United Airlines Name Change Policy

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07 July 2025

United Airlines Name Change Policy

Mistakes happen, especially when booking flights. But a simple typo in your name on a United Airlines ticket can create big problems at check-in. The United Airlines Name Change Policy outlines how to correct errors, what’s allowed, and when fees apply. Whether it’s a minor spelling fix or a legal name change, knowing the rules saves time and money. At WinkTravelDeals, we break down the process to change names on United Airlines tickets clearly—so you can fly without issues or unexpected surprises.
 

Understanding the United Airlines Name Change Policy

  • Minor name corrections are allowed for typos, misspellings, or reversed first and last names. These changes are usually free if done early.
  • Legal name changes (due to marriage, divorce, or court orders) require valid documentation like a marriage certificate or legal order.
  • United does not allow full name transfers—you can’t give your ticket to someone else. This is United name change policy
  • Only one name correction per ticket is generally permitted, so it’s important to get it right.
  • If you’ve already checked in, name corrections might not be allowed. Call United at 1-800-864-8331 or 1-866-579-8033.
  • The United Airlines name change policy applies only to tickets booked directly with United. Third-party bookings may have different rules.

 

Types of Name Corrections Allowed by United Airlines

Types of Name Corrections Allowed by United Airlines

United Minor Name Corrections

United allows small fixes. These include: spelling errors, missing letters, or swapped first and last names. These are considered non-substantial and usually don’t require paperwork. Examples include correcting “Jonh” to “John” or changing “Smiht” to “Smith.” These updates fall under the standard United ticket name correction rules and are often free if done in time.
 

Major Name Changes With United

If your name has legally changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or court order, United requires supporting legal documents. This includes marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or government-issued name change records. Fees may apply depending on the case.
 

United Name Change Using a Legal Affidavit

When legal documents aren’t directly available or the situation involves an alternate identity (like initials versus full name), United may accept a notarized affidavit. This applies to special cases like correcting “A. Kumar” to “Ankit Kumar” if it aligns with your passport. Documentation is crucial, and approval is case-specific under United Airlines name change policy.
 

How to Change or Correct Your Name on a United Airlines Ticket

How to Change or Correct Your Name on a United Airlines Ticket

To Change or Correct Your Name on a United Airlines Ticket, follow these steps -
 
  • Log in to your United account or use the confirmation number to access your booking.
  • Click “Manage Reservation” and select the ticket needing a name change or correction.
  • Choose “Edit traveler details” and make the necessary corrections within allowed limits.
  • For legal name changes, upload required documents like marriage certificate or court order.
  • If the system doesn’t allow edits, call United’s customer service directly for manual assistance.
  • Confirm the change, review updated details, and check for any applicable fees before saving.
  • If booked through a third-party, contact them for correction under United Airlines name change policy.
  • Always double-check your passport or ID matches the corrected name on the ticket.
 
You can call United at 1-800-864-8331 or 1-866-579-8033 to get more info on name changes.
 

MileagePlus Members – United Airlines Name Correction Process

United Airlines Name Correction Process for MileagePlus Members -
 
  • Log in to your MileagePlus account on United’s website.
  • Go to Profile > Personal Information > Edit Name.
  • Make minor corrections—like fixing typos or updating to match your passport.
  • For legal changes, upload documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
  • United reviews and updates your profile within a few days.
  • Once approved, all future bookings will reflect the corrected name.
  • For existing tickets, still follow the regular United Airlines name change policy. 
 

How to Update Your Name in MileagePlus Account

To Update Your Name in MileagePlus Account, follow these steps -
 
  • Log in to your MileagePlus account.
  • Go to Profile → Edit Name.
  • Make changes and upload required documents if needed.
  • Submit and wait for confirmation from United.
 
Dial United customer service at 1-800-864-8331 or 1-866-579-8033 to do it over call.
 

