# Can I Change Name on United Airlines Ticket: A Complete Guide

To change or correct a wrong name on your United Airlines ticket, call **1-888-843-9199**. Minor corrections or legal name changes are allowed. Full name transfers are not permitted.

Making a flight reservation is a critical part of planning any journey. But even the most careful traveler can make a simple mistake while booking a ticket — especially when it comes to entering their name. One of the most frequently asked questions by passengers flying with United Airlines is, “Can I change the name on my United Airlines ticket?”

The answer to this question is not a straightforward yes or no. It depends on the type of name change, the timing of your request, and the fare rules associated with your ticket. While United Airlines does allow name corrections in certain cases, full name changes and ticket transfers to other passengers are strictly regulated.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover every aspect of United Airlines’ name correction and change policy. Whether you have misspelled your name or recently changed your legal name due to marriage or other reasons, this article will provide step-by-step assistance.

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## Understanding United Airlines Name Change and Correction Policy

Before diving into the process, it is essential to understand the difference between a name correction and a name change.

### Name Correction

A name correction refers to fixing minor spelling errors, typos, or formatting inconsistencies in the passenger’s name. These can include:

* Correcting misspellings
* Reversing the first and last name
* Removing or adding a middle name
* Changing a name after marriage or divorce (with documentation)

### Name Change

A name change typically refers to transferring a ticket to another person, which is not allowed by United Airlines. Tickets are **non-transferable**, meaning that once a ticket is issued in a passenger’s name, it cannot be given to someone else.

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## Why the Name on Your Ticket Must Be Correct

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other international security agencies require that the name on your airline ticket exactly matches the name on your government-issued photo ID or passport. Even a small typo can lead to the following issues:

* Denial of boarding
* Delays at security checkpoints
* Trouble with customs or immigration for international travel
* Cancellation of the flight by the airline due to name mismatch

It is always best to fix any name-related issues as soon as you notice them.

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## Types of Name Corrections United Airlines Allows

United Airlines does not permit full name changes that would result in transferring a ticket to a different person. However, the airline does allow various types of name corrections, which include:

### 1. Minor Spelling Errors

If you accidentally mistyped your name, such as entering “Jonh” instead of “John,” this is considered a minor correction and is usually allowed.

### 2. Reversing First and Last Name

If you accidentally swapped your first and last name (for example, entering "Smith John" instead of "John Smith"), United Airlines will allow this to be corrected.

### 3. Addition or Removal of Middle Name

If your ID includes a middle name and your ticket does not — or vice versa — you can request a correction to add or remove it.

### 4. Legal Name Change

If you recently got married, divorced, or had a court-ordered name change, United Airlines allows updates to match your new legal name, provided you submit proper documentation.

### 5. Incomplete Names

If you left out part of your name — such as a second last name or suffix — you may be allowed to correct it.

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## What United Airlines Does Not Allow

United Airlines does not allow passengers to:

* Change the name to a completely different person
* Transfer a ticket to a family member or friend
* Use nicknames or abbreviations that do not match the ID
* Make changes after the flight has departed

In these situations, you would need to cancel the original ticket (subject to refund rules) and book a new one in the correct person’s name.

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## How to Request a Name Correction on United Airlines

If you made a mistake while booking your ticket and need to fix it, follow these steps to request a name correction on United Airlines:

### Step 1: Check Your Ticket and ID

Compare the name on your flight ticket with your passport or government-issued ID. Identify the error — is it a minor typo, a swapped name, or a missing part of your name?

### Step 2: Visit the United Airlines Website

Go to [united.com](https://www.united.com) and log into your account or access your trip through the "My Trips" section using your confirmation number and last name.

If your ticket is eligible for an online correction, you will see the option to request a name correction.

### Step 3: Call United Airlines Customer Service

If you are unable to make the correction online or need to submit documents for a legal name change, contact United Airlines Customer Service directly.

**United States and Canada customers can call: 1-800-864-8331**

Have the following details ready:

* Full name as currently on the ticket
* Correct name as shown on your ID
* Booking reference or confirmation number
* Travel dates and flight numbers
* A scanned copy of your government ID or legal documents, if applicable

### Step 4: Submit Documentation (If Required)

If the name correction is due to a legal name change, you must provide documentation such as:

* Marriage certificate
* Divorce decree
* Court order
* Updated government-issued ID or passport

### Step 5: Pay Any Applicable Fees

Some name corrections may be subject to administrative fees. These fees vary depending on:

* Type of fare
* Timing of the correction
* Whether the ticket includes partner airline segments

We will go over the typical costs in the next section.

