How Do I Change Names on United Airlines booked Flight Tickets?

Jul 8

4 min read

It can be a tricky situation when you have filled in the wrong information or details while booking your flight tickets. Online bookings, in particular, can give more space for making such typos as the customers' hands can slip while typing in their names and other specifics on the smooth screen. And while you may think, what does it matter if there are some spelling errors here and there? Unfortunately, it does matter.

You will only be allowed to board a flight when every single detail on your ticket absolutely matches your government-approved documents. But you don't have to worry if you have booked your flight on United Airlines because, with the United Airlines name change policy, you are given a window to make amendments to the information printed on your ticket. The guidelines relating to the policy might seem a bit harrowing, but after you have become aware of all the regulations, you will quickly get through the process.

What corrections can I make to my ticket?

There are specific regulations pertaining to this policy as well to make the process more transparent and intelligible. It is vital for the passengers to keep in mind the guidelines for a better idea.

According to the United Airlines name change policy, passengers are allowed to change the spelling of their first and last names, their gender, and date of birth.
Titles, prefixes, middle names, or nicknames can be amended.
Such plain changes, including typographical errors, can be made through phone calls and also just by verifying your legal ID proof.
If the name has been recently changed on legal grounds due to marriage, divorce, or court orders, passengers can request to make alterations to their ticket details.
It must be kept in mind that any changes that are being made on legal grounds must be supported by government-approved documents, such as marriage certificates, divorce papers, or court decrees.
Also, legal United Airlines name changes can only be made at the airline ticketing counter.
If you are a MileagePlus account holder, you are entitled to carry out the process online through your account profile or in writing.
MileagePlus account holders are not obliged to produce any supporting documentation if simple or typographical errors are to be altered.
In the event that you are unable to arrange the required documents, you can mail a printed, signed, and attested copy of the affidavit to the airline.
Usually, all tickets are non-transferable. You cannot travel on someone else's ticket, and neither can someone else fly on your ticket.
Passengers cannot change the name on the ticket and transfer it to someone else in the name of United name change policy.
Passengers cannot edit the travel dates, timelines, or destinations on their flight tickets.

Does name change on United Airlines charge a fee?

United Airlines offers this name-change policy on domestic and international flights. The cost of making these alterations is subject to the type of changes.

You won't be charged any fee if you make the alterations within 24 hours of booking, be it a misspelling or correcting the entire name.
All the simple and plain changes are processed without any extra charge.
Since the legal United name changes made due to marriage, divorce, or court decrees are significant edits, they need your ticket to be reissued. Hence, you will have to pay the difference in the fare between your original and new ticket.
However, the fee amount is also subject to your fare type and seat class.

How to apply for a name change on United Airlines?

It is advised that you sign up for an account on the MileagePlus membership to make the process easier and quicker. Apart from carrying out the process online, you also have the option of calling the airline or mailing them.

Online:

Go to the airline's official website to initiate the United Airlines name change process.
Sign up or sign in to your MileagePlus account.
Go to your profile and click on the "About Me" section.
Edit your personal information there.
Now, if needed, you must upload the required documents showing your old and new information to verify the alterations.
After successful verification, the edited details will appear on your ticket.

Call:

Contact the airline at +1 (800) 864-8331 or +1 (844) 733-1212 to get in touch with the representatives.
Tell them about the issue you are facing.
They will make the edits if they are simple United name changes.

Mail:

You can also mail your name affidavit or a printed, signed, and attested copy of the documents to:

MileagePlus Service Center,

PO Box 1394,

Houston, Texas 77251-1394

The simple name changes are generally completed almost immediately. However, the legal and significant changes may take up to 2 weeks to process and appear on your ticket.

Conclusion

While these procedures and guidelines involved in the United Airlines name change policy might seem complicated and challenging to follow, they are equally essential. As per the rules and regulations, the airline is fully authorized to deny your boarding if the details printed on your ticket don't precisely match your ID proof. It is advised that you pay complete attention to what you are filling in while booking a flight. And don't hesitate to get help if you encounter a similar situation.