Name Spelled Wrong on United Airlines Boarding Pass – What to Do

  • Don’t panic—minor spelling mistakes can often be fixed.
  • Log in to your booking and try editing the name.
  • If editing isn’t allowed, contact United Airlines support at 1-800-864-8331 or 1-866-579-8033 immediately.
  • Keep your ID or passport handy for verification.
  • If it’s a legal name issue, prepare supporting documents.
  • Avoid checking in until the name correction is approved.
  • If already checked in, call United fast—changes may no longer be allowed.
  • Follow United’s guidance based on your ticket type and the issue.
 

Can You Transfer a United Airlines Ticket to Another Person?

No, United Airlines doesn’t allow ticket transfers. Once a reservation is made in your name, it’s yours alone. The United Airlines name change policy supports corrections and legal updates but strictly prohibits giving your ticket to someone else. Even if you can’t travel, United won’t let you hand over your seat to a friend or family member.
 
If you’re unable to fly, your best option is to cancel or reschedule, depending on your fare type. Some non-refundable tickets offer flight credits for future travel, but they’ll still be tied to your name. Travel insurance may help recover part of the cost in emergency cases, but there’s no workaround for transferring ownership.
 
Make sure all traveler names are correct before booking. United’s system is built to match names with official IDs or passports. And once issued, the ticket cannot be re-assigned under any condition.
 

Can I Fix a Misspelled Name on My United Ticket Online? 

Yes, United lets you fix a misspelled name online—but only in specific cases. If it’s a minor error, like a missing letter or reversed first and last name, you can log in to your booking and make the edit under “Manage Reservations.” These changes are considered minor corrections and don’t usually require documentation.
 
However, if the mistake is more than a small typo—or involves a legal name change—you may need to provide documents like a passport, marriage certificate, or government-issued ID. In those cases, the edit won’t be possible through the standard website interface. Instead, you’ll need to contact United’s customer support.
 
Be sure to correct name errors before check-in. Once your boarding pass is issued, changes become harder and in some cases, not allowed. United at 1-800-864-8331 or 1-866-579-8033 only allows one name correction per ticket, so double-check all details when making updates. Always act early to avoid issues at the airport.
 

How to Reduce the Cost of Name Change on a United Airlines Ticket?

To Reduce the cost of Name Change on a United Airlines Ticket, follow these steps -
 
  • Correct errors early—before check-in or within 24 hours of booking.
  • Book directly through United to avoid third-party change fees.
  • Join MileagePlus to access faster support and flexible ticket management.
  • Use travel credits instead of changing names if rebooking is cheaper.
  • Opt for flexible fare types that allow modifications without high penalties.
  • Contact support by phone at 1-800-864-8331 or 1-866-579-8033. Some agents may waive minor correction fees.
  • Avoid last-minute changes, as fees increase closer to departure.
  • Review spelling before final payment to prevent correction charges later.
 

Do I Need to Include My Middle Name on a United Airlines Ticket?

No, including your middle name on a United Airlines ticket isn’t required. United’s system primarily matches the first and last names with your government-issued ID or passport. Leaving out your middle name won’t usually cause issues during check-in or boarding, as long as everything else matches.
 
However, if your passport or ID includes a middle name and you want to avoid even minor scrutiny, adding it during booking can offer peace of mind. That said, TSA and airline agents generally look for consistency, not an exact character-for-character match.
 
If you already booked your flight without a middle name and it’s listed on your ID, there’s no need to worry. You won’t have to correct or reissue your ticket. Just make sure that the first and last names are correct and spelled exactly as shown on your ID.
 
Middle names are optional. But accuracy on primary names is not.
 

Conclusion

Clasping the United Airlines Name Change Policy helps avoid last-minute airport stress and change fees. Whether you need a quick United ticket name correction or you’re fixing a legal name mismatch, it’s all about knowing the right steps. Don’t wait until check-in to sort it out. With the right timing, documents, and guidance, name changes can be simple. WinkTravelDeals and United at 1-866-579-8033 are here to help you handle changes with clarity, confidence, and smart planning. So, your trip starts smoothly, no matter what name’s on the ticket.
 
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