United Airlines Name Change Policy: Complete Guide 2025
Last Updated: November 2025
Quick Summary: United Airlines Name Change Policy
|
Change Type
|
Allowed?
|
Fee
|
Requirements
|
|
Minor spelling error (1-3
characters)
|
✅ Yes
|
Usually FREE
|
Must match government ID
closely
|
|
Legal name change
(marriage/divorce)
|
✅ Yes
|
FREE
|
Documentation required
(marriage certificate, court order)
|
|
Complete name transfer to
another person
|
❌ No
|
Not allowed
|
Tickets are
non-transferable
|
|
Middle name
addition/removal
|
✅ Yes
|
Usually FREE
|
Must contact customer service
|
|
Same-day airport correction
|
✅ Yes
|
Possible fees
|
Visit ticket counter with
ID
|
|
Changes within 24 hours of
booking
|
✅ Yes
|
FREE
|
Part of 24-hour flexible
booking policy
|
Quick Answer:
United Airlines
allows free minor name corrections (up to 3 characters) and legal name changes
with documentation. However, you cannot transfer your ticket to another person.
The name on your ticket must match your government-issued ID.
Need Immediate Help?
Call [877-297-0699] for
expedited name change assistance and priority United Airlines support.
Understanding United Airlines' Name Change Policy
Booking
a flight is an exciting step toward your travel plans, but what happens when
you realize there's an error in the passenger name on your ticket? Whether it's
a simple typo, a legal name change due to marriage or divorce, or a complete
name mismatch, understanding United Airlines' name change policy can save you
time, money, and stress. This comprehensive guide will walk you through
everything you need to know about changing names on United Airlines tickets in
2025.
United
Airlines, like most major carriers, has specific rules regarding name changes
and name corrections on tickets. The airline distinguishes between minor
corrections and complete name changes, and the process varies depending on the
type of correction needed.
Types of Name Changes and Corrections
Minor Spelling Corrections
: These
involve fixing small spelling errors, typos, or transposition of letters in
your name. For example, "Jhon" instead of "John" or
"Smtih" instead of "Smith." United Airlines typically
allows corrections of up to three characters without charge.
Legal Name Changes
: These apply
when your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, and
you have documentation to prove it. United Airlines accommodates legal name
changes at no additional fee when proper documentation is provided.
Middle Name Changes
: Adding,
removing, or correcting a middle name is generally permitted, though the TSA
primarily focuses on first and last names matching your identification.
Complete Name Transfers
: United
Airlines does not allow you to transfer a ticket from one person to another.
All United Airlines tickets are non-transferable and must be used by the person
whose name appears on the original reservation.
When Can You Change a Name on Your United Airlines Ticket?
Minor Spelling Corrections and Name Fixes
United
Airlines allows minor spelling corrections at no charge if the error is caught
early enough. The airline will correct up to three characters in your first,
middle, or last name if:
The correction
is needed due to a spelling error or typo
The name on
the ticket closely matches the name on your government-issued ID
You contact
United Airlines before your flight departure
The change
doesn't constitute a complete name transfer
Examples
of acceptable minor corrections:
"Robert"
to "Roberto"
"Catherine"
to "Katherine"
"Smyth"
to "Smith"
"Jon"
to "John"
Legal Name Changes After Marriage or Divorce
If
your legal name has changed, United will update your ticket to reflect your new
name provided you submit appropriate documentation, such as:
Marriage
certificate (for name changes after marriage)
Divorce decree
(for reverting to maiden name)
Court order
for legal name change
Updated
passport or driver's license showing new name
Important:
If you're traveling
soon after getting married or divorced, ensure your ID matches the name on your
ticket. Many travelers book tickets in their maiden name if their passport
hasn't been updated yet.
The 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy
United
Airlines offers a 24-hour flexible booking policy that allows you to:
Cancel your
reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund
Make changes
to your reservation, including name corrections, within 24 hours at no
charge
Rebook with
the correct name if you catch the error immediately
This
applies to tickets booked at least seven days before departure and is one of
the best ways to fix a name error without any fees.
