When booking flights, even the smallest typographical error in a passenger’s name can lead to complications during check-in, security checks, and boarding. Many travelers find themselves in situations where they must update or correct a name on their flight ticket. If you’re flying with Delta Air Lines and realize there’s a mistake, you’re likely asking: Is there a fee to update the passenger’s name on Delta Air Lines?
This comprehensive article will address Delta’s name correction policy, potential fees involved, when name changes are allowed, and tips for avoiding problems with name discrepancies in the future.
Delta Air Lines maintains a strict policy regarding the accuracy of passenger names. According to TSA regulations and the Secure Flight Program, the name on a flight reservation must exactly match the passenger’s government-issued photo ID. Even minor errors like a misspelled surname or a missing middle name can cause boarding issues or security delays.
Delta’s name policy is designed to maintain compliance with these security measures, prevent identity confusion, and safeguard passengers from fraudulent bookings.
Name Correction vs. Name Change
Understanding the difference between a name correction and a name change is critical when dealing with airline reservations:
- Name Correction refers to fixing minor spelling errors, typos, or formatting issues in the passenger’s name. These are typically allowed by Delta under specific conditions.
- Name Change refers to changing the name entirely, such as transferring the ticket to another person. Delta does NOT allow name changes or ticket transfers to someone else under most circumstances.
When Are Name Corrections Allowed?
Delta Air Lines allows name corrections only for:
- Minor spelling mistakes (e.g., “Jonh” instead of “John”)
- Typographical errors (e.g., “Smithe” instead of “Smith”)
- Reversed first and last names
- Missing or incorrect middle names
- Legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce)
In each of these cases, the correction must still result in the same passenger remaining on the ticket. Delta will not allow a name correction that completely alters the identity of the traveler.
Delta Name Correction Fee: What to Expect
Is There a Fee?
In most cases, Delta does not charge a fee for minor name corrections if the error is caught early typically within 24 hours of booking. However, outside of that window, a fee may apply, especially for international flights or tickets that involve codeshare or interline partners.
Typical Scenarios and Associated Fees
| Situation | Fee | Notes |
| Correction within 24 hours of booking | Free | Covers minor spelling or typo issues |
| Correction after 24 hours (domestic flight) | $0 – $75 | Varies by fare type and timing |
| Correction after 24 hours (international flight) | $75 – $200+ | Higher fees apply on international routes or partner airlines |
| Legal name change (with documentation) | Often Free | Documentation required |
| Name transfer to another person | Not Allowed | Ticket must be canceled and rebooked |
How to Request a Name Correction
If you’ve noticed an error in your name, you can take the following steps to request a correction:
- Within 24 Hours of Booking
Delta provides a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. If your booking is within this period, you can:
- Cancel the ticket and rebook with the correct name.
- Contact Delta customer service to fix the error without fee.
- After 24 Hours
You can request a correction by:
- Calling Delta Reservations directly
- Visiting a Delta ticketing counter at the airport
- Using Delta’s online chat support (available on the website or mobile app)
Always have your booking reference number, full name, and passport or ID ready.
What Documents Are Required?
For minor spelling corrections, no documentation is usually required—just verification of your identity.
However, for legal name changes (due to marriage, divorce, or court order), you’ll need:
- Government-issued photo ID with the new name
- Legal documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)
These documents ensure that the name change is legitimate and not an attempt to transfer the ticket fraudulently.
Limitations and Restrictions
Delta’s name correction policy is generous in many cases but comes with certain restrictions:
- Corrections are only allowed once per ticket.
- Some basic economy fares may be ineligible for changes.
- Corrections on bookings involving partner airlines (e.g., Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic) may require additional processing time and fees.
- Corrected names must still match the traveler’s ID exactly.
Failing to comply with these guidelines may result in denied boarding or loss of the ticket’s value.
Name Change for Legal Reasons
Delta does accommodate name changes resulting from legal events. Common scenarios include:
- Marriage: Newlyweds needing their new surname reflected on the ticket.
- Divorce: Reverting to a maiden name or previous surname.
- Court-Ordered Name Change: For personal, religious, or identity-related reasons.
In these cases, Delta usually waives fees when official documentation is presented. Passengers are advised to submit requests at least 72 hours before departure to allow processing time.
Third-Party Booking Considerations
If you booked your Delta ticket through a travel agency, online booking platform (like Expedia or Orbitz), or a corporate portal, you may need to contact that provider first.
- Many third-party agents have limited authority to modify bookings, especially for name corrections.
- In such cases, the agent may contact Delta on your behalf or direct you to the airline.
- Always verify who holds control of your booking some changes must be made by the original booking source.
Tips to Avoid Name Issues with Delta Air Lines
To reduce the likelihood of needing a name correction, consider the following best practices:
- Double-check spelling before finalizing any booking.
- Ensure that your name matches your passport or government-issued ID.
- If you have multiple last names or use hyphens, check Delta’s formatting guidelines.
- Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations (e.g., “Mike” instead of “Michael”).
- If booking for someone else, confirm their exact ID name beforehand.
- Use Delta’s mobile app or website to verify booking details post-purchase.
Being meticulous during the booking process can save time, money, and stress later on.
Final Thoughts
Correcting a name on your Delta Air Lines ticket is possible, but the timing, nature of the correction, and how the ticket was booked will determine whether you face any fees. In general:
- Minor corrections are usually free, especially if made promptly.
- Legal name changes are allowed with proper documentation.
- Transferring a ticket to another person is not permitted.
To avoid complications, always review your ticket immediately after purchase and contact Delta as soon as you identify any errors. For assistance, you can reach Delta’s customer service directly or visit a Delta counter.
By understanding Delta’s name correction policy and fee structure, you can travel with peace of mind knowing your documentation is accurate and compliant with TSA guidelines.