Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Rick Spiegel
While booking the flight, passengers often make mistakes with a different date and time. But an error with their name would be a blunder. Not to worry! United Airlines Name Change policy has your back. The airlines allow passengers to change some of the characters of their names. Therefore, before making any changes, go through the basic procedures and conditions of the airline. If a passenger is marrying or divorcing, they can change the name on their tickets with certain specifications, and a separate fee is also applicable.
Limitations of United Airlines Name Change Policy
United Airlines allows a passenger to change the spelling of their name if it is misspelled while booking the flight. Therefore, the airline does not require a document for the following mistakes:
- To correct the spelling.
- Correction in the contact number of the passenger.
- Change a nickname to a name or vice versa.
- Make corrections in the title.
- Add or remove the middle name.
- To correct last and first names backward.
Some of the restrictions of name change in United Airlines
- Name changes can only happen if United Airlines operates the flight.
- The airline does not charge an additional fee for the re-issuance of a new ticket after changing the passenger’s name.
- A certain name change fee is applicable for any changes in a name for the booking.
- According to the name change policy, travelers cannot change the date, time, or service class.
- While requesting a name change, the airline will not allow to correct the passenger’s gender or date of birth.
- United Airlines allows making any modifications once in the booking.
- Minor changes are allowed for a name change only due to mistakes while booking the flight.
- Passengers must save the booking class as per the ticket, or the flight must be booked again in the lowest fare class as per availability.
Documents that are Required for Essential Name Change
There are significant name changes that require legal documentation for the name change procedure. Some of the following documents can help:
- Divorce Agreement
- Marriage certificate
- A government-issued document with the passenger’s old and new name.
Middle names are not required for travel, and there is no need to add them to the booking. Hence, for flights departing or landing in the US or an international destination, middle names can be added to save the flight information while completing online check-in 24 hours before departure. Passengers should check twice with their passport or government-issued ID that the name matches with new changes.
Types of Name Change Requests on United Airlines Tickets
There are three types of name changes passengers can make on United Airlines. The airlines ensure all the procedures are done correctly, so passengers should not suffer while traveling.
Alteration to a minor name mistake
The passengers can change their name on booking if there is a minor mistake without the need for legal documents. Some of the primary name change options:
- When there are a few changes in the surname.
- If there is a slight change in first name spelling.
- Change the first or middle name or remove one.
- Rectifying the prefix or title on the ticket.
Significant changes to the original name
In instances like divorce or marriage, passengers must share their new name. The details they provide will get adjusted accordingly. Compared to minor name changes, significant changes are more complicated. In this scenario, the following are the mandatory documents that one should keep ready:
- Marriage certificate.
- Divorce papers copies.
- Court orders.
- For both conditions, passengers must present a photo ID including new and old details.
Affidavit with a substitute name
United Airlines policy states that if passengers cannot show the mentioned papers for any reason, they can create an affidavit as an alternative option. Hence, this document will act as proof while changing the name. It is also helpful to generate a copy of your photo ID.
United Airlines Name Change Policy for Mileage Plus Account/Members
When you are a mileage-plus member of United Airlines, this is quite easy to correct the name on your ticket. You can change the name without submitting any supporting documents. You just need to make sure that your name on the mileage plus account is the same as it is on your government-issued ID to comply with the TSA-secured flight program.
Remember to fill in the correct information on your mileage plus account and upload the right supporting documents with your account. The name change may take two weeks to proceed. So, have patience. If you want any future modifications to your account, you need to contact the mileage plus service center. You can call the United Airlines customer care center to change the name.
Methods for Name Change on United Airlines Tickets
There are various methods by which passengers can change their name for their booking. United Airlines are available for any queries.
Online Method to Change Name on United Airlines Booking
Here are the quick steps to change the name through the official website or the app.
- Go to the official website of United Airlines.
- After that, select the Manage My Trips option.
- Now, access the flight details by entering the confirmation number and last name. It can also be done by entering the MileagePlus number.
- Select the ‘Flight Edit’ tab and choose the ‘Name change’ option.
- According to the ticket eligibility, passengers will be eligible to make name corrections.
- Make the necessary corrections in the next step. Ensure that corrections are according to the United Airlines Name change policy.
