United Airlines Name Change Policy

United Airlines Name Change Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Changing your name on a United Airlines ticket can be a confusing process, with various rules and fees depending on your specific situation. Whether you need to update your name due to marriage, divorce, or simply a misspelling, it’s important to understand United’s policies to avoid any travel disruptions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all the key details of United’s name change policy, including:

• When name changes are allowed and when they are not
• How to request a name change online, by phone, or at the airport
• Fees associated with name changes
• Required documentation for different name change scenarios
• Exceptions and special circumstances

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of United’s name change procedures so you can confidently update your ticket and travel under your correct name.

When Can You Change Your Name on a United Ticket?

United Airlines allows name changes in a few key scenarios:

1. Misspellings or minor errors in the passenger’s name, such as a missing middle initial or a transposed letter
2. Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order
3. Corrections to a passenger’s name to match their government-issued ID

However, United does not allow name changes in the following situations:

• Changing the name of the ticket holder to someone else’s name
• Changing the name on a ticket that has already been used for travel
• Changing the name on a ticket that has been reported as lost or stolen

If you need to change the name on your ticket for any reason other than those listed above, you will need to cancel your ticket and purchase a new one under the correct name, subject to any applicable fees and fare rules.

How to Request a Name Change on a United Ticket

There are a few different ways to request a name change on your United ticket:

1. Online: Log into your reservation on United’s website and look for the option to change the passenger name. You may need to contact United if this option is not available.
2. By phone: Call United’s customer service at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) and request a name change. Be prepared to provide your confirmation number, the passenger’s name as it appears on the ticket, and the correct name.
3. At the airport: Visit a United customer service desk at the airport and request a name change in person. Bring your ticket and government-issued ID.
4. Through a travel agency: If you booked your ticket through a third-party site or travel agency, you will need to contact them directly to request a name change.

When requesting a name change, have the following information ready:

• Your confirmation number or record locator
• The passenger’s name as it appears on the ticket
• The correct spelling of the passenger’s name
• Your government-issued ID or other supporting documentation, if required

Name Change Fees on United Airlines

United Airlines charges a fee for most name changes, with the exception of minor corrections to fix misspellings or errors. The exact fee amount varies depending on the type of ticket and when the name change is requested:

• For tickets changed within 24 hours of booking, the fee is $75
• For tickets changed more than 24 hours after booking, the fee is $200 or more
• Fees may be higher for international tickets or certain fare classes

In addition to the name change fee, you may also be responsible for any difference in fare if the new ticket costs more than the original.

Required Documentation for Name Changes

The documentation required for a name change on a United ticket depends on the reason for the change:

1. Misspellings or minor errors: No additional documentation is required, but you will need to provide the correct spelling of the passenger’s name.
2. Legal name changes due to marriage: A copy of your marriage certificate.
3. Legal name changes due to divorce: A copy of your divorce decree showing the name change.
4. Legal name changes due to court order: A copy of the court order approving the name change.

If you are unable to provide the required documentation, United may still allow a name change by requiring you to submit an affidavit attesting to the name change. However, this is at United’s discretion and may incur additional fees.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

In some cases, United may make exceptions to their name change policy or allow name changes in special circumstances:

1. Emergencies: If you need to change your name due to an emergency, such as a death in the family, United may waive the name change fee. You will need to provide supporting documentation.
2. Frequent flyer status: If you are a member of United’s MileagePlus frequent flyer program, you may have additional flexibility with name changes. Contact United for more information.
3. Flights with stopovers or layovers: If your flight has a stopover or layover and you need to change the name, contact United for assistance as additional considerations may apply.
4. Traveling with a pet: If you are traveling with a pet and need to change the name on your reservation, contact United for help as additional requirements may apply.

Remember, even in special circumstances, United may still require you to pay any difference in fare if the new ticket costs more than the original.

Conclusion

Changing your name on a United Airlines ticket can be a complex process, but understanding United’s policies and procedures can help ensure a smooth experience. Whether you need to fix a misspelling, update your name due to marriage or divorce, or make another type of name change, be sure to follow United’s guidelines and submit any required documentation.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact United Airlines customer service at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). Their representatives are available 24/7 to help you navigate the name change process and get you on your way to your destination under your correct name.