What United Airlines Does NOT Allow
Complete ticket transfers
:
You cannot change the entire name to give your ticket to someone else
Major name changes without documentation
: Significant name changes require legal proof
Changes after check-in has been completed
: Once you've checked in for your flight, name changes become
significantly more difficult or impossible
Fraudulent transfers
:
Attempting to transfer tickets violates United's terms and conditions
How to Change Your Name on a United Airlines Ticket:
Step-by-Step Guide
Method 1: Online Through United.com or the Mobile App
Step 1:
Log into your United
account
Visit
United.com or open the United mobile app
Sign in with
your MileagePlus credentials
Navigate to
"My Trips"
Step 2:
Locate your reservation
Enter your
confirmation number and last name
Or find it in
your MileagePlus account under upcoming trips
Step 3:
Check if online changes
are available
Minor
corrections may be available through the "Change/Cancel" option
For more
significant changes, you'll see a prompt to contact customer service
Step 4:
Contact customer service
if needed
If online
changes aren't available, note the option to call or chat
Have your
confirmation number ready
Method 2: Call United Airlines Customer Service
Step 1: Contact United Airlines immediately
As
soon as you notice an error in your name, contact United Airlines. The sooner
you act, the easier the process will be.
United Airlines Customer Service Phone Numbers:
Domestic:
1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331)
International:
1-800-538-2929
MileagePlus:
1-800-421-4655
Hearing
impaired (TTY): 711
International
callers: Check United.com for country-specific numbers
Customer Service Hours:
Available
24/7 for booking and flight support
Best times to
call: Early morning (6-8 AM) or late evening (8-10 PM) for shorter wait
times
Expect longer
wait times during peak travel seasons
Step 2: Provide necessary information
When
contacting United, have the following information ready:
Your
confirmation number or ticket number (13-digit number)
The correct
spelling of your name as it appears on your government-issued ID
Your
MileagePlus number (if applicable)
Documentation
for legal name changes (be ready to email or fax copies)
Credit card
used for booking (for verification purposes)
Step 3: Explain the situation clearly
Be
specific about:
Whether it's
a spelling error, typo, or legal name change
How many
characters need to be changed
When you
discovered the error
Your upcoming
travel dates
Step 4: Pay any applicable fees
Depending
on your ticket type and the nature of the change, you may need to pay a fee.
Minor corrections are typically free, but more significant changes or changes
made close to departure may incur charges.
Step 5: Verify the changes
After
the name change is processed, always verify that your ticket reflects the
correct name:
Check your
email confirmation
Review your
reservation in the United app
Verify your
boarding pass before check-in
Screenshot or
print confirmation for your records
Method 3: Visit United Airlines Ticket Counter at Airport
When to use this method:
Same-day
travel when you notice the error
If phone
lines have long wait times
For complex
situations requiring documentation review
When online
and phone options aren't working
What to bring:
Government-issued
photo ID
Confirmation
number or ticket
Credit card
used for booking
Legal
documentation (if applicable)
Printed email
confirmations
Process:
Arrive at the
airport at least 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours before
domestic
Visit the
United Airlines ticket counter (not the check-in kiosk)
Explain the
situation to the agent
Be prepared
to pay same-day change fees if applicable
Get a new
boarding pass with the corrected name
Method 4: Social Media Customer Service
United
Airlines is active on social media and can assist with name changes:
Twitter/X:
@United (public)
or @UnitedCares (DM for support)
Facebook:
United Airlines
official page
Instagram:
@United
Tips for social media support:
Never share
your full confirmation number publicly
Use direct
messages for personal information
Response
times typically within 30 minutes to a few hours
Good for
non-urgent inquiries or when phone lines are busy
United Airlines Name Change Fees and Costs
Free Name Corrections
The
following name changes are typically processed at no charge:
Potential Fees and Costs
While
United doesn't charge a specific "name change fee" for minor
corrections, you may encounter costs in these situations:
Same-Day Changes at Airport:
May require
same-day change fee: $75-$200 depending on route and fare class
Only if
changing flight or rebooking is involved
Ticket Reissue:
If your ticket
type doesn't allow changes and requires reissuing
