United Airlines Name Change Policy

Highlights on United Airlines Name Change Policy

Before requesting for correcting United Airlines wrong name on airline ticket, United Airlines wrong last name on airline tickets, or complete name change scenarios you must know that United Airlines only allows minor changes in the wrong name. It means a passenger cannot change the complete name and major or legal change require documentation & airline approval. 

A traveler has to abide by the following criteria to make corrections in their name:

• The flight must be United Airlines.
• In the case of code-share and interline, United Airlines name correction requests will be honored on United’s portion of the route. 
• The ticket inventory should start with the number 016.
• A passenger is only allowed one reissue per ticket when doing a name correction on United’s ticket.
• If a customer is asking for additional changes in their United Airlines ticket, then those edits will be considered as the name change. Thereby, such additions will be subject to the name change policy of United Airlines. As per that, there will be an increase in the ticket price.
• As per United’s name change policy, no modification can be done to the flight date, time, fare classes, and fare base code under any circumstances. 
• A passenger can only be allowed to make minor edits to the name, and that must match the government ID card. 
• With the request for the name change on the boarding pass, a passenger cannot amend the date of birth and gender. 
• The customer’s date of birth and name would be subject to United Airlines name change policy. 
• A traveler can make minor changes to the mistakes in the date of birth only when they are committed while making the reservation. 
• United Airlines name change allows one correction per reservation. If you want to make further changes, there will be additional charges to complete the formalities. 

Types of United Airlines Name Correction Policy

When a traveler commits an error while reserving a ticket with United Airlines, a name change policy allows them to eliminate this trouble. There are three categories under which a passenger can rectify the misspelled name. 

The following are three types of name change policies under United Airlines:

Category 1 - Simple Modifications in a Name

When the passenger’s name is incorrect on the ticket, the standard procedure will be used to correct the name. According to the United Airlines name correction policy, simple mistakes on the reservation ticket don’t require the burden of documentation. These Edits are limited to spelling errors or a few letter mistakes. 

Examples of simple name modifications are:

• Correcting a typo error in the spelling of the name. For instance, altering the first name Charli to Charlie and the last name Mathwe to Mathew.
• Making a modification in the name on the reservation to or from a nickname. For example, Ally to AL.
• Rectifying the prefix or title on the ticket. For example, Miss to Mrs, Mr. to Dr.
• Modifying the middle name on the boarding pass. For instance, Elizabeth Richard Smith to Elizabeth R. Smith.

Category 2 - Significant Modifications in a Name

Significant changes in United Airlines reservation often happen in the event of marriage or divorce, where you must disclose documents supporting your request. These changes are more substantial in comparison to the simple ones. Significant changes often happen in the event of marriage or divorce, where you must disclose documents supporting your request. 

Here are the documents that a passenger must show for a legal name change:

• In the case of divorce, you must present the papers outlining the separation settlement. 
• In the event of a marriage, you must show a legal document supporting the name change.
• If you have changed your full name, you must show a government-issued document that includes your old and new information. 

Category 3 - Affidavit with an Alternative Name

It may happen that you don’t have the legal documents to support your name change. In such a case, United Airlines name change policy allows a customer to alter the name by showing the affidavit with an alternative name. It means a passenger can replace the name on the ticket with the help of an affidavit. With the help of an affidavit, a traveler can also generate a photo ID copy.

If your wrong name condition doesn't fall into any of the categories above, you will have to cancel your United flight and rebook. Read the United 24 flight cancel policy and learn how your money can be made available to you as e-credits when you reschedule your flight. 

How to Change the Name on the Ticket under the United Airlines Name Correction Policy?

Every passenger uses their convenience while applying for a change of name on the ticket. That is why United Airlines have provided many options for rectifying a name. 

