United Airlines Name Change Policy: Everything You Need to Know

When booking a flight, there can be instances when your name is misspelled, changed due to marriage or other legal reasons, or you simply need to make an adjustment. If you booked a flight with United Airlines, understanding their name change policy can save you time and frustration. Here’s everything you need to know about correcting your name on a United Airlines booking, from minor corrections to more significant name changes.

What is United Airlines Name Change Policy?

United Airlines Name Change Policy allows passengers to correct minor errors or adjust their name on a flight ticket. United has specific guidelines based on the type of name change, ranging from simple spelling corrections to major legal name changes.

Key Points to Know About the Policy:

Minor corrections (spelling errors, omitted middle names, etc.) can be handled online or over the phone.

Major changes (like a legal name change due to marriage or divorce) typically require documentation and assistance from United’s customer service.

The airline will allow name changes only in certain circumstances and within specific timeframes, depending on your fare type.

Minor Name Changes

Minor name changes are typically defined as small corrections to a name, such as fixing a typo, adding a middle name, or correcting a name abbreviation. For example, if your booking shows “Jonh” instead of “John,” you can request a change.

How to Make a Minor Name Change

Online Request: You may be able to make small corrections by logging into your account on the United Airlines website or using the United mobile app. Once logged in, head to the Manage Booking section and select your trip.

Customer Support: If you’re unable to fix the error online, you can contact United Airlines customer service. The customer support team will walk you through the process and update your booking accordingly. You can reach United Airlines customer support at ☎️ 855-200-2631 for assistance.

Major Name Changes

If you need to change your name due to a legal reason, such as a marriage, divorce, or gender change, the process will be different. United Airlines name change policy typically requires documentation to verify the legal change. You’ll need to provide official documents, such as:

A marriage certificate

Divorce decree

Legal name change certificate

How to Handle Major Name Changes

Documentation: Have your legal documents ready when contacting United. These will serve as proof for the name change request.

Contact Customer Service: Major name changes cannot be processed through the online Manage Booking tool, so you must call United Airlines customer support at ☎️ 855-200-2631 for assistance. The support team will verify the documentation and make the necessary adjustments to your booking.

Ticket Reissue: In some cases, you might be required to have your ticket reissued with the updated name. This process can take some time, so plan accordingly.

United Airlines Name Change Fee

In most cases, United Airlines will not charge a fee for minor name changes. However, if you request a major name change, the airline may require you to pay any applicable fees, such as a ticket reissue fee or a fare difference if the change affects the flight class or availability.

It's essential to know that United Airlines has specific rules regarding name changes, especially when it comes to fare types like Basic Economy tickets. Basic Economy tickets often have more restrictive change policies, so making a name change might not be allowed or could be subject to extra costs. Always check the specific conditions of your fare type before making changes.

When You Can’t Change Your Name

There are a few scenarios where United Airlines may not allow a name change or may limit your options:

Non-refundable tickets: If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket, United might not allow name changes, even if it’s a minor correction. Instead, you might have to cancel your flight and rebook it with the correct name.

No Show: If you fail to show up for your flight or miss the departure, you might not be able to make a name change for a future flight on the same ticket. Always ensure your travel details are correct before your flight departs.

Ticket Type Restrictions: As mentioned, Basic Economy fares may not be eligible for name changes at all. In such cases, you may need to cancel the original flight and book a new one with the correct name.

How to Avoid Name Change Issues

To avoid complications, here are a few tips to ensure your name is correct when booking with United Airlines:

Double-check your name during the booking process to ensure it matches exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID or passport.

Book tickets early: Giving yourself ample time for any corrections or changes can reduce the risk of running into issues as your travel date approaches.

Avoid name abbreviations: United Airlines recommends using full names (first, middle, and last) when booking flights to prevent confusion.

Monitor your booking: After booking, keep an eye on your reservation details and verify everything is accurate as soon as possible.

Contact United Airlines for Name Change Assistance

If you need help with a name change, don’t hesitate to get in touch with United Airlines customer support at ☎️ 855-200-2631. The support team is available 24/7 to assist with any queries regarding name changes or other booking modifications. They can provide guidance and ensure your reservation is updated accurately.

Final Thoughts

Whether you made a minor typo or are dealing with a significant life change that affects your name, understanding United Airlines name change policy can save you a lot of time and effort. Remember, minor corrections can often be handled easily through the website or app, while more significant changes will require assistance from customer service and supporting documentation.

Before making any name change requests, always review your ticket type and the specific conditions tied to your fare. By staying proactive and knowledgeable, you’ll ensure your travel experience with United Airlines remains smooth and stress-free.

For all name change inquiries or any other booking-related concerns, United Airlines customer support is there to help. Simply call 855-200-2631 to get started.