Correct a Misspelled Name on a United Airlines Ticket
Seeing your name spelled incorrectly on a flight ticket can be frustrating. But fixing that error is doable—especially if it’s caught early. Below is everything you need to know to correct a name typo on your United Airlines reservation.
Why Accurate Names Matter
- Airport security and TSA regulations require names on tickets to exactly match the ID used at the gate.
- Even slight differences can result in denied boarding.
- Addressing errors early helps avoid unexpected fees and last-minute hassles.
What Counts as a Minor Name Error
United allows certain small name corrections because they recognize human error. Minor corrections include:
- One or two letter typos (e.g., Jhon → John)
- Swapped first and middle names
- Missing or extra middle initial
- Hyphens or apostrophes added or removed to match ID
- Capitalization adjustments (e.g., McDonald vs Mcdonald)
These errors do not change the person’s identity and are typically permitted.
What Is Not Allowed
United does not allow full name transfers—meaning you cannot assign your ticket to someone else with a completely different name. If the name change results in a different person boarding, United treats the ticket as void and the passenger must purchase a new ticket.
Name Corrections vs Name Transfers
| Correction Type | Allowed? | Fee? | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor typo fix | Yes | Often free | If done early |
| Middle initial adjustments | Yes | Usually none | Aligns with ID exactly |
| Legal name change | Yes | Possible fee | With documentation |
| Full name transfer | No | Not permitted | Must cancel and rebook new rapid |
Legal Name Changes
If your name has changed legally—due to marriage, court order, or another official process—United allows updates if you supply the correct documentation, such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Court-issued name change order
- Divorce decree with name reversion
- Updated passport or government-issued ID
Your ticket may need to be reissued. A small processing fee might apply, especially if fare adjustments are required.
How to Correct the Name
Step 1. Check your ticket name against your government ID or passport right after booking.
Step 2. Visit united.com or the United app and use Manage Reservations to view your trip details.
Step 3. Look for a name correction option. Some minor errors can be fixed online.
Step 4. If the option is not available, call United customer service. Provide your confirmation number and explain the required correction.
Step 5. Submit any required documentation for legal name changes as instructed.
Step 6. Once corrected, save the updated itinerary and reprint or screenshot your boarding document.
Timing and Fees
- Corrections made within 24 hours of booking are usually free, especially when the flight is at least 7 days away.
- Doing the correction more than 72 hours before flight still qualifies for minor adjustments, often at no cost depending on fare class.
- Basic Economy fares are restrictive and may not allow corrections after the 24-hour window.
- Closer to departure, especially in the same day or at the airport, corrections may incur higher fees or be denied.
Fare Class Impact
- Basic Economy: Limited or no name corrections allowed after booking. Often requires full cancellation for any change.
- Main Cabin and Premium Economy: More flexible. Minor corrections often allowed.
- Business or First Class: Highest flexibility. Name corrections rarely incur fees unless fare difference applies.
Booking Channel Considerations
If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site (for example Expedia or Orbitz):
- Corrections must be requested through that same agent or site.
- United may not be able to change the name on those tickets directly.
- Agency or platform-specific service fees may apply.
International Travel and Codeshares
- If your itinerary includes foreign partners or codeshare segments, align name corrections with all airlines involved.
- International flights demand precise name matching due to immigration and visa requirements.
- Start corrections early to ensure partner carriers recognize the update.
At the Airport Scenario
If you notice the error at the airport:
- Go directly to the United check-in counter or gate agent.
- If the error is minor and time allows, agents may attempt a correction.
- Expect limited flexibility and possible fees on short notice.
Elite Status Benefits
If you hold a United MileagePlus elite status:
- You may receive priority or expedited assistance from dedicated service lines.
- Correction fees may be waived or reduced.
- Agents tend to show more flexibility for status members.
Real-Life Examples
Example 1: “Davud” instead of “David” confirmed in the reservation. A call to customer service within a day fixes the name with no fee.
Example 2: Added middle initial “L” to align with passport used for domestic and international travel. Adjusted online before departure; no extra cost.
Example 3: Legal name changed from “Smith” to “Johnson” after marriage. Marriage certificate provided. Ticket reissued under new name; small processing fee applied.
Example 4: Basic Economy ticket with typo discovered three days later. Correction not allowed; customer had to purchase a new ticket under the correct name.
Tips to Avoid Issues
- Always double-check your name before booking, using government-issued ID
- Avoid nicknames or abbreviations
- Use full legal name consistently across all travel documents
- Review your ticket immediately and act quickly if you spot an error
- Use United’s online tools when possible to avoid wait times
- Keep all updated confirmation info for your records
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can correct a misspelled name on a United Airlines ticket—but only if it’s a minor typo or legal update. United does not allow transferring tickets to another person. Timing and fare category determine the ease and cost of the correction. Errors caught early are usually free to fix. Basic Economy tickets are the least flexible. Legal name changes need documentation and may incur small fees. Booked through an agent? They must handle corrections. Always verify your name matches your travel ID to avoid issues at the gate.
Need help identifying if your correction qualifies or estimating potential fees? I’d be happy to assist.