Basic
Economy: May need to purchase a new ticket
Economy/Premium:
Fare difference may apply
International Flights:
Stricter
enforcement due to passport requirements
May face visa
and immigration complications
Earlier
correction recommended (at least 72 hours before departure)
Last-Minute Changes:
Within 24
hours of departure: Limited options, higher urgency fees possible
At airport on
travel day: Most expensive option
Fees by Ticket Type
|
Ticket Type
|
Name Change Flexibility
|
Typical Cost
|
|
Basic Economy
|
Very limited, often
requires new purchase
|
$0 for minor typos, full
fare for major changes
|
|
Standard Economy
|
Moderate flexibility
|
$0-$75 for corrections
|
|
Economy Plus
|
More flexible
|
$0-$75 for corrections
|
|
Premium Plus/Business/First
|
Most flexible
|
Usually $0 for any
corrections
|
|
Award Tickets
|
Similar to cash tickets
|
$0 for minor corrections
|
Important TSA and Travel Document Requirements
TSA Secure Flight Requirements
The
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that the name on your
ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID. However, there's some
flexibility:
What TSA Accepts:
Name on
ticket matches your driver's license or passport exactly
Minor
discrepancies like missing middle names are usually acceptable
Suffixes
(Jr., Sr., III) don't always need to match exactly
Use of
nicknames on ID that match ticket (e.g., "Bill" for
"William")
What TSA Does NOT Accept:
Significant
name mismatches between ticket and ID
Wrong gender
markers that don't match identification
Completely
different names
Expired
identification documents
TSA Identification Requirements:
Domestic Travel:
State-issued
driver's license, REAL ID, passport, military ID, or other TSA-approved ID
International Travel:
Valid
passport required
Minors under 18:
Typically
don't need ID for domestic flights but should travel with birth
certificate
Real ID Compliance
As
of May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification is required for domestic air
travel. Ensure your:
Driver's
license has a star in the upper right corner (REAL ID compliant)
Name on your
REAL ID matches your ticket exactly
ID is not
expired
Passport Considerations for International Travel
For
international flights on United Airlines:
Your passport
name must match your ticket exactly
Middle names
should match or be abbreviated consistently
If you've
changed your legal name, update your passport before international travel
Processing a
new passport can take 6-12 weeks (or 2-3 weeks expedited)
Some
countries require at least 6 months of passport validity
Pro Tip:
If you're getting married
or divorced close to international travel, consider:
Keeping your
ticket in your maiden name if your passport isn't updated yet
Expediting
passport name change if time allows
Traveling
with both your marriage certificate and old passport for name verification
Common Scenarios and Solutions
Scenario 1: Bride Traveling After Wedding
Problem:
Sarah booked a honeymoon
flight as "Sarah Johnson" but got married and her passport now says
"Sarah Martinez."
Solution:
Option A:
Travel with marriage certificate, old ID showing maiden name, and new ID
Option B:
Contact United with marriage certificate to change ticket to "Sarah
Martinez" (free)
Option C: If
passport isn't updated yet, keep ticket in maiden name "Sarah
Johnson" and travel with old ID
Scenario 2: Typo Discovered Day Before Flight
Problem:
John booked a ticket but
noticed it says "Jhon Smith" instead of "John Smith" the
day before his flight.
Solution:
Call United
immediately at 1-800-UNITED-1
Explain it's
a one-character spelling error
Request free
correction (should be approved)
If denied,
visit airport ticket counter 3 hours early with ID
Worst case:
Be prepared to purchase new ticket if correction is refused
Scenario 3: Divorced Traveler Reverting to Maiden Name
Problem:
Jennifer's ticket says
"Jennifer Wilson" (married name) but she's divorced and her ID now
shows "Jennifer Taylor" (maiden name).
Solution:
Contact
United with divorce decree
Request free
legal name change to "Jennifer Taylor"
Email or fax
documentation to United
Allow 24-48
hours for processing
Follow up to
confirm change before travel
Scenario 4: Parent Booked Wrong Child's Name
Problem:
Mom booked a ticket for
"Emma Rodriguez" but meant to book it for her other daughter
"Emily Rodriguez."
Solution:
This is a
complete name transfer, which is NOT allowed
Must cancel
original ticket (may lose money depending on ticket type)
Book new
ticket for "Emily Rodriguez"
Consider
travel insurance for future bookings
Check if
24-hour cancellation window still applies for full refund
Scenario 5: Nickname Used Instead of Legal Name
Problem:
Ticket shows "Mike
Anderson" but passport says "Michael Anderson."
