United Airlines Name Change Policy

Once you spot the name mistake, immediately reach out to the airline and request a name change on United ticket. However, before contacting, it is better to check the name change policy, as the rules and charges vary. 

What Should You Know About Name Change On United Ticket?

Having detailed information about the airline and its rules helps ensure a smooth, trouble-free flight experience. Similarly, knowing the rules for changing or correcting the name on a ticket not only saves your time but also saves your money. How? 

United permits passengers to request a name change within 24 hours of booking to avoid a penalty. But there is a catch: only minor corrections that involve spelling mistakes, typographical errors, and wrong name sequences are allowed to be rectified for free. 

The request to change name on United ticket related to legal affairs is subject to a fee. 

What Rules Are Covered In United Name Change Policy?

Several rules are covered in United Airlines name change policy, which must be followed to ensure your flight ticket matches your passport. Below are the rules that you must follow if you don’t want an interruption on the day of travel: 

• UA only permits minor changes to the ticket, such as a misspelling or a wrong name.
• The ticket number must begin with the number 016. 
• Significant changes, such as changing the entire name on the ticket, are prohibited.
• United ticket swapping or transferring a ticket to a non-registered passenger is not permitted under any circumstances.
• For United change name on ticket, it is must to have a booking with United Airlines.
• The request, like changing name on the ticket, is only restricted to name alteration. Other changes, such as flight dates, fare base codes, fare classes, and time, are not permissible under the name change policy. For such changes, separate policies and rules are required to follow those set by UA. 
• In addition to requesting a name change on the United ticket, a passenger can request a name change on the boarding pass; however, the date of birth and gender can’t be altered. 
• Most importantly, a significant change name on United flight ticket (marriage, divorce, legal name) requires providing a supporting government-approved legal document, depending on the request. 

Note: It is important for parents who are traveling with infants to know about United Infant Policy requires infant’s name and date of birth to match official documents. If any infant details are entered incorrectly, travelers must follow the name change policy to update information and ensure smooth boarding.

What Is The Process For Name Changes On United Airlines?

Typically, airlines offer two options to passengers who want to change their name on their flight ticket: offline or online. But United offers several options that make it easier to change or correct the name without violating the airline’s name change policy.

Below are the methods or processes offered by UA regarding altering the name on the flight ticket:

Process 1: Via Affidavit

An affidavit can be used when requesting a name change/correction on a boarding pass. However, it is only required when a passenger lacks legal documents. Generally, legal documents need to change the name on ticket, boarding pass, or MileagePlus account. But in case you don’t have one, you can share a copy of an affidavit and mail it to their official address. 

Service Center for MileagePlus, Postal Code 1394, 77251-1394 Houston, TX

Process 2: Via United Airlines Name Change Phone Number

One of the most convenient ways to change the name on a United ticket is to call the airline directly at its customer service number at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) or +1-800-633-0441 OTA. Generally, it is required to contact customer service when a passenger is seeking to change their name for legal purposes. But if they want, they can call the airline to rectify the minor mistake as well. 

However, when calling, make sure you have your booking or account details and the necessary documents with you. A name change fee may be required. 

Process 3: At The Airport

The third alternative for changing the name on a United Airlines ticket is to visit the airport. Passengers who seek in-person assistance often prefer this method. Making a direct request to airport staff not only completes the task of changing or correcting the name on the ticket but also minimizes the risk of having to re-request.

Just like the phone method, you need to have the booking details and required documents with you. Provide the details when asked and get an instant solution. However, the request, such as transferring the ticket to another individual, will result in ticket cancellation per United cancellation policy.

Has United Airlines Made New Changes To Its Name Change Policy?

Yes, United Airlines has recently revised its name change policy, offering greater flexibility to passengers who face issues correcting minor and major name errors on their flight tickets. Additionally, like the previous name change policy, the revised policy makes it clear that having the correct name on the ticket is now more critical. 

Any discrepancies won’t be ignored and may result in ticket cancellation or rebooking.  Let’s find out the latest changes made by the airline in its revised United name change policy: 

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of Airlines requires that the passenger's name be the same on the ticket, boarding pass, passport, and other travel documents. 
• To avoid disruption during the boarding process, ensure that your United flight ticket doesn’t have any single minor issue, including a missing middle name, spelling mistake, etc. 
• According to the latest United name change policy, name accuracy is critical to prevent fraud; hence, the details on the ticket must match those on the government-issued ID, particularly the passport. 
• United permits three character corrections, but repeated changes or corrections can lead to ticket cancellation. 

Does United Airlines Permits Name Changes?

Passengers often confuse a change passenger's name on a United ticket and correcting the name on the ticket. Indeed, they sound the same, but in reality, they are different things. How? Change name on United Airlines ticket to modify the ticket without affecting the passenger’s identity.

Whereas changing the name denotes altering the whole identity of a passenger, which is unacceptable. It can be done, but it requires canceling the existing reservation and making a new booking under the name of the passenger who wishes to travel with UA. 

