United Airlines Name Change Policy & Fees Explained

Are you concerned about the name change process? No need to worry! United Airlines' name change policy allows you to update your name easily. If you've made a minor mistake, you can easily correct it using the 'My Trips' option.This guide covers all the essential details about United Airlines' name change policy, including fees, procedures, and restrictions.

United Airlines Name Change Policy: Highlights

United Airlines allows minor name corrections and legal name changes with proper documentation but does not permit complete name changes or ticket transfers. To make any changes, you must meet specific terms and conditions. Below, we outline the key requirements for a name change with United Airlines.

• United Airlines requires your ticket name to match your government-issued ID. If there is a major mistake in your name, you may need to request a correction before traveling.
• According to United Airlines' name change policy, you can correct minor typos online.
• However, ensure that the name on your ticket matches your travel documents and government-issued ID.
• Minor corrections (up to three characters) may be free, while major changes, such as last name corrections due to marriage, divorce, or legal reasons, may require a fee and supporting documents.
• The fee depends on your fare type, route, and booking source.
• You must also provide the required documents for a last name change.
• Your flight must be operated by United Airlines.
• United Airlines does not permit changes to gender or date of birth.
• You can update your MileagePlus account, but changes may take up to two weeks to process.

How to Change Name on United Airlines Ticket?

Your options for changing your name/correcting a name on a United Airlines ticket depend on the type of correction required. If you need to update your last name, you must contact United Airlines directly, as last name changes cannot be made online. For minor typos, you can request a correction through United Airlines' online customer service.

Follow the steps below to update or correct your name.

Method 1. Visit the United Airlines Website

• Visit the United Airlines website and go to the 'My Trips' section.
• Check your booking details and verify if a correction is needed.
• Call United Airlines customer service to request a minor name correction (e.g., spelling errors, missing/extra letters).
• If your last name change is due to marriage or divorce, submit legal proof (e.g., marriage certificate).
• A name correction fee may apply depending on the type of change.

Method 2: Connect With Live Agent 

If you need to change your last name or make major corrections to your name, you must contact United Airlines directly. When speaking with airline representatives, provide your United Airlines reservation code along with your personal details. If your last name change is due to marriage or divorce, you will need to submit a marriage certificate.

Method 3: At The Airport

Minor name corrections might be handled at the United Airlines ticket counter before your flight, but major changes require prior customer service approval and cannot be processed at the airport.

Method 4: Connecting With a Travel Agent

• If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, you must contact them for any name corrections.
• Airlines cannot make corrections on tickets booked through third-party agencies.
• Be aware that additional service fees may apply based on the travel agent’s policies.

United Airlines Name Correction Policy for MileagePlus Members

As a MileagePlus member, you may have additional options for name corrections. For major changes, supporting documents are required.

Here are the key name-change rules:

• Minor spelling corrections (e.g., Suny to Sunny).
• Last name corrections (e.g., Saam to Sam).
• Title changes (e.g., Mr. to Dr., Mstr. to Mr.).
• Adding or removing a first or middle name (e.g., John Smith to John R. Smith).
• Fixing inverted names (e.g., Sara Roy to Roy Sara).

United Airlines Name Change on Ticket Due to Marriage or Divorce

Need to change your last name on a United Airlines ticket? Here's what you should know:

• United Airlines allows last name corrections for legal reasons like marriage or divorce, but you must provide supporting documents.
• You must contact airline officials to request a last name change.
• Last name changes cannot be made online.
• Before reaching out, have your booking number and personal details ready.
• A United Airlines name change fee will apply.

United Airlines Name Change Fee

Under United Airlines' name change policy, minor spelling corrections may be free, but legal last name changes require a name correction fee. The fee depends on your fare type, route, and booking source. Contact United Airlines to confirm applicable charges. 

How Can I Avoid Name Change Fees on United Airlines?

Want to correct your name without paying a fee? Here's how you can do it: 

• You can change your name for free within the 24-hour risk-free period after booking.
• When making a reservation, enter your full name exactly as it appears on your legal documents.
• Book your ticket directly on United Airlines' official website. 
• Before making a payment, you should double-check your details. 

Conclusion

United Airlines' name change policy allows passengers to correct minor errors easily. If you qualify for the 24-hour risk-free period, you can make changes without paying a name change fee.

However, if you need to change your last name due to marriage or legal reasons, you must contact United Airlines directly and provide the necessary documents.

To avoid name change fees, always double-check your details when booking.

FAQs

1. Does United Airlines Allow Name Changes?

Yes, United Airlines allows name corrections and legal name changes before departure. However, the process and fees depend on the type of correction required.

2. Can I Change My Name After Booking a Flight on United Airlines?

Yes, you can request a name correction after booking. Minor spelling corrections (e.g., Johhn - John) are free, while major changes, such as last name updates due to marriage or legal reasons, require supporting documents and may incur a fee.

3. How much is the name change fee for United Airlines?

The fee depends on the type of correction; minor corrections of up to three characters are free, while major name changes, such as last name updates or corrections exceeding three characters, require a name change fee. Contact United Airlines for exact charges.

4. Can you change names on international flights?

For international flights, minor spelling corrections can be made online. For major corrections, you must contact United Airlines officials for assistance.

5. Does United Airlines allow passengers to change their last name?

Yes, but only for legal reasons such as marriage, divorce, or a legal name change. You must provide supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree) and pay the applicable fee.

6. Can I correct my name without incurring extra charges?

Yes, if it's a minor mistake. To correct your name without additional charges, you must meet specific terms and conditions.

Official Source

• United Airlines Name Change

Source Checked On: 6 March 2025