Solution:
Contact
United to change "Mike" to "Michael"
Usually
processed as minor correction
Better to use
legal name matching ID on all bookings
For TSA,
"Mike" vs "Michael" is usually acceptable, but
international immigration may be stricter
Special Situations and Considerations
Name Changes Due to Gender Transition
United
Airlines is committed to inclusive travel policies and supports travelers who
are transitioning:
How United Supports Transgender Travelers:
Will work
with you to update name and gender markers on tickets
Respects your
identity and preferred name
Customer
service trained in sensitivity and inclusion
No additional
fees for name updates due to gender transition
What to Do:
Contact
United's customer service and explain your situation
Provide legal
documentation if available (court order for name change)
If
documentation isn't available yet, explain your circumstances
Update your
MileagePlus profile to reflect your identity
Consider TSA
PreCheck with correct name/gender for smoother screening
Important:
Ensure your ID matches
your ticket. If you're in the process of updating legal documents, carry any
available supporting documentation.
MileagePlus Members: Special Considerations
If
you're a United MileagePlus member:
Keep Profile Updated:
Log into your
MileagePlus account regularly
Update name
immediately after any legal changes
Ensure
profile matches your current government ID
Update
contact information for easier customer service
Benefits for Elite Members:
Priority
customer service lines (shorter wait times)
Dedicated
support for Premier members
More
flexibility with ticket changes generally
Better
treatment in difficult situations
Award Ticket Name Changes:
Follow same
rules as paid tickets
Minor
corrections usually free
Legal name
changes require documentation
Cannot
transfer award tickets to another person
Minors and Children Traveling
When
booking tickets for children:
Name Accuracy is Critical:
Use child's
full legal name as it appears on birth certificate
For children
with passports, match passport exactly
Include
middle names if they appear on ID documents
Double-check
spelling before confirming booking
Unaccompanied Minors:
Name accuracy
especially important for security
United's
Unaccompanied Minor service requires exact name match
Parent/guardian
must provide correct legal documentation
Have birth
certificate available at airport
Infants (Under 2):
If traveling
as lap infant, name must still be accurate
Need to be
added to parent's reservation
May need
birth certificate as proof of age
Group Bookings and Family Reservations
If
you've booked tickets for multiple passengers:
One Person Has Name Error:
Each ticket
is individual; can correct one without affecting others
Call United
and reference specific passenger and ticket number
May need to
provide confirmation number for group reservation
Multiple Name Errors:
May need to
contact United's group desk: 1-800-346-4928
Can often
handle multiple corrections in one call
Keep
documentation organized for each passenger
Family Bookings:
Children's
names most commonly misspelled
Parents
should verify all family members' names before final booking
Easier to fix
all errors in one customer service call
Tips for Avoiding United Airlines Name Change Issues
Before You Book
1. Double-Check Every Character:
Take an extra 30 seconds to verify that your name is spelled exactly as it
appears on your government-issued ID before clicking "Purchase."
Check:
First name
spelling and any hyphens
Middle name
(if you're including it)
Last name
spelling and any hyphens or apostrophes
Any suffixes
(Jr., Sr., III, etc.)
Spacing
between names
2. Have Your ID in Front of You:
When booking, physically hold your driver's license or passport and compare it
character by character to what you're typing.
3. Use Your Legal Name, Not Nicknames:
Always book tickets using your full legal name as it appears on
your passport or driver's license. Don't use:
"Bob"
if your ID says "Robert"
"Liz"
if your ID says "Elizabeth"
"Mike"
if your ID says "Michael"
"Katie"
if your ID says "Katherine"
4. Be Consistent Across All Bookings:
If you travel frequently, decide how you'll book (with or without
middle name) and stick to it consistently.
5. Update Your MileagePlus Profile:
If you're a MileagePlus member, ensure your profile contains your
correct legal name. This helps prevent errors when booking flights, as the
system auto-fills from your profile.
