Understanding United Airlines’ Name Correction Policy
Travelers sometimes enter their name incorrectly—typos, missing letters, misplaced names, or middle initial mistakes. United Airlines generally allows minor corrections to name fields, especially if done early and kept within the same passenger identity. But name transfers—giving your ticket to someone else entirely—are not permitted.
What Counts as a “Minor Correction”?
United Air Lines considers the following as minor corrections:
- Fixing a typo or misspelling (e.g. Jonh to John)
- Swapping first and middle names
- Adding or removing a middle initial
- Correcting apostrophes or hyphens to match your ID
- Adjusting capitalization or spacing
As long as the passenger is the same person, these edits are typically allowed.
What Is Not Permitted: Name Transfers
Giving your ticket to another person is not allowed. Changing the passenger to someone else violates United’s rules and TSA regulations. If the identity changes, the original booking must be canceled and a new ticket issued under the correct name.
Legal Name Changes Are Allowed
If you’ve changed your name legally—for marriage, divorce, or court reasons—you can update your ticket name. Acceptable documents include:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree or name-change order
- Updated passport or driver’s license showing your new name
United may reissue your ticket after reviewing the documents; some fees may apply.
Timing Affects Fees
Changing names promptly improves your chances of avoiding penalties:
- Within 24 hours of booking: Corrections are often free if flight is more than 7 days away
- 72+ hours before travel: Minor corrections still allowed, usually at no cost
- Within 72 hours of departure: Fees may apply, especially close to departure or at airport
- On the day of travel or at the gate: Corrections are harder and costlier
Act as soon as you notice an error.
Fare Class Rules
| Fare Class | Name Correction Allowed? | Fees Likely? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Very limited | Likely |
| Main Cabin / Standard | Yes | Often no |
| Premium Economy | Yes | Rarely |
| Business / Full Flex | Yes | Usually no |
Basic Economy fares are the least flexible—name corrections may be denied or restricted.
How to Request a Name Correction
- Review ticket name against your ID or passport immediately after booking.
- Log in at United.com and go to Manage Reservations.
- If correction option appears, follow the steps.
- If not, call United Reservations with booking reference and ID.
- Provide documentation if needed for legal name changes.
- Confirm the correction and save your updated boarding information.
When Fees May Apply
- Corrections made close to departure or involving major reissuing can incur a fee.
- United may also charge fare differences if ticket fare class or route changes.
- Basic Economy tickets only allow corrections within 24 hours—if not, a full ticket purchase may be required.
Booking Via Third Parties
If your ticket was booked through a travel agency or third-party website:
- Corrections must go through that same booking channel.
- United might not be able to directly update tickets issued externally.
- The booking provider may charge own service fees.
Airport and Last-Minute Changes
If your name is wrong at the airport:
- Go to the United check-in or gate desk immediately.
- Agents may assist with a last-minute change but usually at a higher cost or limited ability.
- Name mismatches can lead to boarding denial if the ID does not match exactly.
MileagePlus Elite Benefits
MileagePlus elite members often get:
- Priority phone support for corrections
- Fee waivers for minor name fixes
- Greater flexibility even close to departure
Mention your status to receive these benefits.
Real Examples
- John noticed “Jhon” on his ticket two hours after booking. He called United, corrected the name, and no fee was charged.
- Sarah changed her last name after marriage. She submitted a marriage certificate and United reissued her ticket under her new legal name with minimal processing fee.
- Alex booked Basic Economy and entered his name wrong. United denied correction outside the 24-hour window, so he rebooked the flight in his correct name.
- Lisa attempted to give her ticket to a friend. United denied the transfer and advised canceling and rebooking.
Why Transfers Aren’t Allowed
United requires passenger integrity due to:
- TSA and airport security identity rules
- Frequent flyer tracking and loyalty points
- Fraud prevention and fare accounting
- International immigration checks
Transfers undermine these systems.
Quick Tips to Avoid Problems
- Always book using your full legal name as it appears on your ID.
- Double-check name spelling before finalizing booking.
- Include middle initials consistently.
- Address errors immediately using online tools or calling support.
- Use official channels and provide documents if needed.
- Keep updated confirmation for your records.
Summary Takeaway
Yes, United allows minor name corrections, especially when made early. No, United does not permit ticket transfers to another person. Legal name changes are accepted with proof and possible fees. Basic Economy offers the least flexibility. Corrections made close to departure may incur a fee. The best approach is to act early through official channels to minimize disruption and cost.
Need help checking if your specific situation qualifies for a free correction? I’m here to help!