To adhere to TSA regulations, United Airlines strictly enforces their name change policy. It's essential that the name on your boarding pass and government-issued ID matches exactly. Failure to ensure accuracy may result in denial of boarding.
An Overview of United Airlines Name Change on Ticket
United Airlines offers passengers the flexibility to change the name on their tickets, applicable for both domestic and international flights. Here are key considerations to note:
United Airlines allows passengers to change the name on their tickets under the following circumstances:
Correcting spelling errors in the first or last name, prefix/title, inverted first and last names, or adding/removing a middle name or nickname.
Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, court decree, etc.
These name changes apply to all types of tickets, provided the passenger named on the ticket is the one traveling.
You can request simple name changes, such as corrections and typographical errors, over the phone or at a ticketing office, provided you have valid ID proof.
For legal name changes, proper documentation is required, and these changes can only be processed at a United Airlines ticketing office.
MileagePlus account holders have the option to make name changes either online or in writing, subject to certain conditions.
For simple name changes, which include correcting spelling errors, changing to/from a nickname, prefix/title correction, adding or deleting a middle name/initial, or correcting inverted first and last names, no supporting documentation is required. These changes can be made online through the member's MileagePlus account profile.
For significant name changes, such as those due to marriage, divorce, court decree, or any other changes not covered under simple name changes, supporting documents such as marriage license, divorce decree, court decree, or government-issued ID reflecting the current and former names must be uploaded online through the MileagePlus account profile.
If you cannot provide any of the mentioned documents, you will need to send a printed, signed, and notarized copy of the Name Affidavit to the same address.
Unless otherwise indicated on your ticket at the time of purchase, all tickets are non-transferable.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your name is accurately listed on your ticket. Presenting a ticket issued in someone else's name will result in its invalidation, and United Airlines will neither honor nor refund such tickets.
United Airlines cannot be held liable for any delay, loss, or damage to baggage, personal property, or for any injury or death of unauthorized passengers using a ticket, whether with or without the consent of the original ticket holder.
If the name on your identification does not exactly match the name on your ticket, United Airlines reserves the right to determine whether to allow or deny boarding.
United Airlines Change Name on Ticket Info
To change the name on a United Airlines ticket, you have several options available based on the type of name change needed and your MileagePlus membership status. These include online changes for MileagePlus members, phone requests, written requests, or visiting a ticketing office. The method chosen depends on whether it's a simple name change or a significant one, as well as your MileagePlus membership status.
For passengers who are not MileagePlus members, simple name changes can be facilitated by phone, at a United ticketing office, or through the ticket-issuing authority or third party. These changes encompass corrections to first or last name spellings, adjustments to or from a passenger's nickname, rectification of titles or prefixes, addition or removal of middle names or initials, and correction of inverted first and last names.
However, legal or significant name changes, such as those due to marriage or divorce, require proper legal documentation. These changes must be processed through a United Airlines ticketing office, and a fee may apply.
As a MileagePlus member, you have the option to make simple name changes online through your MileagePlus account profile without the need for supporting documents.
These changes include:
Correcting the spelling of a first name (e.g., Sara to Sarah)
Correcting the spelling of a last name (e.g., Phillips to Philips)
Changing a name from or to a nickname (e.g., Liz to Elizabeth)
Changing or correcting a title/prefix (e.g., Mr. to Dr., Mstr. to Mr., Miss to Ms.)
Adding or deleting an initial or middle name (e.g., John R. Ennis to John Richard Ennis)
Correcting inverted first and last names (e.g., Philips Sara to Sara Philips)
For significant name changes not covered above, you can request the change online through your MileagePlus account profile. You'll need to upload a copy of supporting documents such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court papers, or a government-issued ID reflecting both your present and former names.
United Airlines Name Change Process
United Airlines permits simple name corrections on tickets via phone or at a ticketing office. Supporting documentation, like a government-issued ID, may be required for verification. Simple name corrections cover misspellings in first, last, or middle names, adjustments to name titles or prefixes, and rectification of inverted first and last names.
In cases where the name on the ticket significantly differs from the legal name due to events like marriage or divorce, a valid marriage certificate, divorce decree, or similar documentation is necessary to facilitate the correction.
United Airlines Name Change on Ticket Due to Marriage, Divorce, etc.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or any other legal reason, and you possess the necessary documentation, it's imperative to update it with United Airlines before your flight. Ideally, you should inform United Airlines as soon as you become aware of the discrepancy. However, if you notice the error on the day of travel, you must present your legal documentation for review at United's airport ticket counter.
If you have legal documentation supporting the discrepancy between the name on your government ID and your ticket, it can help authorities understand the situation. However, if the name on your physical ID doesn't match your ticket or boarding pass, you should promptly contact United Airlines for correction. If it's a simple correction that doesn't necessitate reissuing the ticket, there may be no charge. However, significant corrections requiring ticket reissuance may incur fees, including change fees or fare differences, depending on your fare type.
United Airlines Name Change Fee
For a simple name correction as described earlier, you might not face a name change fee. However, if you're undergoing a legal name change due to events like marriage or divorce, your ticket might require reissuing, and you could be charged the fare difference between the old and new fares.
United Airlines Name Change Tips
Make the most of the 24-hour window provided by United Airlines. Within this timeframe, you can rectify any errors in your booking, whether it's a minor typo or a full name change, without incurring any charges.
When booking your ticket, ensure that you enter your complete name (including first, middle, and last names) to match the details on your government-issued photo ID accurately.
Consider setting up a MileagePlus account with United Airlines and ensure that your passenger information in your profile is correct. By adding your frequent flyer number during ticket purchase, your details will automatically populate your reservation, streamlining the process. If you already have a MileagePlus account, review and update your profile information to ensure accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions on United Airlines Name Change Policy
Can I make a name change on my United Airlines ticket?
Yes, United Airlines permits minor name corrections and full name changes under specific conditions.
What types of name changes does United Airlines permit?
United Airlines permits minor name corrections for printing errors and full name changes because of legal reasons, such as marriage or divorce.
How to request for a name change or correction?
To request a name change or correction, contact United Airlines customer service. You may need to submit supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
What is the fee for name changes or corrections on United Airlines Tickets?
Fees may incur for name changes or corrections. The amount will depend on the type of correction and the fare rules associated with your ticket.
What documents are needed for a legal name change?
For legal name changes, you will need to submit documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to verify the changes.
Can I transfer my United Airlines ticket to someone else?
No, United Airlines tickets are non-transferable. You cannot change the name on a ticket to another person’s name.
What if I notice a typo in my name on the ticket?
Minor typographical errors can often be corrected by contacting United Airlines' customer service. Such corrections are typically handled without significant hassle.
How long before my flight should I request a name change?
It’s best to request a name change as soon as possible after booking to ensure there are no issues with your reservation. Ideally, this should be done well in advance of your travel date.
Can I change my name on a MileagePlus award ticket?
Yes, name corrections on MileagePlus award tickets follow the same procedures and may require contacting MileagePlus customer service.
What if I changed my name after booking due to marriage or divorce?
If your name has legally changed due to marriage or divorce, contact United Airlines' customer service with the appropriate legal documentation to update your ticket.
Are name changes allowed for international flights?
Yes, name changes or corrections can be made for international flights, but it’s especially important to ensure that the name on your ticket matches your passport exactly.
Can travel agents handle name changes on United Airlines tickets?
Yes, if you booked through a travel agent, they can often assist with name changes or corrections, but you may still need to provide documentation directly to United Airlines.
For the most accurate and specific information, it's always best to check directly with United Airlines or refer to their official website and customer service.
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