After Booking
1. Review Confirmation Email Immediately:
As soon as you receive your booking confirmation:
Check the
passenger name carefully
Verify it
matches your ID exactly
Look for any typos
or spacing issues
Check flight
details are also correct
2. Take Action Within 24 Hours:
If
you spot an error, you're within the 24-hour flexible booking window where
changes are free and easy.
3. Screenshot Your Confirmation:
Keep a screenshot or PDF of your correct confirmation for reference at the
airport.
Life Event Planning
Getting Married:
Book honeymoon
flights in your current legal name if traveling soon after wedding
Wait to change
name on passport until after honeymoon, or
Change
passport quickly (expedited) and then update ticket with marriage
certificate
Many couples
book in maiden name to avoid complications
Getting Divorced:
Update all
travel documents with new name before booking
Keep divorce
decree handy when traveling during transition period
Update
MileagePlus profile immediately after legal name change
Legal Name Change:
Update
passport first (most important travel document)
Then update
driver's license
Then update
MileagePlus profile
Keep court
order accessible for 6-12 months during transitions
Use Booking Tools Wisely
Autofill Warnings:
Browser
autofill can insert wrong names
Always
manually verify auto-filled information
Clear
autofill data if it contains errors
Third-Party Booking Sites:
Be extra
careful with sites like Expedia, Kayak, Priceline
Harder to make
changes through third parties
Often need to
contact both the booking site AND United
Consider
booking directly with United for easier name corrections
What to Do If United Denies Your Name Change Request
If
United Airlines denies your name change request or you encounter difficulties,
you have several options:
Step 1: Ask to Escalate to a Supervisor
Politely
request to speak with a supervisor or manager
Supervisors
often have more authority to approve requests
Explain your
situation calmly and provide documentation
Reference
United's policies on minor corrections
Step 2: Try a Different Customer Service Channel
If phone
support denies you, try Twitter/social media
Visit airport
ticket counter for in-person assistance
Call back and
speak with a different agent (agents may interpret policies differently)
Send email to
United's customer care
Step 3:
Professional Assistance
Contact [877-297-0699] for expert help navigating denied requests. Our specialists have
success resolving complex name change situations.
Step 3: File a Formal Complaint
If
you believe you're being treated unfairly:
Submit
complaint through United.com customer care form
Reference
your confirmation number and explain the situation
Request
review by customer relations team
Allow 7-10
business days for response
Step 4: Consider Your Financial Options
Cancel and Rebook:
Check if
24-hour cancellation window still applies
Calculate if
canceling and rebooking costs less than other options
Review your
ticket type's cancellation policy
Consider if
you have travel insurance that might cover this
Pay for New Ticket:
Sometimes the
fastest solution if traveling soon
Compare cost
of new ticket vs. potential fees
Cancel
original ticket if possible to recoup some costs
Use Travel Insurance:
Review if
your travel insurance covers name change issues
Some credit
cards offer travel protection
File claim if
applicable with documentation
Step 5: Know Your Rights
Under DOT
rules, airlines must inform you of policies
You have
right to clear explanation of why change was denied
Document all
interactions (names, times, reference numbers)
File DOT
complaint if you believe airline violated regulations:
aviation.consumerprotection.gov
Step 6: Travel with Documentation
If
you cannot change the ticket but must travel:
Bring legal
documentation explaining name discrepancy
Arrive at
airport extra early (3+ hours)
Ask to speak
with airline manager at check-in
Have
supervisor contact information from previous calls
Be prepared
that you may not be able to board
Comparing United Airlines to Other Major Carriers
Understanding
how United's name change policy compares to competitors:
|
Airline
|
Minor Corrections
|
Fee
|
Legal Name Changes
|
Ticket Transfers
|
|
United Airlines
|
Up to 3 characters
|
Usually FREE
|
Allowed with docs
|
Not allowed
|
|
American Airlines
|
Up to 3 characters
|
Usually FREE
|
Allowed with docs
|
Not allowed
|
|
Delta Air Lines
|
Minor errors
|
Usually FREE
|
Allowed with docs
|
Not allowed
|
|
Southwest Airlines
|
Same-day only
|
FREE
|
Allowed with docs
|
Not allowed
|
|
JetBlue
|
Minor errors
|
FREE
|
Allowed with docs
|
Not allowed
|
Key Takeaway:
United's policy is
similar to other major U.S. carriers. All airlines allow minor corrections free
of charge but prohibit ticket transfers.
