• 08 Sep, 2025
  • Travel tips

How do you change the name on a United Airlines flight ticket?

Ensuring your name matches on both your flight ticket and government-issued ID helps make your travel experience smooth and stress-free. Even with major mistakes, United Airlines is committed to providing excellent support to all passengers. They have essential rules and guidelines that everyone should follow when requesting a name change. To stay informed and make any needed updates, take some time to read this article and familiarize yourself with all the essential information. This way, you can make your journey seamless and enjoyable. 

What is United Airlines' Name Change Policy? 

Before requesting a name change with United Airlines, passengers must be aware of the flexible rules and guidelines of United Airlines regarding name changes. As the requests are only fulfilled if the listed conditions match, the following are the key elements of the United name change policy

  • United Airlines must solely operate the flight ticket for which passengers demand a name change or correction. 
  • In scenarios where the ticket involves codeshare flights, United Airlines will only change the names for the portion operated by United Airlines. 
  • When requesting a name change or correction from United Airlines, passengers are allowed to make only one reissue per ticket. 
  • As per United Airlines' name change policy, passengers can only make minor name changes that must match their government-issued ID card. 
  • The airline allows only a single correction per reservation, and any request for further changes will result in additional charges being applied. 
  • Passengers requesting a name change or correction must have their documentation handy for a smooth process of making amendments. 
  • As per the policies, passengers cannot modify the flights, such as the date, time, fare classes, and more. 
  • The flight ticket number must begin with United Airlines' IATA prefix code, '016'; only then will certain requests for name changes be fulfilled. 

What are the types of name changes for United Airlines?

  • United Airlines Name Changes after Marriage: If the passengers' names have been changed due to legal reasons such as marriage or divorce, they can consider contacting United Airlines' customer support to request such changes. 
  • United Airlines Name Changes after a Mistake in the Middle Name: Sometimes, a passenger's middle name can contain errors, typos, or spelling errors, which can be corrected upon the passenger's request. 
  • United Airlines Name Changes after Mistakes in Last Name: Name errors can also occur in a passenger's last name; however, if the criteria are met, passengers can also request name changes. 
  • United Airlines Name Changes after Names have been reversed: Sometimes, the last and first names get swapped, which can also cause inconvenience. However, United Airlines can make corrections on request. 

Required Documents to change name on United Airlines Tickets 

United Airlines can correct or change names upon passengers' requests if there has been an error in the personal details. However, passengers must keep their documentation handy with all the crucial information prepared to avoid delays and ensure a smooth experience for passengers. Below are some required documents passengers must have if they want to make name change requests to United Airlines: 

  • Physical Copy of the flight ticket
  • Government-issued Photo ID
  • Certificate or Court Order

How do you change the name on a United Airlines flight ticket? 

Each passenger has their own preference to which they decide to stick for a name change, following their convenience. Also, the airline offers distinct methods to facilitate communication based on the requirements and conditions for fixing a mistaken name on the flight ticket. Therefore, below are some methods provided by United Airlines to make alterations in your mistaken names:

  • Name Corrections via Affidavit: If the passengers' names have been incorrectly entered, they can request an alteration to the existing ticket via affidavit. This approach is usually considered when passengers do not have legal documents to submit to the airline. In such scenarios, affidavits can be submitted to request a name change and must be emailed to the Center of Service for MileagePlus, Postal Code 1394, 77251-1394, Houston, Texas. 
  • Making Requests through Phone Calls: Communication with the airline can urgently fulfill name change requests. Passengers must contact United Airlines representatives and request a name correction by calling +1-885-423-1867. Additionally, the numbers are open around the clock to receive immediate support. 
  • Request a name change upon arrival at the airport: Passengers can also seek assistance from airport representatives to understand the complexities better. You must describe your query to the airport representatives, who will offer the best possible help per the United ticket name change policy

United Airlines Name Change and Fees

Several factors determine the applied United name change fee, such as the request time, the route of the flight, and the amount charged. For example, if the request for a name change is made within 24 hours of buying the flight ticket, a charge of $75 applies, along with the fare difference. If the request is made after 24 hours of making the flight change, a charge of $200 will be applied. Additionally, if there is a difference in fare and the applied charges, it must also be paid.

How do I contact an agent to change the name on a United Airlines flight ticket?

Those who have witnessed mistakes in the details of their United Airlines flight tickets may consider seeking a reliable solution. This is when contacting an agent at United Airlines, which is a reliable solution, where agents can clearly offer immediate solutions and make changes per the passenger's request. Also, the lines remain open 24/7, allowing customers to get help whenever needed. Here are the following steps that are required to be followed for connecting with an agent of United Airlines:

  • To connect to the agents at United Airlines, dial '1-800-864-8331' or '+1-855-423-1867' to connect to United Airlines. 
  • Carefully listen to the IVR and press the appropriate keys accordingly. 
  • Press keys as per your queries and connect with the United Airlines representatives. 
  • Wait on hold patiently till the representative is available. 
  • Once connected, describe your query and request a name change or correction. 

When can I not change the name on a United Airlines Flight Ticket?

United Airlines generally offers name changes or corrections; however, certain conditions or requests can not be fulfilled, per United name correction policy. To know these conditions, go through the pointers below and learn the scenarios where a name change or correction requests can not be made:

  • When transferring a United Airlines flight ticket to another person. 
  • If the flights are not operated by United Airlines. 
  • If passengers do not have any valid documentation.
  • When the flight ticket number starts with 016. 

Conclusion

United Airlines understands how inconvenient it can be for a passenger if a mistake occurs in their name or personal information. Therefore, they permit passengers to request a name change or correction if they witness any wrong spellings, typos, reversed names, or other errors. Although certain conditions must be matched, only then will passengers be able to make such requests. The article explains the rules and guidelines properly, so passengers can have a seamless experience when requesting such changes. 

FAQ

United Airlines permits passengers to make their desired name change or correction if a correction has occurred; however, ticket transfers are not allowed, as only the passenger whose name is on the ticket can fly using it.

The charges applied to the name corrections vary depending on whether the 24-hour limitation is adhered to. If the request for a name change is made within 24 hours of purchasing the ticket, the applied charges would be around $75; otherwise, it would be around $200, with charges for the difference. 

Due to security policy, you cannot request a name change or correction once you have checked in for your flight. It is advised that passengers make changes or corrections in their names immediately after noticing them.

United Airlines permits passengers to request a name change or correction, wherever it is needed in their names. Therefore, passengers need not worry when errors occur, and can connect to United Airlines to make specific changes. 

You can consider contacting United Airlines by phone at any hour of the day and describing the issues you are facing. This way, you can request a name change if there has been a mistake. However, remember to keep your documentation handy to have a convenient experience ahead.

Even if passengers' names have been changed due to legal reasons, such as marriage, divorce, or adoption, they can request a name change by contacting United Airlines. However, passengers must have a government-issued photo ID or an affidavit to request a name change.

United Airlines charges between $75 and $200, depending on various factors, such as the time of request, the route of the flight, and more. In addition to the name change charges, fare differences must also be paid.