Mistakes happen especially when booking flights. A simple misspelled name or forgotten middle initial can lead to anxiety, particularly when it comes to air travel. United Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the U.S., understands this and has systems in place to correct such errors. However, many travelers are left wondering: Is there a fee to update the passenger’s name on United Airlines?
This comprehensive guide answers that question in detail. We’ll explore different types of name changes or corrections, how United Airlines handles them, applicable fees (if any), and the steps passengers need to follow to ensure a smooth and cost-effective name update process.
Why Name Accuracy Matters on Airline Tickets
Before diving into fees, it’s important to understand why name accuracy is so crucial in the airline industry. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and international aviation laws, the name on your ticket must exactly match the name on your government-issued ID or passport. Even small differences a missing middle name or a minor typo can raise red flags at security and may even prevent boarding.
Therefore, correcting a name on a flight ticket isn’t just about appearances—it’s about identity verification, regulatory compliance, and overall travel safety.
Can You Change a Name on a United Airlines Ticket?
Let’s clarify a major point upfront: United Airlines does not allow full name changes or passenger transfers. This means you cannot transfer your ticket to another person. However, United does allow name corrections, which include:
- Fixing typos or spelling errors
- Updating names due to legal changes (marriage, divorce, etc.)
- Adding or removing a middle name or initial
- Correcting title (Mr., Mrs., Ms.)
- Adjusting minor inconsistencies between government ID and ticket
Depending on the type of correction, a fee may or may not apply.
Types of Name Changes and Associated Fees
United Airlines categorizes name adjustments into two types: Minor Corrections and Major Corrections. Let’s break these down along with potential costs.
- Minor Name Corrections (Usually Free or Low-Cost)
These are small changes that typically don’t involve legal documentation or reissuing the ticket. Examples include:
- Misspelled first or last name (e.g., “Jonh” instead of “John”)
- Missing or incorrect middle name or initial
- Swapping a nickname for a full name (e.g., “Maggie” to “Margaret”)
- Fixing a typo in your title (e.g., Mr. instead of Ms.)
Fees for Minor Corrections:
- Within 24 Hours of Booking:
United Airlines offers a 24-hour flexible booking policy. If you catch the mistake within 24 hours of making the reservation, you can often correct the name for free, and even cancel or rebook the ticket without penalty. - After 24 Hours:
If the correction is made after 24 hours, there may be a processing fee ranging from $75 to $150, depending on the fare type and the specifics of the change.
For example:
-
- A Basic Economy ticket might have limited change options and higher fees.
- For non-refundable tickets, the fee is typically applied alongside any fare difference.
- United’s higher fare classes (like Business or First) may be more flexible with lower or waived fees.
- Major Name Corrections (May Involve Higher Fees)
Major changes usually involve legal updates and require supporting documentation. These include:
- Changing your name due to marriage or divorce
- Legal name changes due to court order
- Passport name changes due to naturalization or citizenship updates
Documentation Required:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Legal name change order
- Government-issued ID reflecting the new name
- In some cases, a notarized affidavit may be accepted
Fees for Major Corrections:
- United may charge a name correction fee ranging from $100 to $200, plus any applicable fare difference if the ticket must be reissued at current market rates.
- If the original booking class is no longer available, passengers may have to pay the difference between the original fare and the current available fare class.
- Some MileagePlus members (especially Premier members) may get these fees waived or reduced depending on status.
What United Airlines Says About Name Change Fees
According to United Airlines’ official guidelines, “Name changes are not permitted. However, minor name corrections are allowed for the same individual.” In simple terms:
- Transferring a ticket to someone else = Not allowed
- Fixing a name that refers to the same traveler = Allowed
Fees, if applicable, are assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the timing, fare rules, and the nature of the correction.
How to Request a Name Correction on United Airlines
United offers multiple ways to correct names on booked tickets. Each method varies in speed, convenience, and documentation needs.
- Via United’s Website
For simple typo corrections:
- Visit United’s Manage Booking page.