Mobile App Guide: Making Name Changes Through United App
The
United mobile app offers convenient access to your reservations:
Step-by-Step App Process
1. Open United App:
Download from
App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
Sign in with
MileagePlus credentials
2. Navigate to "My Trips":
Tap bottom
menu bar
Select
"My Trips" icon
View upcoming
reservations
3. Select Your Flight:
Tap on the
reservation with the name error
View trip
details
4. Check for Edit Options:
Look for
"Change/Cancel" or "Modify" buttons
Some minor
corrections may be available directly in app
More
significant changes will prompt you to call
5. Contact Support via App:
Use in-app
chat feature for customer service
Tap
"Help" or "Support"
Explain name
correction needed
Agent can
assist directly through chat
6. Verify Changes:
Check that
name appears correctly in app
Screenshot
confirmation
Verify
boarding pass before check-in
Frequently Asked Questions About United Airlines Name
Changes
Q: Can I change the name on my United Airlines ticket to someone
else?
A:
No, United Airlines tickets are completely non-transferable. You cannot change
the name on a ticket to transfer it to another person, even for a fee. If you
cannot use your ticket, you may be able to cancel and receive a credit for
future travel (depending on your ticket type), but you cannot give the ticket
to someone else.
Q: How much does it cost to correct a misspelled name on United?
A:
Minor spelling corrections (typically 3 characters or fewer) are usually
processed at no charge if caught early enough. Legal name changes with proper
documentation are also typically free. However, if the change requires
reissuing your ticket or if you're making changes close to departure, fees may
apply ranging from $75-$200 or more.
Q: Can I change my name online on United.com?
A:
Minor corrections may be possible through your MileagePlus account under
"My Trips," but most name changes require calling United's customer
service at 1-800-UNITED-1 or visiting an airport ticket counter. The online
system has limited capability for name modifications.
Q: What if my name doesn't match my ID exactly?
A:
The name on your ticket must match your government-issued ID. Small
discrepancies like a missing middle name or suffix (Jr., Sr.) are usually
acceptable for domestic travel. However, significant differences will prevent
you from boarding. Contact United immediately if there's a mismatch. For
international travel, your ticket must match your passport exactly.
Q: Do I need to change my name on my return flight too?
A:
Yes, if you have a round-trip ticket or multi-city itinerary, the name change
should automatically apply to all segments of your journey. Always verify that
the correction appears on all flight legs by checking each segment in your
confirmation.
Q: How long does it take United to process a name change?
A:
Minor corrections made by phone are usually processed immediately during your
call. Legal name changes requiring documentation review may take 24-48 hours.
Changes made through social media or email may take several hours to a few
days. Always allow extra time and follow up to confirm the change was
completed.
Q: What happens if I show up to the airport with the wrong name on
my ticket?
A:
If your ticket name doesn't match your ID, TSA and United agents may not allow
you to board. You should:
Arrive at
least 3 hours early
Go directly
to United ticket counter (not self-service kiosk)
Bring your ID
and any legal documentation
Be prepared
to pay same-day change fees or potentially purchase a new ticket
In some
cases, the airline may deny boarding entirely
Q: Can I fix a name error after I've checked in?
A:
Name changes become much more difficult after check-in. You would need to:
Un-check-in
from your flight (contact United to do this)
Process the
name change
Check in
again with corrected name
This should
be done well before your flight, not at the last minute
Q: Can a travel agent help me change my name on a United ticket?
A: Yes! Travel
agencies like ours can expedite the process. Call [877-297-0699] for
professional assistance with name corrections, documentation guidance, and
direct airline connections.
Q: Does United charge differently for domestic vs. international
name changes?
A:
The basic policy is the same (minor corrections are free, legal changes require
documentation), but international flights have stricter enforcement because
passport information must be transmitted to destination countries.
International name changes should be completed at least 72 hours before
departure when possible.
Q: What if I used a different name when booking (like my nickname)?
A:
If your ticket shows a nickname but your ID shows your legal name (e.g.,
"Bill" vs "William"), contact United to change it to match
your ID exactly. While TSA may accept minor variations for domestic travel,
it's better to have exact matches. This is usually processed as a minor
correction.
