How To Correct the Name On a United Airlines Ticket

Making a reservation with United Airlines is normally simple, but a name mismatch on your ticket can cause panic in seconds. In 2025, when airlines are increasingly insisting on identity checks, this issue will become even more important. Even the simplest spelling mistake, or the omission of a middle name, may deny you the right to check in online or board your flight.

This guideline elaborates on the rules of name correction at United Airlines. You will know when a name change is permitted, how much it might cost, what paperwork will be required, and the procedure for overcoming the most common problems associated with this process, such as spelling errors, name changes due to marriage, or ID discrepancies. It only takes a few minutes to understand how to deal with a misspelled name on a United flight without losing your head unnecessarily.

Why Name Accuracy Matters on United Airlines Tickets

United Airlines asks you to have your ticket name be the same as your government-issued ID or passport. This is associated with TSA and international security rules, not only airline policy.

Possible consequences of a mismatch in the ticket name used by United are:

• Failed online check-in

• Boarding pass rejection

• Denied boarding at the gate

• Rebooking and cancellation charges.

United is very dependent on automated systems in the year 2025, and this implies that errors are detected faster than ever.

United Airlines Name Change Policy (Overview)

• Name correction: Correcting a typing mistake or other minor mistake (usually permitted)

• Name change: Substitution of one of the passengers (not allowed)

• This difference is paramount when seeking out a change.

When United Airlines Allow Name Correction

United Airlines normally permits small spelling mistakes, such as:

• Spelled the first or last name (1-3 characters) wrongly.

• Missing or extra middle name

• Inverted first and last name

• Typographical errors

These corrections are treated as United Airlines spelling corrections, as opposed to a complete change of name.

When United Airlines Does Not Allow Name Change

United is generally not permissive of:

• Replacing the passenger with some other individual.

• Allowing someone to place a ticket on another person.

• Change of first and surname completely.

The only option can be the cancellation of the ticket and rebooking it under the right name in such cases, under the fare conditions.

How To Correct Name On United Ticket (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Reservation Booking Review.

Work on your ticket confirmation and compare it to:

• Passport (international travelling)

• ID (domestic travel) issued by the government.

• Even minor discrepancies must be mentioned.

Step 2: Decision about the Type of Error.

Ask:

• Is it a spelling error?

• Is it a missing middle name?

• Is it a marital change of name (marriage/divorce)?

• This dictates the procedure and records that are needed.

Step 3: United Airlines Support.

You may indicate the association of the correct name on the United ticket by:

• United Airlines customer care .

• United website (Manage Reservations)

• The travel agency provided one that is booked.

Have ready:

• Booking reference number

• Passenger ID or passport

• Documents in support should be present where necessary.

Step 4: Pay the United Airlines Name Correction Fee (Where Necessary)

Fees depend on:

• Fare type

• (domestic vs international) Route.

• Time before departure

Minor corrections can be complimentary, particularly when this is done in time.

Step 5: Reprove the Updated Ticket.

Once corrected:

• Ask for written/ email confirmation.

• Check the ticket information again.

• Obtain a new boarding pass.

Do not think that the correction is over unless you are sure.

United Airlines Name Correction Fee (What To Expect)

United does not advertise a standard price in each case. In general:

• Minor corrections in spelling: Free or cheap.

• Change of name: May be obliged to reissue the ticket.

• International airfares: More likely to incur charges.

Prices are different depending on the fare regulations and conditions of the tickets.

Correcting Different Name Issues on United Airlines

1. United Airlines spelling correction.

Examples:

“Micheal” instead of “Michael”

“Jonh” instead of “John”

Usually allowed

Frequently settled without the issue of a new ticket.

Should be able to match ID with maximized precision after correction.

2. Marriage or Change of Name or Divorce.

Should you have changed your legal name:

• United can permit correction on the record.

• A marriage certificate or court order was necessary.

There are cases where there is a need to issue a ticket.

Depending on the fare, fees can be charged.

3. ID or Passport Name Mismatch

In case the names on your passport and your ticket do not match:

• Correction is mandatory for international travel.

• Supporting documents must be submitted.

Failure to correct may result in denied boarding.

United Airlines Name Correction Vs Name Change

Type	Allowed	Notes
Minor spelling correction	Yes	Most common
Middle name correction	Yes	Usually optional
Legal name update	Sometimes	Docs required
Passenger replacement	No	Rebooking needed

Airline Names Correction Policies (Comparison Table)

Airline	Minor Correction	Name Change	Official Policy Link
United Airlines	Allowed	Not allowed	https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/help/faq/name-changes.html
Delta Air Lines	Allowed	Not allowed	https://www.delta.com/us/en/change-cancel/overview
American Airlines	Allowed	Not allowed	https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/support/passport-visa-travel-documents.jsp
Southwest Airlines	Allowed	Limited	https://www.southwest.com/help/day-of-travel/name-changes

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Do Not Wait Until Airport Day
• Do Not Assume Gate Agents Will Fix Name Issues
• Do Not Ignore the Middle Name Between Passenger’s and Travel Agent’s Bookings
• Do Not Use Nicknames instead of full Legal Names
• Do Not Forget to Check Confirmation Emails

The United Airlines (United) Staff at the Airport Have Very Limited Authority to Make Name Corrections on Tickets.

Tips To Prevent United Ticket Name Errors

• Copy Passport Name Directly
• Do Not Rely on Autofill
• Double-Check Before Paying
• Immediately Review the Confirmation Once It Arrives
• Make Sure All Reservations Have the Same Name

It Is Always Easier to Fix (i.e., Correct) Rather than to Try to Do so After the Fact.

What Happens If you don’t fix a Wrong Name On a United flight?

If you do not correct your name on an airline reservation on time, there may be negative consequences.

Possible Outcomes:

• Unable to Check In Online
• Not Allowed to Board Flight
• Ticket Will Be Forfeited (no refund)
• Required to Buy a New Ticket at a Higher Price
• Missed Flight

United Airlines has a Strict Policy and Strict Enforcement of its Matching Policy.

Final Call-To-Action: Get Help Early

This guide is based on United Airlines’ official policy and updated for 2025 compliance and travel regulations.

If your United Airlines ticket has a name error, act immediately to avoid boarding issues or extra charges. Call us Toll Free +1-855-510-5187 for quick assistance with your ticket correction.

If you find that you have booked a United Flight under the Wrong Name, take Immediate Steps to obtain a Name Change. Making an Early Correction Will Result in a Simpler, Less Expensive, Less Stressful Process.

If You Find The Process Confusing, Especially When Making Changes Due to Marriage or International Travel, or if You Have a Sensitive Requirement for Travel, You Should Seek Professional Assistance to Facilitate Coordination Between You and United Airlines To Ensure Proper Changes Are Made To Your Ticket.

“Prepared Travelers” Correct Name Issues Early and Can Travel With Confidence.*

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)