- Enter your confirmation number and last name.
- Look for the “Edit Name” option (if available).
- Make necessary corrections and submit.
- Pay any fees if prompted.
- Call United Customer Service
- Phone: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) (U.S. & Canada)
- International customers can find region-specific numbers on United’s contact page.
When calling, be prepared with:
- Booking reference number
- Government-issued ID or legal documents (scanned or faxed)
- MileagePlus number (if applicable)
- Visit a United Ticket Counter
If your flight is soon or you’re near the airport:
- Visit a United service counter
- Present your ID and travel details
- They may process minor corrections on the spot
- Bring legal documentation for major corrections
- Correcting Your Name in MileagePlus Account
If the incorrect name is on your frequent flyer account, fix it via your United MileagePlus profile:
- Log into your MileagePlus account
- Navigate to “My Account” > “Profile”
- Edit your name (minor changes only)
- For legal changes, upload scanned documents or mail them to:
MileagePlus Service Center
P.O. Box 1394
Houston, TX 77251-1394
Processing can take 7–14 business days, so plan early.
What Happens If You Don’t Correct Your Name?
If you travel with a ticket that does not match your ID, you may face:
- Denied boarding at TSA or airport gate
- Security hold-ups and delays
- Canceled tickets with no refund
- For international flights, visa invalidation or entry denial
It’s always safer and less expensive to correct a name sooner than later, even if a fee applies.
Tips to Avoid Name Correction Fees
- Double-check before confirming a booking. Make sure the name matches your passport or ID.
- Use full legal names avoid nicknames or abbreviations unless they match your ID.
- Book directly through United third-party bookings (Expedia, Orbitz, etc.) complicate corrections.
- Fix typos within 24 hours to avoid fees under United’s 24-hour policy.
- Enroll in MileagePlus frequent flyer members may get enhanced service or waived fees.
- If using travel agents, inform them of exact name spellings at the time of booking.
Case Study: Sarah’s Experience with a Misspelled Ticket
Sarah booked a flight from Denver to Paris. She accidentally entered her name as “Sarrah” instead of “Sarah” during booking. Here’s how she fixed it:
- She noticed the error 10 hours after booking.
- Logged into “My Trips” and didn’t see an edit option.
- Called United’s customer care within the 24-hour window.
- The agent corrected the name with no fee since it was a minor typo and within 24 hours.
- Sarah received an updated confirmation email and traveled hassle-free.
Lesson: Time is crucial. Early action can save money and stress.
Name Correction Fees Compared: United vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Correction Fee (Approx.) | Transfer to Another Person? |
| United Airlines | $0–$200 depending on case | Not Allowed |
| American Airlines | $25–$200 | Not Allowed |
| Delta Air Lines | $0–$150 | Not Allowed |
| Southwest Airlines | Free for minor corrections | Not Allowed |
| JetBlue Airways | $75–$150 | Not Allowed |
Conclusion
So, is there a fee to update the passenger’s name on United Airlines? The answer is: it depends.
Minor corrections are often free if done promptly, especially within the 24-hour grace period. However, legal name changes or corrections done closer to the departure date may attract fees ranging from $75 to $200, plus possible fare differences.
To avoid unnecessary costs and complications, always book tickets using your full legal name, review your booking immediately, and make corrections as early as possible. If a mistake slips through, United does offer support just be prepared with documentation and knowledge of their procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I update the name if my ID has changed recently?
Yes. You’ll need to provide a government-issued ID with the new name and supporting legal documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
Q2: Do children need name corrections too?
Absolutely. The name on a child’s ticket must match their ID or passport. Name correction policies and fees apply equally to child and infant tickets.
Q3: What if my travel agency booked my ticket?
Contact the agency first. In many cases, only the issuing agent can modify your ticket.
Q4: Does United waive fees for elite MileagePlus members?
Depending on status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc.), fees may be waived or reduced. Call the MileagePlus line for specific assistance.