✈️ United Airlines Name Change Policy (2026 Guide) ✈️
Booked a United Airlines ticket with a name mistake? Don’t panic! Here’s what travelers should know 👇
✅ Minor corrections allowed – Fix spelling errors, initials, or small typos
📄 Legal name changes accepted – Marriage, divorce, or court-ordered changes with documents
❌ Ticket transfers not allowed – You can’t change the passenger name to someone else
⏰ Act early – Changes within 24 hours are usually free; fees may apply later
📞 Easy request options – Online, by phone, or at the airport
👉 Always make sure your ticket name matches your passport or ID before flying to avoid issues at check-in.
For the full breakdown and smart travel tips, check the guide on Siyatra.com — your go-to source for cheap flights and airline policies 🌍✈️
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Understanding United Airlines name change policy can save you significant time and money when correcting ticket information. Here are the essential points every traveler should know:
- Act within 24 hours for free changes - Minor corrections made within 24 hours of booking are typically free, avoiding fees that range from $75-$400 later.
- Minor vs major changes have different requirements - Simple spelling errors need no documentation, while legal name changes require marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders.
- Three correction methods available - Change names online via My Trips, call customer service at 1-800-UNITED-1, or (888) 635-5228 visit airport help desks at least 2 hours before departure.
- MileagePlus members need separate profile updates - Account name changes take up to two weeks to process and require matching government-issued ID documentation.
- • No changes allowed after check-in - All name corrections must be completed before the check-in process begins, emphasizing the importance of early verification.
The key to avoiding complications is double-checking all passenger details during initial booking and understanding that United allows only one ticket reissue per reservation. For urgent situations or complex changes, phone support often provides the most personalized assistance and fastest resolution.
In this guide, you'll learn everything about united airlines name change fees, correction policies, and the exact steps to update your ticket information correctly.
Understanding United Airlines Name Change Policy
Understanding United Airlines' name change policy requires familiarizing yourself with specific rules and procedures. The airline allows certain modifications to passenger names on tickets, although with notable restrictions and requirements.
Who can request a name change?
United Airlines permits name change requests for all passengers regardless of fare type, travel class, or trip type. These requests must meet several important criteria:
- The flight must be operated by United Airlines, and name corrections can only be requested for United segments
- Passengers must make the request at least two hours before departure time
- Only a single ticket reissue is allowed for name alterations on United flights
- MileagePlus members can also update their account information to match their government ID
For domestic and international flights, anyone with a United Airlines ticket can request name corrections, though specific rules may vary by destination.
What types of United Airlines name changes are allowed?
United Airlines categorizes name changes into three main types, each with different requirements:
Minor Corrections (No supporting documents needed):
- Spelling corrections of passenger names
- Corrections to last name spelling
- Changing between nickname and formal name
- Adding or removing a middle initial
- Minor alterations to first and last names
Major Name Changes (Supporting documents required):
- Complete changes to first and last name
- Adding a full middle name on the ticket
- Name changes due to marriage or divorce
- Legal name changes reflected on passport
Affidavit-Based Changes: If you lack formal documentation, United allows using a notarized name change affidavit along with a photo ID copy. Additionally, the airline may accept:
- Marriage license
- Divorce decree
- Legal name change documents
- Government IDs showing both old and new information
United Airlines reserves the right to require written legal documentation for any name change request, including marital status changes, titles, hyphenated names, and misspelled names.
Is United Airlines name change allowed after check-in?
No, passengers cannot request name alterations after completing the check-in procedure. This restriction exists primarily for security reasons – names on tickets must match the passenger's government-issued ID for boarding.
Nevertheless, if you discover a misspelled name on your United Airlines boarding pass at the airport, you should:
- Immediately inform United Airlines customer service or gate agents
- Present official identification documents showing your correct name
- Remain courteous during the interaction to expedite resolution
For flights departing in less than 24 hours, you can still correct your name, though fees may apply along with any fare difference.
If your wrong name condition doesn't fall into any of the permitted categories, you may need to cancel your United flight and rebook entirely. This situation emphasizes the importance of double-checking all passenger information during the initial booking process.
Remember that United Airlines' name change policy exists to balance customer convenience with security requirements. While minor corrections are relatively straightforward, major changes demand proper documentation to verify the passenger's identity.
Required Documents for United Airlines Name Correction
Submitting proper documentation forms the cornerstone of any successful name change request with United Airlines. When preparing for a name correction, gathering the right supporting documents beforehand saves time and prevents unnecessary complications.
Government-issued ID
When requesting any name change with United Airlines, a government-authorized photo identification serves as the foundation of your application. This essential document verifies your identity and establishes a baseline for comparison.
Valid government IDs accepted by United Airlines include:
- Current passport
- Driver's license
- State-issued identification card
- Military ID
For MileagePlus members, your account information must match your government-issued ID precisely. This alignment ensures compliance with TSA requirements and helps you receive all your miles and Premier® benefits.
Furthermore, when submitting a name change request, you'll need to provide both old and new identification documents if available. This verification process helps United establish your identity across both names.
Marriage or divorce certificate
Life changes often necessitate name updates on travel documents. For passengers who need to change their last name following marriage or divorce, United Airlines requires specific legal documentation.
When submitting a name change due to marital status:
- For name changes after marriage, submit your marriage certificate
- Following a divorce, provide your divorce decree showing the name change
- Ensure all documents are legible copies of the originals
The marriage certificate or divorce decree must clearly indicate both your previous name and newly adopted name. Subsequently, these documents establish the legal basis for your name change request with United Airlines.
Processing time for these documents varies. Consequently, it's advisable to submit your request as soon as your legal name change occurs, especially if you have upcoming travel plans.
Court order or legal affidavit
For name changes beyond marriage or divorce situations, United Airlines typically requires additional documentation to verify the legitimacy of your request.
Acceptable legal documentation includes:
- Court order specifying your legal name change
- Legal name change document from appropriate government authority
- Notarized name change affidavit (if other documents are unavailable)
Specifically, the court order must clearly state your former and current legal names. In cases of gender change or other significant identity modifications, the airline follows similar documentation protocols.
Unable to provide standard documentation? United Airlines offers an alternative path. In such cases, you may submit a notarized name change affidavit along with a photo ID copy. This accommodation provides flexibility while maintaining security standards.