As per United Airlines Name Correction Policy, you can alter a name in the following ways:

Method 1 - Name Change Via Affidavit

A passenger of United Airlines can request a name change on the boarding pass via affidavit. When you don’t have legal documents to show to the concerned body, in that case, you must submit the affidavit. You must have a copy of an affidavit if you apply for a name change through this method. In addition to this, you have to email the notarized documents to the address mentioned below:

Center of Service for MileagePlus, Postal Code 1394, 77251-1394 Houston, TX

Method 2 - Rectify Name Via Phone Call

Sometimes, a passenger wants to modify the name on an urgent basis. In such cases, the facility of calling the officials is the most suitable method. An agent can facilitate the United Airlines name correction on the ticket via call. When you dial the client service number 1-800-864-8331, a representative will answer the call and take your request further. However, you can also phone +1-800-506-7805, an OTA number whose lines are open 24/7, for immediate support.

The representative will collect your personal information. Therefore, they will apply the necessary changes to your name according to the information provided by you and the name change policy. After correcting your name, you may also want to review United’s seat selection policy.

Method 3 - Alter Name Via Airport Visit

When you want to take in-person assistance for changing your name, it is best to visit the airport. The United Airlines representative will help you in solving your issue. You can tell them the problem you are facing while changing your name. If the airline supports the provision to alter your name change, you will get informed regarding the same. 

Further, the representative will tell you about the name change process according to the United Airlines name correction policy. Hence, you can follow the procedure and change your name.

The airline has a number of policies designed to ensure that frequent flyers are able to board hurdle-free. In addition to changing names on tickets, United also allows passengers to change flight dates, departure times, destinations, etc under the United flight change policy.

United Airlines Name Change Policy For MileagePlus Account/Members

If you have a MileagePlus account with United Airlines, you can make a simple name change or correction to your MileagePlus account without any supporting documentation. Remember that, to comply with the TSA secure flight program, the name on your MileagePlus account should match the name on your government-issued I.D.

According to the United Airlines name change MileagePlus policy, please update the following necessary details in your MileagePlus account:

• You must upload the required supporting documentation.
• The processing time for the name change is approximately two weeks.
• Any future modifications must be requested by contacting the MileagePlus service center.

How to Request A United Name Change on Your MileagePlus Account?

You can request for United simple name change or correction without any supporting documentation through:

1- MileagePlus account profile

2- Calling the United Airlines customer care center

For Significant Name Correction on A United Ticket, You Need To:

1- Upload a copy of your supporting documentation to your MileagePlus account.

2- Mail your name affidavit to the below address:

• MileagePlus Service Center

P.O. Box 1394

Houston, TX 77251-139

What To Do When You Discover United Airlines Misspelled Name On Boarding Pass At The Airport?

If you discover a misspelled name on your United Airlines boarding pass at the airport, you should take the following steps:

• Approach United Airlines Staff

You should immediately inform the United Airlines customer service team or gate agents about the misspelled name on your boarding pass. They are trained to handle such situations and will assist you in resolving the same effectively. 

• Provide Legal Documentation

Be prepared to show official identification documents, such as a valid passport or any other government-issued ID, that reflect the correct spelling of your name. 

• Stay Calm and Polite 

When interacting with airline staff members, keep your composure and be courteous. Always keep in mind that they are there to assist you, and keeping a cooperative attitude can increase the likelihood of a quick resolution for rectifying the United Airlines misspelled name on boarding pass.

Flying Rules Tips - If your travel plans change after a name correction request, you may consider flying earlier or later the same day. Learn more in our United standby policy guide.

United Airlines Transfer Ticket To Another Person

United Airlines is popular for its flexible travel-related services. Additionally, the airline is quite strict with ticket transfers. Hence United Airlines transfer ticket to another person is not accepted under its name change policy. Any ticket you transfer will increase the risk of having any suspicious passengers board the flight. 

Above all, you can only transfer a United ticket if you have purchased a transferable ticket. These flight tickets have higher fares and allow ticket transfers to other people. Moreover, if you cannot utilize the ticket, you must cancel the flight booking or pay a cancellation fee to transfer a ticket to someone else. A new ticket to the same location will be issued by the airline.

