Airline Help
Booking a flight can be an exciting experience, but sometimes mistakes happen, including entering the wrong name on your airline ticket. If you’ve booked a United Airlines ticket and noticed a name error, you might be worried about how to fix it. Fortunately, United Airlines has policies in place that allow passengers to correct name errors with specific guidelines. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to correct a name error on your United Airlines ticket, explore the airline’s name correction policy, and provide essential tips to avoid such issues in the future.
Understanding United Airlines’ Name Change Policy
Before you proceed with correcting your ticket, it’s important to understand United Airlines’ name change policy. The airline allows name corrections under specific conditions but has restrictions on full name changes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Minor Name Corrections: If you made a small typo, such as missing a letter or incorrect spelling, United Airlines typically allows you to correct it without additional fees.
- Legal Name Changes: If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal reasons, you will need to provide legal documentation (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order) to update your ticket.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: United Airlines tickets are non-transferable, meaning you cannot change the name entirely to transfer the ticket to another person.
- Ticket Reissue: In some cases, minor changes may require a ticket reissue, which could come with a small processing fee.
Steps to Change the Name on Your United Airlines Ticket
If you need to correct a name on your United Airlines ticket, follow these steps:
1. Review Your Ticket for Errors
As soon as you receive your ticket, carefully check the name for any spelling mistakes or inaccuracies. Your name on the ticket must exactly match the name on your government-issued ID or passport.
2. Contact United Airlines Customer Support
The fastest way to correct a name error is by calling United Airlines’ customer support at their official phone number. Explain the mistake and provide the correct name. The airline representative will guide you through the correction process and inform you about any applicable fees.
3. Use the United Airlines Website
United Airlines allows minor name corrections through its official website. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit united.com.
- Log in to your MileagePlus account (if applicable) or use your booking reference.
- Navigate to the Manage Reservations section.
- Look for the Name Correction option and follow the instructions.
If the option is not available online, you will need to contact United Airlines customer service for assistance.
4. Provide Necessary Documentation
For legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court orders, you will need to provide supporting documents. These may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Legal name change order
- Government-issued ID with the updated name
You may be required to send copies of these documents via email or fax as per the airline’s instructions.
5. Pay Any Applicable Fees
Depending on the nature of the correction, United Airlines may charge a small fee for ticket reissuing. Minor typographical errors may be corrected for free, but more substantial changes could incur charges.
6. Receive Your Updated Ticket
Once your name correction is approved, United Airlines will issue an updated ticket with the corrected name. Make sure to verify the details before your departure to avoid any last-minute issues at the airport.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Name Change?
The time it takes to process a name correction varies depending on the complexity of the change and how it was requested.
- Online corrections (for minor errors) are often instant.
- Phone requests may take a few hours to process.
- Legal name changes requiring documentation verification may take 24–72 hours.
To avoid delays, it’s best to request the correction as soon as you notice the error.
Can You Change the Name on a United Airlines Ticket for Another Person?
No, United Airlines does not allow ticket transfers. If you can no longer use the ticket, you may be able to cancel it and receive a travel credit (depending on the fare type). Otherwise, you will need to book a new ticket for the correct passenger.
Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Airline Tickets
Preventing name errors in the first place can save you time and stress. Here are some tips to ensure your United Airlines ticket has the correct name:
- Double-check details before booking: Always verify the spelling of your name before finalizing a flight reservation.
- Use your government-issued ID: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport or driver’s license.
- Be cautious with auto-fill: Sometimes, auto-fill features can input incorrect information. Manually review all details before confirming the booking.
- Book flights early: If you’re booking on behalf of someone else, confirm their name details beforehand to avoid mistakes.
- Keep legal documents handy: If you have recently changed your name, carry proof of the change when traveling.
Final Thoughts
Discovering a name error on your United Airlines ticket can be frustrating, but it’s a fixable issue if addressed promptly. United Airlines provides options for correcting minor typos and making legal name changes, provided you follow their policies and procedures. Whether you make the correction online, over the phone, or at the airport, taking swift action ensures a smooth travel experience.
By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can successfully correct a name mistake on your United Airlines ticket without unnecessary stress. Always double-check your booking details and keep your travel documents updated to avoid such issues in the future. Safe travels!
Shivi Kumari
