United Airlines Name Change Policy +1–860–294–8474

United Airlines has a clear and customer-friendly name change policy to address instances where travelers need to make corrections or updates to the name on their booking. Whether you need to correct a typo, update a last name due to marriage, or handle a legal name change, understanding United’s guidelines can help ensure a smooth process. Here’s an in-depth look at United Airlines’ name change policy, including types of changes, eligibility, fees, and the process for making adjustments.

Overview of United Airlines Name Change Policy

United’s name change policy applies primarily to minor corrections and legal name changes. While United does not allow a full transfer of a ticket to another individual, it does permit passengers to update or correct their name under certain conditions. Generally, United requires the corrected name to match the government-issued ID the passenger will use at the airport. Ensuring your ticket accurately reflects your legal name is essential for TSA and airport security, so it’s best to address any discrepancies well in advance of your flight.

Types of Name Changes Accepted by United

United Airlines distinguishes between minor corrections, major corrections, and legal name changes. Here are the types of name adjustments United allows:

1. Minor Corrections: These include minor typos or spelling errors, such as a misspelled first name, a missing middle initial, or one incorrect letter in a last name. United permits minor changes without extensive documentation, as long as they don’t alter the identity of the ticket holder.
2. Legal Name Changes: These apply to cases where a passenger’s legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another legal action. Passengers must provide legal documentation (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to support the name change.
3. Major Changes and Ticket Transfers: United’s policy generally does not permit major name changes that alter the identity of the traveler, nor does it allow transferring a ticket to a different person. If you wish to transfer your ticket to someone else, you may need to cancel and rebook.
4. Correction Due to Inverted Names: If the first and last names are accidentally swapped during booking, United allows this correction without requiring extra documentation or fees.

Steps for Making a Name Change on United Airlines

To request a name change, passengers should follow these steps:

1. Contact United Customer Service

• For minor changes, passengers can often make adjustments online by logging into their United account and navigating to the “My Trips” section. However, for more complex changes, it is best to contact United’s customer service at +𝟙-𝟠𝟞𝟘-𝟛𝟛𝟛-𝟝𝟛𝟡𝟛 OR {OTA} +𝟣➖𝟪𝟨𝟢➖𝟤𝟫𝟦➖𝟪𝟦𝟩𝟦
• Provide details about the booking, including the confirmation number and the current name on the ticket.
• Explain the type of correction or change required.

2. Provide Necessary Documentation

• For legal name changes, United requires documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change order.
• For minor corrections, such as fixing a typo, no additional documentation is usually required.

3. Confirm and Review the Change

• United’s representative will confirm the change and provide an updated itinerary with the corrected name.
• Passengers should review the details and ensure all information matches their ID.

4. Payment of Fees (if applicable)

• United may charge a name correction fee depending on the type of ticket and fare class. It’s essential to confirm with customer service if a fee applies.

Fees for United Airlines Name Changes

United’s name change fees depend on the type of ticket, the type of correction, and sometimes the timing of the request. Here’s a breakdown of possible fees:

1. Basic Economy Tickets: Basic Economy fares are the most restrictive, and name changes or corrections may not be allowed at all. If you need a name correction for a Basic Economy ticket, contacting customer service is crucial to determine if an exception can be made.
2. Main Cabin and Premium Economy Tickets: For these fare classes, United typically permits minor name corrections and legal name changes with or without a fee, depending on the type of change and ticket conditions.
3. First Class and United One Tickets: Name corrections in First Class and United One may also be allowed, often with reduced fees or no fees for minor corrections. However, for legal name changes, documentation is still required.
4. International Tickets: For international flights, United may charge higher fees for name changes or corrections due to international ticketing policies. Contact United’s customer service directly to confirm costs for these bookings.
5. Partner Airline Tickets: If your United ticket includes a flight with a partner airline, the partner’s policy may also affect the name change. In some cases, additional fees or documentation may be necessary.

Timeline for Name Changes

Passengers should initiate any required name change as soon as they notice an error. Ideally, name corrections should be completed at least 48 hours before departure to avoid any issues at the airport. For international flights, it’s especially important to ensure name accuracy since some countries have strict requirements for name matching on tickets and IDs.

Name Changes for United SkyMiles Members

United SkyMiles members who need a name change on their loyalty account should also contact United customer service. The process may require documentation, such as a government-issued ID, to verify the name change. Updating your SkyMiles account name ensures that any accrued miles and benefits correctly match your travel documents and tickets.

Important Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process

1. Double-Check Details When Booking: Before finalizing your booking, carefully review all personal information to avoid errors. Small typos can often be corrected, but avoiding them can save time and potential fees.
2. Use the Fly United App: If you need to review or update your ticket details, the Fly United app can help you manage your booking, see updated itineraries, and even contact customer support directly if needed.
3. Plan Ahead for Legal Name Changes: If you anticipate a name change due to marriage, divorce, or another legal process, consider booking tickets in your updated legal name if possible. This can prevent issues at check-in and security.
4. Keep Documentation Handy: For legal name changes, keep your supporting documents (such as a marriage certificate) accessible, especially if you’re flying internationally and may need to present them.
5. Check with Partner Airlines for Codeshare Flights: If your United ticket involves a codeshare or partner airline flight, verify that the name correction will also reflect on those segments, as each airline may have distinct policies.

Scenarios That May Require a New Ticket

There are certain situations where a name change is not permitted, and a new ticket may be necessary:

1. Major Name Changes That Alter the Traveler’s Identity: United doesn’t allow a complete identity change on a ticket. In cases where the traveler is entirely different from the original ticket holder, a new ticket purchase will be required.
2. Basic Economy Restrictions: Basic Economy tickets are restrictive, and name changes are generally not permitted. If you have a Basic Economy ticket and need a name correction, your best option is to contact United for guidance or consider rebooking under the correct name.
3. Non-United Issued Tickets: If your ticket was issued by a travel agency or a third-party booking site, United may have limited ability to modify the name. In these cases, it’s best to work directly with the issuing agency.

Conclusion

United Airlines’ name change policy provides flexibility for passengers needing minor name corrections or legal name updates, although it does not allow ticket transfers to other individuals. Passengers can request minor corrections online or through United customer service, while legal name changes typically require supporting documentation. Fees may apply based on ticket type, route, and other factors, so it’s essential to contact United if you need to make a change. By understanding and following United’s name change procedures, you can avoid complications at the airport and ensure your travel experience is as smooth as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Can I change the name on my United ticket to another person?
No, United does not allow a full transfer of a ticket to a different person. Name changes are only allowed for corrections or legal updates to the original ticket holder’s name.

Q2. What types of name changes are allowed?
United allows minor corrections (e.g., typos), name updates due to legal changes (such as marriage or divorce), and inverted first/last names. Full identity changes are not permitted.

Q3. How do I make a name change on my United ticket?
For minor corrections, you can often update your ticket online. For more complex name changes, contact United customer service at 𝟙-𝟠𝟞𝟘-𝟛𝟛𝟛-𝟝𝟛𝟡𝟛 OR {OTA} +𝟣➖𝟪𝟨𝟢➖𝟤𝟫𝟦➖𝟪𝟦𝟩𝟦 and provide necessary documentation if required.

Q4. Is there a fee for making a name change on United?
Fees may apply depending on ticket type and fare class. Minor corrections are often free, while fees may apply for international flights or more complex updates.

Q5. What documentation is required for a legal name change?
Legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order, is typically required to support legal name changes on United tickets.