Can You Change or Transfer a Delta Ticket?
- Name Changes (Permitted in Limited Cases)
Yes, but only under specific conditions. Delta allows minor name corrections (e.g. typos, nicknames, middle names, married name updates) on tickets as long as the same person is traveling. However, transferring your ticket to another person is strictly prohibited.
- Ticket Transfers (Not Allowed)
Delta does not permit ticket transfers to another individual. Tickets remain non‑transferable even if the original ticket holder gives verbal consent.
- Allowed Name Corrections: What’s Covered?
Delta categorizes name corrections into two main types:
- Minor Name Edits (Allowed Once per Ticket)
- Correcting first or middle name spelling
- Fixing up to three letters in a last name (e.g., punctual vs. punctual)
- Swapping inverted names (first/last swapped during booking)
- Adding/removing a middle initial or nickname → legal name
- Adding a maiden name or married name (e.g. Jane/Mary to Jane Smith/Mary)
These changes are allowed only on Delta‑stock tickets (006) and one reissue per ticket
- Legal Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, Court Order)
These are permitted but usually require documentation (marriage certificate, passport, court order) and may involve a fee. Name changes due to legal reasons must be handled by contacting Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support.
- When Name Changes Are NOT Allowed (Restrictions & Exceptions)
Certain situations require Delta Reservations or Global Support and may not be handled online:
- Itineraries including partner‑operated flights (e.g. KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Aeroméxico, Korean Air)
- Travel to/from China or India
- Correcting more than three letters in a last name
- Attempting a second reissue on the same ticket
- Requests after check-in closes or system restrictions
In these cases, manual reissue is required, and fees may apply
- Procedure to Correct Your Name on a Delta Ticket
Step 1: Check If Online Edit Is Available
- Visit Delta.com → My Trips
- Enter your confirmation or ticket number plus last name
- Check if the “Edit Name” option is enabled (rarely the case, but worth trying)
- Step 2: If Online Is Not Available → Contact Delta
- Call Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support
- Provide your name error details and proof of ID (passport, ID, or marriage/divorce documents)
- Request a name correction or reissue
- If the booking was made via a third party, you may need to ask them to modify or liaise with Delta
Step 3: At the Airport (When needed)
- Minor corrections (typos) may sometimes be handled at the airport kiosk or Delta counter before check‑in closes
- Final boarding passes will reflect the corrected name once accepted by Delta agents
- Fees & Cost Expectations
- Minor corrections typically have low to no fee, especially for single‑letter typos or nickname changes
- More substantial changes (marriage, legal name change, adding maiden name) may incur fees ranging from $0 to $200+, depending on fare type and itinerary
- If ticket must be reissued due to fare availability changes, you may also pay the fare difference and additional taxes
- If you booked through a third-party travel agency, you might also pay an agency or service charge ($50+), separate from Delta fee
- Real Traveler Insights & Cautionary Tales
- Name change costs can be excessive if handled incorrectly
One customer recounted being told they needed to cancel and repay a $18,000 fare after mis‑matching a bride and groom’s name a miscommunication resolved only after supervisor escalation and fee negotiation.
- Tickets via third parties’ complicate corrections
Many travelers reported difficulty getting name changes through OTA bookings, requiring them to escalate or book new tickets entirely.
- Some services advertising cheap “Delta name changes” are scams
Users warned against unauthorized third‑party lines charging high fees ($160, $200+) that could be handled directly by Delta for far less or for free.
- Attempting to transfer tickets outright is prohibited
Delta enforces strict non‑transferability policies even with verbal consent except for minors or same‑cardholder scenarios with explicit agreement.
- Why the Rules Exist
- Airlines’ systems are integrated with codeshare partners, border systems, fare logic, and Secure Flight data, making major name edits complex and risky.
- There are legal and security reasons behind non‑transferable tickets, to prevent resale, identity mismatch, and fraud.
- Summary Table
| Scenario | Allowed? | Fee Status | Notes |
| Fix typo in first/middle name | ✅ Yes | Often free | Up to 3 characters, same passenger, Delta‑stock only |
| Minor last name correction (≤3 letters) | ✅ Yes | Usually minimal fee | Must reissue ticket, same rules apply |
| Add/remove nickname or middle name | ✅ Yes | Varies | Often handled with OSI message |
| Update legal name after marriage/divorce | ✅ Yes | May incur fees | Requires documentation |
| Change to completely different passenger | ❌ No | N/A | Tickets non-transferable |
| Transfer ticket to another person | ❌ No | N/A | Not permitted |
| Reissue after codeshare or partner airline | ✅ Yes, via support | Often fee + fare difference | May require rebooking or full fare difference |
| More than one correction per ticket | ❌ No | Requires new ticket | Only single reissue allowed |
- Best Practices & Tips
- Always enter your full legal name exactly as on your passport when booking.
- Check name spelling immediately—correct minor errors within 24 hours to minimize complications.
- Book directly through Delta: third‑party bookings may limit your ability to correct errors easily.
- Act quickly: If you notice an error, contact Delta promptly before check-in or departure.
- Be wary of third-party “help” numbers—go directly to Delta Reservations or official sources.
- Keep documents: marriage certificates or court orders if legal name change is needed.
- Know your ticket’s fare rules: refundable fares may allow easier corrections and refunds.
- Final Takeaway
Yes, Delta allows limited name corrections to ensure your ticket matches your identification but no, you cannot transfer it to someone else. Minor fixes (typos, middle names, up to 3-character last name changes) are allowed once per ticket, often with minimal or no fee. Legal changes (marriage, divorce) are handled case by case, requiring documentation and possibly fees. Tickets involving partner flights or major corrections must go through Delta Reservations or Global Sales Support. Always act fast, provide correct legal documentation, and avoid unauthorized third-party intermediaries.