United Airlines has revamped its name change policy to make it easier for passengers to update their names on existing reservations. This policy overhaul reflects United Airlines’ ongoing commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its diverse customer base, aiming to provide smoother travel arrangements while minimizing unnecessary hassles.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at United Airlines’ name change policy, covering eligibility criteria, the process for making changes, associated fees, and additional relevant information.
What are the eligibility requirements for United Airlines' name change policy?
United Airlines does not permit name corrections as a substitute for substituting one passenger’s name with another. To rectify a misspelled name on a United Airlines ticket, the following conditions must be met:
1. The flights must be exclusively operated by United Airlines, and name correction requests are only valid for United’s segments.
2. Name corrections are not allowed once the United Airlines check-in process has been completed.
3. The ticket inventory must commence with code 016.
4. Only one ticket reissue is permitted for correcting names on United Airlines flights.
5. During travel, only minor name corrections for United Airlines are permissible, provided that the ticketed name exactly matches the government-issued photo ID.
6. Changing the passenger’s date of birth and gender is not allowed when requesting a name change on a United Airlines ticket. Modifications to the date of birth are only allowed for minor corrections resulting from errors made during the booking process.
Please note that United Airlines allows only one name correction per customer, and any further changes will be subject to their passenger name change policy.
Important note: Under United Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy, passengers have the option to cancel the flight ticket and rebook a new flight with the correct name on the ticket.
Which documents are necessary when submitting a United Airlines name change request?
To facilitate a United Airlines Name Change request, you will typically require the following documents:
1. A valid government-issued identification document, such as a passport or driver’s license.
2. In cases of name changes due to marriage or divorce, a Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree is necessary.
3. For legal name change requests, a court order may be required to substantiate the change.
4. If the name change pertains to a minor, additional documentation such as a birth certificate or guardianship papers may be necessary. This also applies to United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors who are eligible for name change requests.
What details are required to request a name change on a MileagePlus account?
To update the name on your MileagePlus account, it’s essential to ensure that the name aligns with the government-issued ID you intend to present at the airport, as per TSA Secure Flight program regulations. Here are the guidelines:
1. Minor name changes or corrections, such as fixing first or last name spelling or adjusting prefixes or titles, can be made without the need for additional documents. There won’t be any United Airlines name change fee in such cases.
2. For more substantial name changes, you’ll need to submit a written request along with supporting legal documents, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, legal name change document, or government-issued identification displaying both your old and new names.
To initiate a United Airlines name change request:
– Update the necessary details in your MileagePlus account profile.
– If it’s a significant change, upload the required supporting documentation.
– The processing time for the change typically takes about 2 weeks.
– Any future modifications to this information should be requested by contacting the MileagePlus Service Center.
– For further inquiries about updating your account information, you can consult the frequently asked questions section.
What types of name change requests does United Airlines accept?
According to United Airlines’ name change policy, here is a summary of the name change requests typically approved by the airline:
| Accepted Name Change Requests | Example |
| First/Middle/Last Names | If your ticket contains an incorrect first name, such as “Shawn” instead of “Sean,” you have the option to request a correction to ensure it matches your correct name. |
| Nickname to Legal Name | If your ticket displays your nickname “Nick” while your legal name is “Nicholas,” you have the option to request a change to reflect your complete legal name. |
| Inverted Names Adding Middle Name | If your ticket lists your last name first, such as “Smith, John,” and you want it corrected to “John Smith,” or if you want to add your middle name, such as changing from “John Smith” to “John William Smith,” you can make this type of request. |
| Adding an Additional Last Name | If you’ve recently married and wish to include your spouse’s last name on your ticket, transitioning from “Jane Johnson” to “Jane Johnson-Smith,” you have the option to request this change, although it may be subject to fare differences and United’s Name Change fee. |
| Legal Name Change due to Marriage, Divorce, Adoption | If you’ve undergone a legal name change due to marriage, divorce, or adoption, you have the option to request an update to your ticket accordingly. For instance, if your ticket displays your former surname as “Lisa Anderson,” but you legally changed it to “Lisa Thompson” after marriage, you can request the name change to align with your new legal name. Please be aware that this request may be subject to fare differences and the United Name Change fee. |
How can you initiate a name change or correction request with United Airlines?
Passengers have two options to request a name correction with United Airlines:
Online Name Correction Request:
1. Visit the “My Trips” section on the United Airlines website.
2. Enter your 6-digit confirmation number and the passenger’s last name, then click the ‘Search’ tab to access your booking.
3. Within your booking, look for an option related to “Name Correction” and select it.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and instructions to initiate the name correction request. This may involve entering the correct name or providing required documentation.
5. Review the information you’ve entered for accuracy before submitting the request.
6. Confirm and submit the name correction request.
Name Correction via Customer Service:
1. Get in touch with United Airlines customer service by phone.
2. Explain your situation to the customer service representative, indicating that you need to request a name change for your booking.
3. Provide essential details, including your booking confirmation number, ticket number, and the current name on the ticket.
4. Clearly state the reason for the name change, whether it’s due to a misspelling, a legal name change, or another valid reason.
5. Depending on the nature of the name change request, furnish supporting documentation, such as a passport, driver’s license, marriage certificate, or court order.
6. Once your request has been processed, the customer service representative will inform you of the outcome and any further steps you may need to take.
What is the cost of the name change fee for United Airlines?
Below is the overview of the United Airlines Name Change fee
| Accepted Name Change Requests | Name Change Fee (in $US) | Applicable Fare Difference | Changes To Be Made | Changes Need to be made Up to |
| First/Middle/Last Names | $75 | Yes | United Airlines Customer Service | 24 hours before departure |
| Type/Misspelled Error | Free | No | Online | 24 hours before departure |
| Nickname to Legal Name | $75 | Yes | United Airlines Customer Service | 24 hours before departure |
| Inverted Names Adding Middle Name | $75 | No | United Airlines Customer Service | 24 hours before departure |
| Adding an Additional Last Name | $200 | Yes | United Airlines Customer Service | 24 hours before departure |
| Legal Name Change due to Marriage, Divorce, Adoption | $200 | Yes | United Airlines Customer Service | 24 hours before departure |
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United Airlines’ Name Change policy permits minor name corrections without the need for additional documentation. However, for substantial name changes, passengers must submit written requests along with the required supporting legal documents.
By adhering to these well-defined guidelines and exercising discretion as needed, United Airlines places a premium on upholding the accuracy and consistency of passenger information, all while ensuring a seamless and dependable travel experience.