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title: What Are The Charges To Change Name On United Ticket?

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# What Are The Charges To Change Name On United Ticket?

When you book a flight, the name on your ticket must exactly match the name on your government-issued identification. This requirement exists because airlines are required by law to transmit accurate passenger information to immigration, security, and border control systems. A single spelling error, missing middle initial, or incorrect order of names can cause serious problems at the airport. For international flights, even a small mistake may result in denied boarding.

United Airlines, like most carriers, understands that mistakes happen. However, it also has strict rules about **name corrections** and **name changes.** Some cases are handled for free or at minimal cost, while others may involve fees, documentation, or even cancellation and rebooking.

This guide is your **complete playbook** for understanding United Airlines’ name correction and name change policies. It explains the difference between corrections and changes, the typical charges you may face, step-by-step instructions for each scenario, and insider tips to avoid unnecessary costs.

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## Table of Contents

1. Why name accuracy is so important
2. Name correction vs. name change — know the difference
3. When United allows free or low-cost corrections
4. When documents are required or changes are denied
5. Typical charges and cost breakdown
6. Step-by-step guide: Minor name corrections
7. Step-by-step guide: Legal/full name changes
8. What if you need to change the passenger entirely?
9. How to request changes — online, by phone, through agents, or at the airport
10. Common mistakes and troubleshooting
11. Scripts and sample messages
12. Pro tips to avoid future issues
13. Quick checklist and timeline
14. Frequently asked questions
15. Final thoughts

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## 1. Why Name Accuracy is So Important

Every airline, including United, is required by international aviation and security regulations to make sure the name on your ticket matches the name on your ID. Here’s why it matters:

* **Airport security checks:** TSA in the U.S. or equivalent agencies abroad will deny boarding if your ID doesn’t match your ticket.
* **Immigration and visas:** Many countries electronically verify passport details against airline records. A mismatch can cause refusal at immigration.
* **Luggage tags and records:** Your ticket name links to baggage, boarding passes, and check-in systems. A mismatch can delay or block boarding.

Because of these systems, airlines are extremely cautious about name changes. They need to prevent fraud, ticket reselling, and identity issues. That’s why United’s rules are divided into **simple corrections** vs. **formal changes.**

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## 2. Name Correction vs. Name Change — Know the Difference

The first thing you need to determine is whether your situation is a **minor correction** or a **full name change.**

### A. Name Correction (Minor Issues)

* Typo in spelling (e.g., “Jonh” instead of “John”)
* Wrong order of first and middle names
* Missing or extra middle name or initial
* Nickname vs. formal name (Bill ↔ William) in certain cases

These are usually allowed because they do not alter the traveler’s identity.

### B. Name Change (Major Issues)

* Name legally changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order
* Gender identity or legal documentation updates
* Attempting to transfer ticket to a completely different passenger

These are treated very differently. In some cases, United requires proof. In others, you may need to cancel and rebook.

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## 3. When United Allows Free or Low-Cost Corrections

United often permits **minor corrections** free of charge, especially when:

* The correction is requested **immediately after booking**
* Only a few letters need to be changed
* The middle name or initial is missing but ID clearly matches
* The correction request is made **before check-in**

Agents sometimes waive fees if it’s obvious the traveler is the same person. For example, changing “Micheal” to “Michael” usually won’t cost anything.

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## 4. When Documents Are Required or Changes Denied

There are situations where United won’t simply “fix” the ticket without proof or rebooking:

* **Legal name change:** You’ll need official documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) plus updated ID.
* **Different passenger:** United generally does not allow tickets to be transferred to someone else. Instead, you may cancel and apply the ticket’s value toward another purchase.
* **Last-minute requests at the airport:** Corrections after check-in are harder. Some may be denied.

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## 5. Typical Charges and Cost Breakdown

United Airlines no longer has a single fixed “name change fee.” Instead, the cost depends on your situation:

* **Minor corrections (simple typos):** Often free. Sometimes a small administrative fee ($0–$75).
* **Within 24 hours of booking:** Changes may be free under the 24-hour flexible booking policy.
* **Name change with documentation:** Usually no penalty for legal updates, but you may pay reissue fees or fare differences.
* **Ticket reissue for another person:** Generally not permitted, but if allowed through special cases, fees may range **$75–$150+** plus fare difference.
* **At the airport:** May involve urgent service fees or denial if correction is too large.