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## Name Correction Fees on United Airlines

United Airlines does not charge a fee for minor name corrections if:

* The request is made within 24 hours of booking
* The ticket is still unconfirmed or unpaid
* The correction involves a single character or similar issue

However, in more complex cases, such as legal name changes or ticketed bookings that include partner airline segments, fees may apply.

### Fee Overview (Estimated)

* Minor spelling correction: free within 24 hours
* Corrections after 24 hours: around 75 to 125 dollars
* Name change due to marriage or legal reason: 75 to 150 dollars
* Complex itineraries involving codeshare or partner airlines: may incur higher fees

Please note that these are approximate ranges. Actual fees may vary depending on your route, fare rules, and other factors.

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## Name Correction Time Limit

It is always best to correct your name as early as possible. While United Airlines does not specify an absolute deadline for name corrections, here are some time-based guidelines:

* Corrections within 24 hours of booking: easiest and often free
* Corrections at least 72 hours before departure: typically processed on time
* Corrections within 24 hours of departure: may not be guaranteed and may require urgent customer support

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## Making Name Corrections for International Flights

For international travel, name corrections must follow even stricter guidelines. Most immigration and customs authorities will not accept discrepancies between your airline ticket and passport.

United Airlines applies the following rules for international flights:

* Name on the ticket must match your passport exactly
* Corrections must be made well before departure
* Certain countries may require reissuance of the ticket
* Additional processing time and documentation may be needed

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## What Happens If You Do Not Correct the Name

Failing to correct a mistake in your name can lead to serious consequences, including:

* Being denied boarding at check-in
* Having your booking canceled
* Losing the full value of your ticket
* Being flagged by TSA or other security agencies

It is never advisable to ignore a mistake in your name. Always take action as soon as you discover the error.

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## United Airlines MileagePlus Name Correction

If you are a United Airlines MileagePlus member, make sure your name matches across all records. Having different names in your MileagePlus profile and on your ticket can lead to:

* Missing out on mileage credit
* Issues while checking in
* Problems booking future flights

You can update your MileagePlus account information by:

* Logging into your account on united.com
* Navigating to your profile settings
* Submitting a name correction request with documentation

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## Making Name Corrections for Group Bookings

If you booked multiple tickets under a group booking or through a travel agency, name correction procedures may differ slightly.

### Group Booking Tips

* Contact the group booking manager or travel agent
* Ensure consistency in names across all travelers
* Group name changes may be subject to contract terms

In many cases, group corrections must be done by the person or company that organized the booking.

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## Name Corrections Involving Partner Airlines

If your United Airlines ticket includes flights operated by partner airlines (such as Lufthansa, ANA, Air Canada, or others), name correction rules become more complicated.

In such cases:

* United must coordinate with the partner airline
* Corrections may take more time
* Additional fees may apply
* Some partner airlines may not allow changes at all once the ticket is issued

Always mention this to the customer support team when requesting a correction.

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## Summary: What You Can and Cannot Do

Here is a quick summary of United Airlines’ name correction and change policies:

| Action | Allowed | Notes |
| -------------------------------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Correct spelling mistake | Yes | Allowed with or without a fee depending on timing |
| Add or remove middle name | Yes | Must match with government ID |
| Change name after marriage or divorce | Yes | Requires documentation |
| Transfer ticket to another person | No | Not allowed under any circumstances |
| Correct name on MileagePlus account | Yes | Can be done via account settings |
| Change name on partner airline segment | Sometimes | Depends on partner airline policies |

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## Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes

* Always double-check your name before finalizing the booking
* Use the exact same name as shown on your government ID or passport
* Do not use nicknames, short forms, or initials unless they match your ID
* Book flights yourself or with a reliable travel agency
* Review the confirmation email immediately after booking

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## Final Thoughts

Correcting a name on your United Airlines ticket is possible, but it must be done carefully and in accordance with airline policy. United distinguishes between minor name corrections and full name changes. While it does not allow tickets to be transferred to another person, the airline is flexible in allowing minor spelling corrections, formatting issues, and legal name updates when proper documentation is provided.

To avoid complications, always book your flight using the exact name shown on your ID or passport. If you do make a mistake, act quickly — especially within the first 24 hours of booking — to correct the issue without fees or penalties.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding United’s name correction rules can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. If in doubt, contact United Airlines directly through their customer support number or online help center to ensure your travel goes as smoothly as possible.