Q: Can I change my name after using part of a round-trip ticket?
A:
If you've already completed the outbound flight and need to change your name
for the return flight, contact United immediately. They can often correct it
for the remaining segments. However, if the name was wrong on your outbound
flight and you were allowed to board, there may be less urgency, but you should
still correct it for your return.
Q: Will travel insurance cover name change fees?
A:
Most standard travel insurance policies do NOT cover name correction fees
because they're considered booking errors rather than covered events (like
illness or weather). However, some premium travel credit cards or comprehensive
insurance plans may offer coverage. Always check your specific policy.
Q: What documentation does United accept for legal name changes?
A:
United accepts:
Marriage
certificate (official certified copy)
Divorce
decree
Court order
for legal name change
Updated
passport showing new name
Updated
driver's license (may be used in conjunction with other documents)
You'll
typically need to email or fax these documents to United's customer service.
Q: Can I make a name change for a flight booked with United miles?
A:
Yes, award tickets booked with MileagePlus miles follow the same name change
policies as paid tickets. Minor corrections are typically free, legal name
changes require documentation, and tickets cannot be transferred to another
person.
Q: What if I have a hyphenated last name and it wasn't entered
correctly?
A:
Hyphenated names often cause booking errors. Contact United to correct the
spelling and ensure the hyphen is included properly. This is usually treated as
a minor correction. Make sure your ID also shows the hyphen in the same
position.
Q: Is there a deadline for making name corrections before my
flight?
A:
While there's no official cutoff, you should make corrections as early as
possible:
7+ days
before: Most flexibility, easiest corrections
3-7 days
before: Still manageable, call customer service
1-3 days
before: More urgent, may face restrictions
Day of
travel: Very limited options, go to airport ticket counter immediately
Q: Can United fix my name if I booked through a third-party site
like Expedia?
A:
If you booked through a third-party website, you typically need to contact that
site first to request the name change. The third party will then work with
United. This process takes longer and can be more complicated. In urgent cases,
call both the third-party site AND United for faster resolution.
Contact Information and Resources
United Airlines Customer Service
Primary Contact Numbers:
Main Customer
Service: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331)
International:
1-800-538-2929
MileagePlus
Service: 1-800-421-4655
Hearing Impaired
(TTY): 711
Group Travel
Desk: 1-800-346-4928
Corporate
Travel: 1-800-521-4041
Hours:
24/7 for reservations and
flight support
T
ravel Agency Support Services for (no waiting
time)
[Airline
Consolidated Desk]** Phone: [877-297-0699] Services: Name change
assistance, documentation review, priority airline connections Available: [24/7]
Online Resources:
Mobile App:
Download from App Store or Google Play
Customer Care
Form: united.com/contact
Chat Support:
Available through website and app
Social Media Support:
Twitter:
@United (public) or @UnitedCares (DM support)
Facebook:
facebook.com/United
Instagram:
@United
Mailing Address for Documentation:
United Airlines Customer Care P.O. Box 66100 Chicago, IL 60666
TSA Resources
TSA Contact
Center: 1-866-289-9673
TSA Cares
(Travelers with disabilities): 1-855-787-2227
Real ID
Information: tsa.gov/real-id
Department of Transportation
DOT Aviation
Consumer Protection: aviation.consumerprotection.gov
File
Complaint: 202-366-2220
Air Travel Consumer
Report: available at transportation.gov
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for United Airlines Name Changes
Understanding
United Airlines' name change and correction policy can save you time, stress,
and money. Here are the most important points to remember:
Essential Points to Remember:
Act Quickly:
The sooner you
notice and report a name error, the easier and cheaper it will be to fix.
Don't wait until the day of travel.
Minor Corrections Are Usually Free:
United allows corrections of up to 3 characters at no charge
for simple spelling errors or typos.
Legal Name Changes Require Documentation:
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order,
United will update your ticket for free with proper documentation.
Tickets Are Non-Transferable:
You cannot change the name on your ticket to give it to another person
under any circumstances.
24-Hour Flexibility:
Use
United's 24-hour flexible booking policy to make free corrections
immediately after booking.
