Mistakes can happen even when booking flights. One of the most common errors travelers’ faces is a misspelled name on an airline ticket. If you’ve booked a flight with Delta Air Lines and noticed a typo in your name, don’t panic. While airline security regulations are strict, Delta has a clear and structured name correction policy that allows passengers to fix minor spelling errors and ensure their travel documents match their government-issued IDs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about correcting a misspelled name on a Delta ticket including fees, eligibility, steps to follow, and what to avoid.
Why Name Accuracy Matters on Airline Tickets
Before diving into Delta’s correction process, it’s crucial to understand why having your correct name on your ticket is so important:
- TSA and International Travel Regulations:
Security agencies like the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) require that the name on your boarding pass exactly matches the name on your government-issued ID or passport. - Immigration and Customs Requirements:
When traveling internationally, a name mismatch even a missing letter or reversed order can cause you to be denied boarding or detained during immigration. - Airline Ticket Validity:
Most airline tickets are non-transferable, meaning you can’t just give your ticket to someone else or change it to another name. That’s why even small corrections must be handled by the airline.
Delta Air Lines Name Correction Policy Overview
Delta Air Lines allows customers to correct minor errors or misspellings in the name on a ticket under specific conditions. Here are the basics:
- Corrections are allowed only for minor mistakes, such as typos or missing characters.
- Changing the full name or transferring the ticket to another person is not allowed.
- Only one reissue is allowed per ticket for name correction purposes.
Delta has a dedicated name correction policy that applies to both direct Delta bookings and tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party websites. However, the process may vary depending on the booking source.
What Counts as a “Misspelled Name” for Delta?
Delta allows you to correct minor errors, such as:
- A spelling mistake (e.g., “Jonh” instead of “John”)
- Missing or extra letters (e.g., “Smiht” instead of “Smith”)
- Reversed name order (e.g., “Doe John” instead of “John Doe”)
- Middle name or initial changes (adding, removing, or correcting)
- Name suffixes or prefixes (e.g., Jr., Sr., Dr.)
Important: Delta does not allow name changes that involve replacing the passenger with someone else. A name correction is only for fixing errors not switching passengers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting a Misspelled Name on Delta Air Lines
Here’s how you can fix a typo on your Delta ticket:
Step 1: Review Your Ticket and ID
Double-check your Delta booking confirmation, boarding pass, and your government-issued photo ID or passport. Identify exactly what the mismatch is.
Make sure the name on your ticket must match your ID exactly, including spelling, middle name/initial, and any suffix.
Step 2: Determine Where You Booked
How you correct the name depends on where you booked the flight:
- Directly through Delta (website, app, phone)
You can contact Delta customer service or log in to your account to make corrections. - Through a third-party website (Expedia, Priceline, etc.)
You’ll need to contact the travel agency or website where you made the booking. Delta may not be able to assist directly in this case. - Through a travel agent
Your travel agent must process the correction via their Global Distribution System (GDS). They may follow Delta’s name correction procedures for agencies.
Step 3: Contact Delta Air Lines
If you booked directly through Delta, use one of the following methods:
Option 1: Call Delta Customer Service
You can speak directly with a Delta representative at:
Delta Reservations: 1-800-221-1212
(Available 24/7)
Explain the mistake and provide your ticket number, confirmation code, and correct spelling.
Option 2: Use Delta’s Website or Mobile App
Some name corrections can be made online by logging into “My Trips” on Delta’s website or app.
- Visit www.delta.com
- Go to “My Trips”
- Enter your confirmation code and last name
- Select your flight and look for “Edit Passenger Info” (if available)
What Documents Do You Need for a Name Correction?
When requesting a correction, it’s helpful to have:
- Your government-issued ID or passport
- The original booking confirmation
- Proof of the correct name (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable)
- Delta ticket or e-ticket number
In some cases, Delta may ask for documentation, especially if the correction is significant (e.g., adding or removing a middle name).
Delta Charge a Fee for Name Corrections?
Domestic Flights
Delta usually does not charge a fee for correcting minor spelling errors on domestic tickets, as long as the correction falls within their policy.
International Flights
For international bookings, Delta may charge a name correction fee, especially if the correction requires the ticket to be reissued. This fee typically ranges from:
- $75 to $150 USD, depending on the fare rules and route.
- Fare difference may apply if the original fare class is no longer available.
Always ask the Delta representative if any penalty fees or fare differences will apply to your situation.
Important Restrictions to Know
While Delta is flexible about small errors, here are some limitations:
- Only one name correction per ticket is allowed.
- Once reissued, the ticket cannot be corrected again.
- You cannot change the ticket into a completely different name.
- Code-share flights (flights operated by partner airlines like KLM, Air France, or Virgin Atlantic) may have stricter rules and require more time.
Correcting a Name Due to Marriage, Divorce, or Legal Change
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal proceedings, you may still correct your name with Delta. However, you will need:
- A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change document
- Matching government-issued ID
- The original ticket information
You must contact Delta directly and provide supporting documentation. The airline will review your case and determine if the ticket can be reissued under the new name.
How Long Does the Name Correction Process Take?
- Simple corrections (1–2 letters): Often processed within a few hours to 24 hours
- Corrections involving documentation: Can take 1–3 business days
- Tickets involving partner airlines: May take longer, depending on the partner’s response time
It’s best to request the correction as early as possible, ideally at least 48–72 hours before your flight.
What Happens If You Don’t Correct the Name?
If you arrive at the airport with a ticket that doesn’t match your ID, you may experience:
- Check-in Denial
The airline staff may not allow you to check in. - Security Hold-Up
TSA agents could flag your name mismatch as a security risk. - Boarding Denial
In international cases, you might be denied boarding due to immigration rules.
To avoid this, always verify your booking details immediately after purchasing your ticket.
Name Correction for SkyMiles Bookings
If you used your Delta SkyMiles to book an award ticket, the same name correction policy applies. Contact the SkyMiles customer support team at:
SkyMiles Assistance: 1-800-323-2323
They will help you process the correction or reissue your award ticket as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I just cancel and rebook under the correct name?
Yes, but this may result in loss of money, especially for non-refundable tickets. It’s better to request a name correction first.
Q2: Can I change the ticket to someone else’s name?
No. Delta does not allow ticket transfers. Tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the original passenger.
Q3: I booked through a travel agent. Who handles the correction?
Contact your travel agent first. They have access to Delta’s GDS system and can follow the official name correction procedures for agents.
Q4: Can I fix a name error at the airport?
While possible, it’s risky. Most airlines prefer corrections to be done at least 24–72 hours before departure. Airport agents may not have enough time or authority to make complex changes.
Q5: How many characters can be corrected?
Delta typically allows corrections of up to 3 characters in the first name or last name. For more complex changes, documentation is required.
Conclusion
Correcting a misspelled name on a Delta Air Lines ticket is absolutely possible, as long as the error is minor and you’re not trying to change the identity of the passenger. Delta’s name correction policy is designed to accommodate small human errors, and the process is fairly straightforward.
The key is to act quickly, contact the right channels, and ensure your ticket name exactly matches your government-issued ID. Whether you’re fixing a typo or updating your name due to marriage, Delta’s customer service team can assist you in getting it right so your travel goes smoothly and stress-free.
If you’re ever unsure about what qualifies for a correction or whether fees will apply, always call Delta directly or check the “My Trips” section on Delta.com. It’s better to fix the issue early than face problems at the airport.