- Also, submit legal proof in case of corrections due to marriage or divorce.
- After that, pay the name correction fees.
- Now, reprint your ticket with a modified name.
Chat with an agent
Passengers can chat with a representative 24/7 through the official website or mobile app. Travelers can request to make name corrections on their behalf. The airline representative will ask for valid ID proof. By sharing the details and paying the change fees (if any), one can edit their names quickly.
Sending an Email
Another way to make name corrections is by sending a request over an e-mail. Passengers can email the airlines and mention the flight number and date of travel in the subject. The airlines will quickly respond to your mail and will execute the process as per your ticket eligibility.
Over a Phone
Passengers can contact the United Airlines helpline number for a name change process.
- They can call on 1-800-864-8331.
- After that, press 3 to choose the ‘Existing reservation’ option.
- Follow the IVR instructions to get in touch with the airline’s executive.
- After getting in touch with the executive, share the flight details and request them to make the necessary corrections.
- The executive will make the necessary corrections on the traveler’s behalf.
United Airlines Name Change Fee
The passengers are liable to pay the airlines an additional name change fee. If there is a change of a few letters in a name, United Airlines also charges a fee for a name change because of marriage or divorce.
- There is a fee of $75 for passengers who request a name change within 24 hours of booking.
- Though a fee between $100-200 will be charged each way if the name changes request is made after 24 hours of booking.
Does United Airlines Allow to Transfer of the Ticket to Another Person?
Transferring a ticket to another account is not that easy. United Airlines does not permit its passenger to transfer their ticket to another account under its name change policy. This is due to the safety purpose of passengers. If you need to transfer your ticket, you must have purchased the transferable ticket from United Airlines. These flight tickets are more costly than others. so, if there is any chance that you may have transferred your ticket to another, remember to book the transferable ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What are the fees charged for a name change on United Airlines?
There is a fee of $75 for passengers who request a name change within 24 hours of booking. And a cost between $100-200 will be charged each way if the name changes request is made after 24 hours of booking.
What are the conditions for a name change on a United Airlines ticket?
There are some conditions while changing the name with United Airlines.
- Name changes can only happen if United Airlines operates the flight.
- A certain name change fee is applicable for any changes in a name for the booking.
- United Airlines will not change the date, time, or service class
- While requesting a name change, the airline will not correct the passenger’s gender or date of birth.
What if I put my middle name on my ticket to United Airlines?
Passengers can put their middle name on the ticket. However, the airline won’t stop you from boarding the flight as long as the first and last names are the same as on the passport or government-issued photo ID.
How to request a name change on United flights?
Passengers can change their names through online and offline methods. In the online process, one can chat or email the airline or visit the official website to make the changes. In the offline process, they can call the customer care number to make the changes.
Does United Airlines allow name changes for international tickets?
Passengers can change their names irrespective of the travel class, fare type, and destination selected. However, the names can be changed at least two hours before departure.
How to change the misspelled name on United Airlines?
If the passenger notices the spelling mistake within 24 hours of booking, then they can make modifications for free. They can also cancel the booking, receive the total refund, and rebook the tickets with the correct name. However, after 24 hours, passengers can contact the airline and make the changes by paying a name change fee.
What modifications are allowed without documents for name change in United Airlines?
The airlines allow some minor changes in name without seeing the documents of the passengers:
- To correct the spelling
- Correction in the contact number of the passenger
- Make corrections in the title
- Add or remove the middle name
What are the legal documents required during a name change?
Passengers will need legal documents for major name changes. Some of the necessary documents are:
- Divorce Agreement
- Marriage certificate
- A government-issued document with the passenger’s old and new name.
How can I change my name via phone call with United Airlines?
Passengers can call the customer care number of the airline. An executive will guide them to make changes to the name. Passengers must provide the booking number and correct spelling and submit documents if required. Moreover, the executive will ask them about the name change fee. Over the completion of the transaction, they will receive a confirmation mail for the same.
How does an affidavit work in a name change in United Airlines?
If passengers cannot show the mentioned papers for any reason, they can create an affidavit as an alternative option. Hence, this document will be proof when changing the name. It is also helpful to generate a copy of your photo ID.