Match Your ID:
Your ticket
name must match your government-issued ID (driver's license for domestic,
passport for international) for TSA and boarding.
MileagePlus Profile:
Keep
your MileagePlus profile updated with your current legal name to prevent
errors when booking.
International Travel:
Name
requirements are stricter for international flights. Ensure your passport
name matches your ticket exactly.
Contact Multiple Channels:
If
one customer service channel denies your request, try calling back, using
social media, or visiting an airport ticket counter.
Prevention Is Best:
Always
double-check your name spelling before completing your booking. Take an
extra 30 seconds to verify against your ID.
Final Recommendations:
Before You Travel:
Verify your
name on ticket matches your ID exactly
Check all
flight segments if you have connections
Save
confirmation emails and screenshots
Update your
MileagePlus profile after any legal name changes
Consider Real
ID compliance for domestic travel after May 2025
If You Need to Make a Change:
Contact
United as soon as you notice the error
Have your
confirmation number and ID ready
Be patient
and polite with customer service agents
Document all
interactions (agent names, reference numbers, times)
Follow up to
confirm changes were processed correctly
For Future Bookings:
Always use
your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID
Never use
nicknames when booking flights
Have your ID
physically in front of you when entering passenger information
Review
confirmation emails immediately after booking
Book directly
with United when possible for easier modifications
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌
Don't wait until the day of
travel to fix name errors ❌ Don't assume small
differences won't matter ❌ Don't book tickets in a
nickname or preferred name that doesn't match your ID ❌ Don't try to transfer your ticket to another person
❌ Don't book travel immediately
after a legal name change without updating documents first ❌ Don't ignore the 24-hour flexible booking window
✅
Do verify spelling character by
character before booking ✅ Do contact United
immediately when you notice an error ✅ Do keep documentation
for legal name changes ✅ Do update your passport
before international travel after name changes ✅ Do arrive early at the airport if you have any name
concerns ✅ Do keep your MileagePlus
profile current
When in Doubt:
If
you're unsure whether your ticket name will cause issues:
Call United
Airlines customer service at 1-800-UNITED-1 for clarification
Arrive at the
airport extra early (3 hours for international, 2 hours for domestic)
Bring
multiple forms of ID and any legal documentation
Visit the
ticket counter rather than using self-service kiosks
Be prepared
with supervisor contact information from previous calls
Planning Ahead for Life Events:
Getting Married Soon?
Book
honeymoon flights in your current legal name if traveling within 3 months
of wedding
Plan passport
name change timeline (allow 6-12 weeks)
Keep marriage
certificate accessible for travel during name transition
Update all
travel documents in the same order: passport first, then license, then
tickets
Recently Divorced?
Update
passport to maiden name or new legal name
Update
driver's license
Update
MileagePlus profile
Keep divorce
decree handy for any existing bookings
Allow 2-3
months for all document updates before booking travel
Changing Name for Other Reasons?
Complete
legal name change process first
Update
government IDs before booking flights
Keep court
order documentation for at least one year
Inform United
customer service proactively about your situation
The Bottom Line:
United
Airlines' name change policy balances passenger needs with security
requirements. While the airline is generally accommodating for honest mistakes
and legal name changes, the key to a smooth experience is attention to detail
when booking and quick action when errors occur.
Most
name issues can be resolved for free or minimal cost if you:
Catch the
error early
Communicate
clearly with United
Provide
necessary documentation
Follow the
proper procedures outlined in this guide
Remember:
The name on your ticket doesn't have to be perfect, but it must be close enough
that TSA and United agents can verify it matches your identification. When in
doubt, err on the side of caution and contact United for guidance.
Additional Resources:
For
the most current information, always check:
Need More Help?
If
this guide didn't answer your specific question:
Call United
customer service at 1-800-UNITED-1
Visit
united.com/contact for additional support options
Tweet
@UnitedCares for social media assistance
Visit your
nearest United Airlines ticket counter
File a
detailed inquiry through the United mobile app
Safe
travels, and may all your future bookings be error-free!
Disclaimer:
This is an independent
guide created to help travelers understand United Airlines' name change
policies. This is not an official United Airlines publication. For official
policy information, please visit united.com or contact United Airlines
directly.