Understanding Update the Passenger Name on United Airlines
If you’ve spotted a misspelling or your legal name has changed, the main question is whether United charges a fee. The answer depends on whether you need a minor correction or a full legal update—and sometimes on how close you are to your departure date and which fare you booked.
Minor Corrections vs Full Transfers
- Minor Correction: Fixes such as a small typo, swapped first/middle name, added middle initial, or punctuation adjustment are typically allowed. These do not change the identity of the passenger.
- Full Transfer: Transferring a ticket to someone else with a completely different name is not allowed. You would need to cancel or refund and book a new ticket in the other person’s name.
United generally allows minor corrections but does not permit full transfers unless under group or corporate fare agreements.
When Minor Corrections Are Free
Timing matters:
- If the correction is made within 24 hours of booking and the flight is at least seven days away, United most often waives fees entirely.
- For most standard fare types, minor corrections made several days before departure incur no charges in many cases.
- Minimum service fees or reissue fees may apply only if a ticket needs to be reissued, though this is less common for simple fixes.
The earlier you act, the greater the chance of avoiding any fee.
When You Might Pay Fees
- If correction is attempted within 72 hours of travel, Delta may impose a service fee or fare difference.
- Basic Economy fares are the most restrictive. Even minor corrections may not be permitted beyond the 24-hour booking window, and you might be required to cancel and rebook at full fare.
- Complex changes—like adding a legal change of name or reissuing for both name and updated route—can trigger a fee or fare re-calculation.
Legal Name Changes
If your name has changed due to marriage, court order, divorce or another legal process:
- United allows the name update with official documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order and updated ID.
- A ticket reissue may be required.
- Processing fees or fare differences may apply, especially if travel dates or fare class changes.
- Be sure to update your passport or ID ahead of travel—airports enforce exact name matching for security.
Fare Class Differences
| Fare Class | Minor Corrections Allowed? | Fees Likely? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Very limited | Likely | Often requires rebooking |
| Main Cabin, Premium Economy | Yes | Rare | Great flexibility for minor fixes |
| United Polaris or Refundable Fares | Yes | Usually none | Most flexibility even close to departure |
Higher cabin fares generally offer greater flexibility and leniency around corrections.
Booking Manually vs Third-Party
- If you booked through United.com or the mobile app and the ticket is in United’s system, name corrections can usually be made online or with direct phone support.
- If booked through a third-party travel site or agent, you must initiate the correction through that provider. United may not be able to modify tickets not in its own system.
Be prepared for separate agent service fees in those cases.
How to Make the Correction
Follow these steps:
- Review your ticketed name and verify it against your ID or passport.
- Log into Manage Reservations on united.com and enter confirmation number and last name.
- If a name edit button appears, follow prompts to correct.
- If not available online, call United Reservations. Provide booking details and request correction.
- Submit documentation for legal name changes promptly.
- Keep updated itinerary or receipt as proof and ensure name now matches your ID exactly.
Example
- Typos Fixed Promptly: “Davd” instead of “David.” Corrected online within hours—no fee.
- Legal Name Change: “Smith” to “Johnson” after marriage. Submitted marriage certificate; ticket reissued with small reissue fee.
- Late Basic Economy Ticket Correction: Recognized error day before travel; not allowed, had to rebook at full fare.
- Corrected Middle Name Only: No fee; simple addition of middle initial before departure.
At the Airport
If you notice the typo at the airport:
- Go to the United counter or gate desk immediately.
- Agents may correct minor errors, but last-minute changes incur higher fees or may not be possible.
- Missing minor edits may result in denied boarding if your ID doesn’t match.
Elite Traveler Benefits
MileagePlus Premier Platinum and higher status customers often receive:
- Priority assistance
- Fee waivers for minor changes
- Greater flexibility within same-day or near-departure corrections
Mention your status when calling to improve your experience.
Notes on Identity and Security
- Name must match exactly with passport or government ID—including punctuation and initials.
- Airlines perform identity checks at TSA and immigration checkpoints.
- Even small mismatches can cause issues or entry denial.
Cancellation vs Correction
If your name error cannot be corrected under your fare rules:
- You may cancel (if allowed and refunded under fare) and book a new ticket in correct name.
- Cancellation may involve forfeiture of nonrefundable fare value and paying publishing fare again.
Evaluate whether cancellation or correction is more cost-effective.
Tips to Avoid Name Issues
- Always book using your full legal name as it appears on your ID.
- Recheck booking confirmation email for typos immediately.
- Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.
- If booking for someone else, verify spelling directly from their ID.
- Fix any errors as soon as discovered.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can update the passenger name on United Airlines tickets—but only for minor corrections or documented legal name changes. No, you cannot transfer a ticket to an entirely different person. Fees may apply depending on fare class, timing, and whether a ticket needs reissuing. Corrections made early are often free; Basic Economy offers the least flexibility, while Premium fares offer maximum flexibility. Booking via United means online or phone support can assist quickly; third-party bookings must be handled by that provider. Always match your ticket name to your travel document exactly to avoid problems at the gate.
Need help analyzing whether a specific name error qualifies for correction or what fee might apply? I can walk you through the next steps.