Moreover, under the 24-hour flexible booking policy, if your flight ticket was purchased in the last 24 hours or one week or more before the initially scheduled departure flight, it may qualify for a waiver of change fees. Basic economy is not eligible for changes but is eligible for a complete refund within 24 hours of booking as long as you complete your purchase within one week or more before the scheduled departure flight

Can I Correct the United Airlines Misspelled Name On Boarding Pass Online?

Indeed, it's possible to correct the United Airlines misspelled name on boarding pass using the online method. On the United Airlines website, there is a self-serve option called “Manage Reservations” after logging in to your account. 

Follow the instructions mentioned below to learn how to correct the wrong name on the boarding pass of United Airlines.

• First - Open United Airlines official website and navigate to the “My Trips” or “Manage Reservations” section.
• Second - Enter your booking confirmation number and last name to access your account. 
• Third - Search for the option to edit your booking details. 
• Fourth - If the next step allows you to correct your United Airlines name correction on ticket or boarding pass, follow the instructions.
• Fifth - Save all the changes and wait for confirmation from the airline. 

Note - Not all name corrections can be done online, especially for more significant changes or if your flight is near departure. Hence, if the online option is not available or if the changes you need to make are not permitted online, you should contact United Airlines customer service directly or seek assistance from the professional staff at the airport to resolve the issue.

How to Minimize United Airlines Cost To Change Name On Ticket?

One of the most significant ways to minimize the United Airlines cost to change name on ticket is that you must act quickly. As soon as you realize there is a name error on your ticket, you must contact United Airlines customer service immediately. Acting swiftly may potentially reduce the United name change fee. 

Acting promptly in name change scenarios doesn’t make any sense without a thorough understanding of the fare laws. You should know the fare rules associated with your flight ticket. By understanding it, you can make more informed decisions for correcting United Airlines misspelled name on ticket and potentially find ways to minimize the United name change fee. 

Do I Need To Put My Middle Name on My United Airlines Ticket?

Whether or not you need to put your middle name on the ticket completely depends on the United Airlines Name Change policy and the necessities of the country you are about to land on. 

However, to avoid any potential hurdles and confusion during security and United check-in procedures, it is advised to generally provide your name on the ticket as it is on your passport. If your passport/government-issued identification has your middle name over it. It is recommended that you put it while booking your tickets too. 

United Airlines Name Change Charges

A passenger can replace the name on the ticket subject to some charge. The fee for a name change can depend upon the time of the request. If you modify the name within 24 hours of booking, you shall be charged $75. 

Any modification made after 24 hours and two hours before the arranged departure will cost a customer $200, alongside the difference in fare.

Tips: If you notice a typo, call United immediately (ideally within 24 hours). If fees are charged, arriving early at the airport and checking in with ID might allow for free correction or override as some user shared their experience on Reddit.

How To Talk To The United Airlines Customer Service Agent For Name Change Concerns?

For passengers who encounter unforeseen difficulties and need quick solutions, United Airlines Customer Service is an invaluable resource. 

You can contact the airline using different methods as follows - 

Method 1 - Via Phone Call

• Dial 1-800-864-8331 (United Airlines name change phone number)

• Second - Press 1 for English 
• Third - Press 3 to listen to the IVR menu 
• Fourth - Select your query. 
• Fifth - Press 9 and say “I-d like to talk to a United Airines live person”.
• Sixth - United Airlines customer service team is available to answer all your questions related to United Airlines misspelled name on boarding pass/ticket.

Method 2 - Via Chat 

To rectify the United Airlines name mistake in the flight ticket, you will also have the chat option to talk to the live agent at United Airlines. You can click on the chat button to see the dialogue box on the home screen of United Airlines official website. Type your message in the given space and send it. Without waiting for a while, you will get a response from the United Air carrier experts.

Tips: Planning a trip with your little one? Don’t miss our detailed article on how to add infant to united flight for a smooth travel experience

Disclaimer: Flying Rules provides accurate and updated information based on official airline policies, including the latest updates for 2025. However, airline policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice. We strongly recommend confirming details directly with United Airlines before making any name change requests. Flying Rules is not affiliated with United Airlines and does not process changes on behalf of the airline.