For more clarification, let’s learn what type of name changes are permitted by UA for rectification, and what to do if you find any: 

• Small Name Mistakes: United Airlines change name on ticket due to minor issues or errors, such as misspelled names (e.g., Arisa Smith to Arissa Smith), reversed names, or alterations in the middle name can be made without legal documentation. Other than that, the airline allows up to 3 characters in the first, middle, and last name fields. 
• Name Change Due To Legal Reasons: As already mentioned, UA offers flexibility in changing the name on the ticket if it involves legal reasons, such as converting a maiden name to a married name, changing surnames, or change last name on United ticket. However, before requesting, ensure that you have proper legal documentation. 

What Are the Rules for Operating vs. Marketing Carriers Regarding United Name Change On Ticket?

Rules are slightly different if the United ticket is issued by a partner airline, such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, or ANA. Name corrections or changes are allowed on tickets booked with a partner airline, provided they are made in accordance with that airline's name change policy. UA only permits changes or corrections to tickets booked with them as per its name change policy. However, documents are a must. 

What Are The Charges Imposed By United Airlines On Name Change? 

United Name change fee is not the same; it varies depending on the intensity of the request and requirements. Hence, before proceeding with the modification, ensure that you know what you are paying for. Some name changes are free, and others incur a standard fee. Let’s understand the fee breakdown below: 

• Small mistakes often require no penalty. However, it is a must to request within a day of the booking. 
• Once the grace period is over, a passenger might need to pay charges for even minor mistakes, ranging from $0 to $200. 
• United name change fee for legal reasons is not fixed, as it depends heavily on the nature of the change. However, it may extend to $125 or more. 

Note: According to United Airlines name change policy for travel agents, if the flight booking is made through a travel agency, the airline won’t be able to make any changes directly. For name change or rectification, contact the agency only. The agency will share the amount required to cover the name change fee. The airline has no direct involvement unless the flight is booked directly with them.  

Tips To Avoid United Name Change Fees:

• Check the ticket details as soon as you receive it.
• Fix corrections or changes within a day of the booking.
• Try to fix the name issue through the official website before contacting the airline's customer service.
• Check the name correction/change fee before making the payment.
• Most importantly, use Manage Booking + Secure Flight Update to avoid the United name change fee. 

What Are The Sources For United Airlines Change Name On Ticket?

The sources for changing a name on a UA ticket depend on the method used for flight reservation. However, it does not mean that it applies to all types of changes. If the request is for minor corrections, it can be submitted through the official website; however, if a legal name change is involved, it requires direct assistance from the airline. 

Similarly, the airline does not offer online or offline assistance to passengers who book tickets through a third-party agency. Hence, contacting the agency is the only option, even for canceling the ticket. 

Can I Change Name On United Ticket On The Same Day Of Travel?

Typically, UA does not permit changes to tickets, particularly the significant ones, on the day of travel. But the airline offers flexibility when it comes to minor changes or corrections that can be made at the airport. 

Per the United name change policy, small errors such as missing a middle name, removing an extra letter, or correcting misspelled names can be corrected during check-in at the airport. However, it is required to have Secure Flight Data on the system, and it must match the document you will be asked to show or submit. 

Is It Required To Fix The Middle Name On United Ticket?

Changing the middle name is generally not necessary for domestic travel, per the United Airlines name change policy. But if a passenger is traveling internationally and their passport has a middle name, then it is mandatory to have it on a United ticket. Additionally, the middle name initial also works. Also, the first and last names must match those on the government-issued ID. 

Can I Change Name On United MileagePlus Account?

Apart from a name change on a United Airlines ticket, flyers can make a name change on their MileagePlus Account, as it is mandatory to have a correct name, date of birth, and gender. And it must match the government-issued ID that can be requested at check-in. 

To change your personal information on the account, follow the steps mentioned below: 

• Go to the official website of United Airlines.
• Sign in to your MileagePlus Account.
• Find the option “Profile” and click the hit button.
• Press the “About Me” tab.
• After opening the “Edit personal information” tab, make the changes to align it with the legal documents. 

These are the easy steps for United MileagePlus name change in the account. However, the changes cannot be completed without submitting the documents. Hence, after making the changes, it is required to support your claim by uploading a copy of the legal documents. 

Here is the list of the documents you need to upload as proof: 

• Divorce decree.
• Marriage certificate.
• Court documents for a legal name change.
• Government-issued documents showing new and old details.

Tips: After correcting your name on you united boarding pass then you should also review the United seat selection fee policy to select the preferred seat for comfortable travelling.

What If I Don’t Have Any Documents To Change Name On My United MileagePlus Account?

Having the documents listed above will allow you to change the name on your United MileagePlus account. But in case you don’t have any of these documents, you still have the option to fix the name issue by submitting a notarized name change affidavit form. However, repeated attempts to submit an affidavit can temporarily close your account. 

The form can be easily found on the airline's official website. Additionally, the account holder must wait 14 days to see the changes they made. If you are re-requesting, the entire process must be followed again, including submitting new documents. If you need further clarification regarding change name on United MileagePlus account, contact the MileagePlus Service Center directly. 

Also read: How to link United reservation

Conclusion 

The latest United name change policy makes it clear that name accuracy must be maintained on both the flight ticket and the MileagePlus account. Documents are required in both scenarios. A third-party booking agency is required only when the booking is made through them. If you need more clarification, visit the official website or contact the airline directly through their customer service.