note : You will also need to attach the required documents along with the general details. 

Method 3: Through the Reservation Centre

When you do not have much time to manage your booking, you can call the airline agents for a quick change. 

The contact numbers for accessing the United Airlines name change option can differ based on the region you are calling from: 

The airline will take around 2 weeks to process your name change request.

Tip : To find more phone numbers, check “ Help Center ” under “ Help ”. Then select “ View Directory ”.

Method 4: Via Mail

When you do not have supporting documentation required under the United Airlines name change policy, you will need to send an affidavit. 

• This affidavit should be sent via mail and be notarized. 
• You can send it to this address: 

P.O. Box 1394 Houston, TX 77251-1394

What is the United Airlines Name Change Fee?

Currently, United Airlines does not charge any fee for any kind of name change or correction. 

• A service fee might be included when offline options are used. 
• Type of change 
• Time of request 
• During a reservation 
• Or, when you make the adjustments 

United Airlines – Social Media Handles

You can connect with the airline on its social media platforms for queries about United Airlines bookings and tickets:

Policies like United flight cancellation policy and name change policy, tell us that the airline strives to provide clarity and convenience to their passengers. The United Airlines name change policy assists passengers in making all types of modifications. Additionally, it facilitates quick corrections at minimal costs or for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to correct name on united airlines ticket online.

Passengers can change or correct their names on United Airlines flight tickets through the “My Trips” section on the official website of United Airlines.

Does United Airlines offer name change waiver?

Name change waiver on United Airlines can depend on the type of change you wish to make.

How to change misspelled name on United Airline ticket?

To correct misspelled name via the airline’s official site, use the “My Trips” section.

How to change the last name on United Airlines ticket?

Call the United airline agents at the general toll-free number and submit the necessary certification for last name change.

Can you change the name on a plane ticket United?

Yes, you have the option to change or correct your name on this carrier’s flight tickets.

How do I correct my name on United Airlines flight offline?

You can do so by calling the airline agents at the respective contact numbers.

How does United Airlines’ legal name change work?

Passengers will have to submit court-issued legal documents in case of legal name changes.

How to change name spelling on United Airlines ticket?

You can make minor spelling corrections through the website of United Airlines.

Does United Airlines allow middle name on ticket?

It is optional to add middle names to bookings.

Does United Airlines allow international ticket name changes?

Yes, name changes are allowed on international bookings.

What is United Airlines name correction policy?

This policy permits single-letter corrections and minor modifications in the first and last names.

Does United Airlines charge to name change?

Currently, no name correction fee is charged by United Airlines.

How much does it cost to correct the name on a plane ticket United Airlines?

You can make modifications to personal information for free, excluding the service charge.

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American Airlines Name Change 2022 - Update 2 - Special Exception Policy

Affected Airports - City , State Association:

• All AA/AA* (codeshare) Cities

For complete details View

Update 2: February 17, 2022

• Allow partially used tickets

  American Airlines has implemented a special exception policy to our travel partners that is now available to allow our mutual customers the freedom of a name change on eligible tickets.  This special exception policy on American is available when ticketed on AA Prime or AA*(codeshare) and exchanging to AA Prime only .  Further details are indicated below: 

Inventory Requirements

Lowest Inventory, Same Cabin

• No inventory requirements are applicable
• New itinerary will require rebook/reprice

Basic Economy -

• Unless the BE ticketed fare rule allows for changes, Basic Economy is  not included  in this exception
• If allowed within the ticketed fare rule, must be booked in  B  inventory only

Endorsement Box Requirements

• Endorsement Box must include:   NCC19 
• Ticket Reissue required
• This is the only required verbiage and supersedes all other information

Changes to Origin/Destination - Allowed

Allowed  

• Rebook/Reprice required
• All fare rules apply
• Changeable BE tickets are allowed to another BE fare type, if BE fare does not exist for new market, may exchange for another non-refundable fare type

Changes to Connection City

Changes to Co-Terminal

Changes to Co-terminal and MAC airports on AA Prime are allowed, however, fare difference will apply

• Co-terminal & MAC Airports are considered the same routing.  

Reissue Policy Information

American Airlines is allowing a name change for eligible tickets and travel agents may rebook and reissue tickets provided the below guidelines are met and applied:

• Affected itinerary includes flights on: AA, AA*(codeshare)
• New itinerary  must  be on AA Prime  ONLY
• Partially used tickets are acceptable - however, the itinerary change must be in compliance with the ticketed fare rule     
• The first departure flight is more than 3 hours away
• Coupons intended for exchange must be in OK status
• Travel reissuance only in accordance to the  applicable tickets validity  but no later than  March 31, 2022
• Global Flexibility Waiver qualifying tickets are valid through March 31, 2022
• Special Extended Waiver qualifying tickets are valid through December 31, 2022
• BRANAC qualifying tickets are valid through October 31, 2022
• Only one name change is allowed per eligible ticket
• Original issuing agency responsible for ticket reissue
• Ticket Revalidation not permitted
• All Changes within these guidelines are subject to the reissue rules of the ticketed fare. This includes any change fee (if applicable) and any fare difference for add collect or refund
• Residual MCO’s must be in the name of the NEW passenger
• Ticketed Basic Economy fares that  allow changes  are eligible for this waiver and may be rebooked to another non-refundable fare type if BE fare does not exist in new market
• Please ensure the above procedures are accurately followed to prevent debit memo issuance

Rebooking - Exception to Fare Rules

All fare rules apply - rebook/reprice of the new itinerary is required

SalesLink Request

• Rebook flights in compliance with the Name Change Exception Policy
• Saleslink process is not available for this exception

Extend Travel Rebooking Guidelines

·          Not allowed after  March 31, 2022

Refund Policy Information

·          Refund not allowed under this policy.

En route/Diversion

• Connecting customers' en route to one of the above-listed destinations or whose flights are diverted will have the option to return to their original departure city and rebook travel to alternate future dates.
• Customers should work directly with the airport to obtain a boarding pass for return travel to their original departure city. If the customer wishes to rebook travel to alternate future dates, please contact American Airlines Reservations for assistance. Alternatively, they may receive a refund if re-accommodation options are unacceptable.
• If a ticket has already been reissued by American Airlines or the ticket is partially used, travel agents must submit the refund request online at www.refunds.aa.com

American Airlines will continue to monitor this Travel Notice Exception Advisory and adjust this policy if needed. Changes will be posted on AA.com and www.saleslink.aa.com reference. Please check these sources frequently for the most up to date information.

• www.saleslink.aa.com Reference: Select Travel Notice Exception Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines
• Visit www.saleslink.aa.com and navigate to AA News and Offers to view current travel notices.
• Contact your Sales Support Center 800-621-8489 or American Airlines Reservations 800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or for Reservations outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our Worldwide Reservations Numbers American Airlines encourages all customers to check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport. For complete travel information, visit AA.com .
• Group reservations must be changed by AA Group & Meeting Travel
• Information contained on this web site is subject to change at any time without notice. American Airlines shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information.