Remember, the biggest cost is usually **fare difference** when a new ticket must be issued, not the administrative fee itself.

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## 6. Step-by-Step Guide: Minor Name Corrections

### Step 1: Check your ticket immediately

The earlier you act, the cheaper and easier it is to fix.

### Step 2: Use United’s “My Trips”

* Go to United.com → My Trips
* Enter your confirmation number and last name
* Look for an option to **edit passenger details**
* Make the correction (if available)

### Step 3: Call United Reservations if online fix isn’t possible

* Provide your booking number
* Clearly state it’s a small typo
* Ask if fees can be waived

### Step 4: Get confirmation

* Ask for updated e-ticket by email
* Double-check spelling matches your passport

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## 7. Step-by-Step Guide: Legal / Full Name Changes

If your legal name has changed:

1. Gather documents: updated passport, driver’s license, marriage/divorce certificate, or court order.
2. Contact United Reservations by phone. Explain you had a **legal name change.**
3. Ask where to send/upload documents.
4. Submit documents and wait for verification.
5. United will reissue your ticket with the updated name. If reissue involves a fare difference, you may need to pay.

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## 8. What If You Need to Change the Passenger Entirely?

United does not normally allow this. But there are options:

* **Cancel ticket and rebook for new passenger** (may lose part of the fare).
* **Use ticket credit** for another traveler — sometimes allowed with fees.
* **Check if fare is refundable** — refundable tickets can be fully canceled and rebooked.

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## 9. How to Request Changes

### Online

* Fastest, but only for minor corrections
* Limited to eligible tickets

### Phone

* Best for most corrections and legal changes
* Call United Reservations with documents ready

### Travel Agent

* If booked through third-party site or agent, contact them first. They must request correction from United.

### At the Airport

* Last resort, but possible for small typos
* Always arrive early if attempting this

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## 10. Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

* Using nicknames instead of passport names
* Booking tickets for kids with shortened names
* Waiting until the last minute
* Assuming all corrections are free

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## 11. Scripts and Sample Messages

**Minor correction (phone):**
“Hi, I have a reservation under confirmation number XXXXXX. My first name is misspelled by one letter. The ticket says Jonh, but my passport says John. Could you please correct it so it matches my ID?”

**Legal name change (email):**
“Hello, I legally changed my name from Anna Smith to Anna Patel. My passport and driver’s license reflect the new name. Please find copies attached. Reservation code: XXXXX. Kindly reissue the ticket in my updated name.”

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## 12. Pro Tips to Avoid Future Issues

* Always book using the name exactly as on your passport.
* Save your name in your MileagePlus profile for consistency.
* Double-check details before confirming purchase.
* Avoid autofill errors when booking quickly.

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## 13. Quick Checklist and Timeline

* Spot mistake → Act immediately
* Within 24 hours → Likely free
* Before check-in → Call reservations if online fix not possible
* Legal changes → Gather documents early and allow days for processing
* At the airport → Last option, may be denied

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## 14. Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I correct just my middle initial?**
Yes, usually free or very low cost.

**Q: Can I change my last name due to marriage?**
Yes, but you need documents like a marriage certificate.

**Q: Can I transfer my ticket to another person?**
Generally no. Only credits may sometimes be reassigned with fees.

**Q: What if I notice the error after check-in?**
Much harder — contact an agent immediately. If boarding passes are already issued, correction may not be possible.

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## 15. Final Thoughts

Fixing a name on a United Airlines ticket ranges from simple to complex depending on the type of correction. **Minor typos** are often resolved quickly, sometimes free. **Legal name changes** require documents but are usually accepted. **Changing to a different passenger** is rarely allowed.

The golden rule is: **act early.** The sooner you fix the issue, the lower your risk and cost. Always double-check your confirmation email right after booking. A five-minute review can save hundreds of dollars and hours of stress.