A seemingly small typo in your name on a flight reservation can create big issues at security or boarding. United Airlines enforces a strict name‑matching policy tied to TSA’s Secure Flight rules your ticket must match your ID exactly. When errors happen, it’s key to know how and when you can correct the mistake, whether there’s a fee, and how other travelers handled it successfully.
- Understanding United Airlines’ Name Correction Policy
United treats minor name corrections like small typos, missing middle initials, or reversed first/last names as valid and correctable. United allows travelers to fix spelling errors on tickets but does not permit changing the passenger to another individual. The name on the ticket must belong to the same traveler and match their ID.
Minor corrections are usually free if done correctly, but fees may apply depending on the timing and complexity. For major changes marriage, gender change, etc. or for name transfer to someone else, United does not allow the correction; you’d need to cancel and rebook.
- When Can You Correct a Misspelled Name?
Allowed changes include:
- Fixing first, middle, or last name typos (spelling errors)
- Adding or removing middle initials or names
- Inverting first and last name order if entered incorrectly
- Correcting name with minimal letter changes
United’s Reddit community reports:
“If the error is a minor one… I called United within 24 hours… agent changed the name… I never paid anything extra”
And another:
“No fee if it’s a minor change”
Not Allowed:
- Changing the passenger to someone else (ticket transfers)
- Major edits changing more than a few letters or different person
- Multiple corrections on the same ticket
- Is There a Fee? And How Much?
Fees vary based on timing and specific circumstances:
| Timing | Fee Estimate | Notes |
| Within 24 hours of booking | Often free or minimal | Minor typos |
| Within 24h but using basic economy | $75 (if eligible) | Basic economy often excluded |
| After 24 hours | $75–$200 | Based on fare type and route |
| Less than 2 hours before departure | Up to $200 | Standard re-issuance rate |
| International not major error | Possibly fee | Depends on partner involvement |
Inside 24 hours: Many travelers report no fee, especially if they act quickly:
“Called United within 24 hours… never paid anything extra”
After 24 hours: Flying Rules reports fee ranges from $75 to $200, plus fare difference if needed .
Basic Economy tickets may be excluded even within 24 hours, requiring you to cancel and rebook.
- How to Correct a Misspelled Name (Step by Step)
Step 1: Act Early (within 24–48 hours)
- If you notice the typo, call United Reservations at 1-800-864-8331 or the OTA consolidation line +1-855-423-1867.
- Explain the exact error and request correct data.
- Minor changes often are fixed immediately without fee, especially within that 24‑hour window.
Step 2: Use “Manage Reservations” Online (If Available)
- Log in via My Trips on united.com or the mobile app.
- Some users have seen an “Edit Name” option appear for minor corrections but this is rare and typically unavailable near departure.
Step 3: At the Airport (If Close to Departure)
- Arrive early and approach a United counter or help kiosk.
- Show your ID/passport and explain the error and that you’ve called.
- Agents can often override for small spelling errors with proper ID; kiosks may show the correction as a backend note.
- One traveler described:
“When we arrived… kiosk agent referred us to ‘additional services’… asked for the ID, printed boarding pass… corrected name appeared via barcode scan… never paid anything extra”.
Step 4: Provide Documentation (If needed)
- For legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court order), submit supporting documents.
- Remember that transferring the ticket to a different person is prohibited.
- What Are “Minor” vs “Major” Corrections?
- Minor corrections: Fixing typos, adding/deleting middle initial/name, swapping first/last, small spelling tweaks.
- Major corrections: Changing the name entirely (e.g. “John Doe” to “John Smith”), or changing passenger identity.
United’s Reddit reports:
“If it’s a minor change based on the name change guidelines… no fee
“It’s $100 to make even a minor change… I just had United change one letter… they said there were no options to challenge the charge.”
This highlights inconsistency some agents waive fees, others charge, depending on system and timing.
- Common Pitfalls and Real Traveler Experiences
Booking through third‑party agents
- OTAs and travel agencies may complicate immediate corrections.
- As one traveler noted, bookings via Flight Hub and codeshare flights required more steps and delays
System notes vs visible change
- Often corrections don’t show visibly in your account or boarding pass.
- Instead, a note is placed in the reservation record. TSA and gate systems read the backend data.
- If you’re unsure, arrive at airport early and verify with staff.
Fare rules matter
- Basic Economy often disallows any changes; cancellation may be cheaper.
- Full-fare Economy and above usually provide more flexibility.
- Why Does United Treat Name Corrections This Way?
United and all airlines must match passenger names to:
- TSA’s Secure Flight Program and watchlist screening
- Passport and immigration systems globally
- Fare rules and revenue controls to prevent ticket resale
Allowing major edits or ticket transfers undermines these systems. Tight controls help prevent fraud, security issues, and revenue loss.
Minor corrections are permitted because they preserve passenger identity but fix human error. However, system limitations and fare integrations often require agent intervention.
- Practical Tips
- Always enter your name exactly as on your ID—first, middle, and last name.
- Act fast: Correct typos within 24 hours to minimize fees.
- Avoid nicknames: “Mike” vs “Michael” can cause a name mismatch at TSA.
- Keep documentation ready if you require a legal name update.
- Book directly with United if possible. Third-party agents may complicate corrections.
- Call first, confirm later: Even if online edit isn’t available, a phone agent can often still process it.
- If in doubt, go to the airport early and ask an agent to check for the backend correction note.
- What if You’re Within 24 Hours?
You may prefer canceling and rebooking if the fees for a correction are close to or exceed the cost of a new ticket. DOT rules allow full refunds within 24 hours if booked at least seven days before departure.
- Summary Table
| Name Error Scenario | Allowed? | Typical Fee | Action Required / Notes |
| Minor typo within 24h | ✅ Yes | $0 (often waived) | Call United or cancel/rebook |
| Minor typo after 24h, >2h before departure | ✅ Yes | $75–$200 | Provide ID, may require fare difference |
| Missing middle initial/name | ✅ Yes | Usually free | Explain when calling |
| Reversing first/last name order | ✅ Yes | Usually free | Provide ID |
| Booking via third-party OTA | ✅ Yes | Fee possible | Must go through agent |
| Name completely different person | ❌ No | Not allowed | Ticket transfer prohibited |
| Legal name change (marriage/divorce) | ✅ Yes | May incur moderate fee | Provide legal documents |
| Basic Economy fare ticket | ❌ Usually | Full cancellation and rebook | Often cheaper to cancel service |
- Final Takeaway
Correcting a misspelled name on your United Airlines ticket is indeed possible—and often free if handled properly and quickly. For minor errors, call within 24 hours or visit the airport early. Larger corrections or legal name changes may involve fees and documentation. If your flight was booked through an OTA or involves partner airlines, allow extra time and work directly with United.
Above all, changes must be made before check-in closes. Once you’ve booked—and if you spot an error act promptly. And avoid transferring the ticket to someone else: United prohibits that outright.
Why It Matters
- TSA and immigration authorities require name consistency.
- Mistakes can lead to denied boarding or lost ticket value.
- Correcting early helps avoid stress, delays, and unexpected charges.
By understanding United’s policies and following the right steps, you can travel smoothly—with your name exactly right.