United Airlines Name Change Policy

United Airlines Name Change: When you're preparing for a trip, the last thing you want to see on your boarding pass is a misspelled name. Whether it’s a simple typo like "Jonathon" instead of "Jonathan" or a major update due to a recent marriage, navigating the United Airlines Name Change Policy is the first step to ensuring you aren't stuck at the security gate.

United Airlines has refined its digital tools to make these fixes easier, but there are still strict boundaries between a "correction" and a "change." Here is everything you need to know about the rules, fees, and documentation required to get your ticket in sync with your ID.

The Core Rule: Correction vs. Change

Before you dive into the settings of your reservation, it is vital to understand United’s terminology.

Name Corrections

A correction is a modification to the name of the same person already on the ticket. This includes:

Fixing typos or misspellings (e.g., "Smyth" to "Smith").
Adding or removing a middle name or initial.
Fixing inverted first and last names.
Adjusting titles or prefixes (Mr., Mrs., Dr.).

Name Changes

A name change typically refers to a legal update—such as a surname change after marriage or divorce.

Important: United Airlines does not allow you to transfer your ticket to a different person. You cannot sell your ticket or give it to a friend by changing the name. If the passenger is changing entirely, you must cancel and rebook.

Minor Spelling Fixes: The Quick Typos

We've all been there—your thumb slips while booking on a mobile app and suddenly you're "David Smth." For minor typos (usually defined as three characters or fewer), the United Airlines Name Change Policy is quite forgiving.

How to Fix Typos

Most minor spelling errors can be fixed by calling United's customer service or visiting a ticketing counter. While some minor edits can be found in the "Manage Trips" section of the website, many travelers find that a quick call to an agent is more reliable to ensure the ticket is reissued correctly.

Fee: Usually $0 for minor typos if the identity of the passenger is clearly the same.
Timeline: Try to do this as soon as you notice the error. If you wait until the day of departure, it can cause significant delays at the check-in desk.

Legal Name Changes: Marriage and Divorce

Life happens between the time you book a flight and the day you take off. If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, United will update your ticket to match your new government-issued ID.

Required Documentation

For legal updates, you cannot simply tell the agent your new name. You will need to provide "bridging" documents that link your old name to your new one:

A marriage certificate.
A divorce decree.
A formal court order for a name change.
A valid passport or government ID reflecting the new name.

United Airlines Name Change Fees

The cost of a name update depends on the complexity of the change and the type of ticket you hold.

Type of Change	Typical Fee (Approx.)	Note
Minor Typo (1-3 letters)	$0	Usually free via phone.
Legal Change (Marriage)	$0 - $75	Often free if documentation is provided early.
Major Correction / Reissue	$75 - $200	May apply if a ticket needs to be completely re-issued.
Fare Difference	Varies	If the ticket must be rebooked, you pay the current price.

Steps to Request a Name Change

If you need to make a change, follow these steps to ensure it’s processed correctly:

1. Use the Website First

Log in to United.com and go to "My Trips." If the edit is minor, the system may allow you to "Edit Traveler Information" directly.

2. Contact Customer Service

For legal changes or if the website won't let you edit, call United Reservations. Be ready with your Confirmation Number (a 6-digit alphanumeric code).

3. Update Your MileagePlus Profile

If you are a frequent flyer, don't forget to update your MileagePlus account. If your account name doesn't match your ticket, you won't earn those valuable miles for the trip. You can upload documents directly to your profile under "About Me" > "Edit Personal Information."

A-List Tips for Name Changes

The 24-Hour Rule: If you catch a mistake within 24 hours of booking, it is often easier to cancel the flight for a full refund and simply rebook with the correct name.
International Travel: Be twice as careful. While domestic TSA agents might occasionally overlook a missing middle name, international immigration officers are far stricter.
Affidavits: If you don't have a marriage or divorce decree handy, United sometimes accepts a notarized Name Affidavit where you swear that you are the person named on the original ticket.

Summary

The United Airlines Name Change Policy is built around security. As long as you are the same person and have the documents to prove it, they are generally very helpful in getting your ticket sorted. Act early, keep your paperwork ready, and you'll be through the gate without a second thought.