Booking a flight involves careful planning, but mistakes can happen. Whether it’s a simple typo in a name or an entire change in who’s traveling, many passengers wonder: Does United Airlines allow a name change or transfer of a ticket? The short answer is: United Airlines allows limited name corrections but does not allow ticket transfers to a different person.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of United Airlines’ name change policy, types of allowable corrections, how to request changes, associated fees, and important tips for passengers needing to update a reservation.
- Overview of United Airlines Name Change Policy
United Airlines does not allow ticket name transfers, meaning you cannot change the passenger to someone else once a ticket is issued. However, minor name corrections are allowed in specific situations. These are usually limited to spelling errors, typos, or changes due to legal reasons (such as marriage or divorce).
The policy exists primarily due to airline security regulations and fare integrity enforcement. Allowing full name transfers would lead to abuse of discounted fares and potential fraud.
- Ticket Name Transfer vs. Name Correction
Understanding the distinction between a name transfer and a name correction is crucial:
- Name Transfer: Changing the entire ticket to another person’s name. Not permitted.
- Name Correction: Modifying a misspelled name, fixing a typo, or aligning it with legal documentation. Permitted with conditions.
Example:
- Not allowed: Changing “John Smith” to “Sarah Jones.”
- Allowed: Changing “Jhon Smit” to “John Smith.”
- Types of Allowed Name Corrections
United Airlines allows the following types of name corrections:
- Spelling Errors
Fixing small typos like “Jonh” instead of “John” or “Smit” instead of “Smith.”
- Nickname to Legal Name
Changing from a commonly used nickname (e.g., “Liz”) to the passenger’s full legal name (“Elizabeth”) for passport consistency.
- Missing or Extra Letters
Adding or removing a character due to typographical errors.
- Legal Name Change
If a passenger has legally changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, documentation is required.
- Reversing First and Last Names
If first and last names were entered in the wrong fields, this can be corrected.
- How to Request a Name Correction
If you need to correct a name on a United Airlines ticket, follow these steps:
Step 1: Review Your Ticket
Check for any mistakes in the name. The name on your ticket should match your government-issued ID or passport.
Step 2: Contact United Airlines
- Call Customer Service at 1-800-864-8331 (or +1-888-843-5587 for faster service).
- Use the “My Trips” tool on the United Airlines website if you’re eligible for online correction.
- Visit a United Airlines ticket counter if already at the airport.
Step 3: Submit Documentation
If the name correction is due to a legal name change, provide:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Legal name change order
- Passport or ID matching the updated name
- Fees and Charges for Name Corrections
United Airlines typically does not charge a fee for minor name corrections, especially for domestic flights and simple typos. However:
- For significant changes or reissued tickets, a change fee and fare difference may apply.
- International flights involving partner airlines (codeshare flights) may incur additional processing charges.
To avoid any surprise fees, always verify the exact cost with United when initiating the request.
- Timeframe and Restrictions
It’s important to correct any name errors as soon as possible, ideally:
- At least 48–72 hours before the flight.
- Before check-in or boarding pass issuance.
- For international travel, allow even more time to avoid visa or immigration issues.
Failure to correct the name in time may result in denied boarding.
- International Flight Considerations
Name corrections on international United flights follow stricter standards:
- Names must exactly match your passport.
- Corrections may require ticket reissuance.
- If flying with partner airlines (e.g., Lufthansa, Air Canada, ANA), the process may take longer.
If your itinerary includes codeshare flights, name corrections could take 24–72 hours to reflect, and some partners may have separate fees or policies.
- Exceptions and Special Cases
- Group Bookings
Group reservations through a travel agency or group sales may have separate policies for name corrections. These must be handled by the group coordinator or booking agent.
- MileagePlus Award Tickets
If you’ve used miles to book, name changes may not be allowed at all. However, name corrections may be accepted with proof.
- Travel Agencies or Third Parties
If you booked through Expedia, Kayak, or another third party, contact them first. Name changes on OTA bookings are subject to both the agencies and United’s policies.
- What to Do If Name Change Isn’t Allowed
If your name correction is rejected due to being a “transfer” (i.e., trying to give your ticket to someone else), you’ll need to:
- Cancel the ticket (if refundable or partially refundable).
- Use any travel credit (if applicable) under your name only.
- Book a new ticket in the correct traveler’s name.
Unfortunately, tickets are non-transferable, and unused non-refundable tickets generally can’t be used by another person.
- Preventing Issues Before Booking
To avoid name correction headaches:
- Always double-check name spelling before confirming your reservation.
- Use the exact name as it appears on your passport or ID.
- Book tickets in legal names only not nicknames or aliases.
- If using a travel agent, clearly specify name spellings in writing.
- FAQs United Airlines Name Change and Correction
Q1: Can I transfer my United ticket to someone else?
No. United Airlines does not allow ticket transfers to a different passenger.
Q2: What if I just got married or divorced?
You can request a name correction with legal proof, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
Q3: How long does a name correction take?
Most domestic name corrections are processed within 24 hours, but international ones can take longer especially with partner airlines.
Q4: Will I be charged for a name correction?
Simple corrections are usually free, but significant changes or international routes may incur a fee or fare difference.
Q5: Can I fix my name online?
Minor errors (like fixing a typo) may be corrected online via “My Trips.” For more complex corrections, you’ll need to call United.
- Final Thoughts
While United Airlines does not allow ticket transfers, the airline does support a range of name corrections for valid reasons. Whether you mistyped your last name or recently changed your legal name, United can assist if you act promptly and provide the proper documentation.
The key is to recognize the error early, contact United Airlines right away, and verify what type of correction is allowed. Always remember that airline security rules require your ticket name to match your identification documents, especially on international routes.
If you’re unsure or need personalized help, contact United Airlines customer service directly or call 1-888-843-5587 for guided support.