United Airlines Name Change Policy: A Beginner’s Guide

Did your fingers betray you while booking a flight, leading to a flawed name on your United Airlines ticket? Relax. United Airlines offers a robust and clear-cut framework to resolve such issues—whether it's a misspelled name, a legal name transition, or other changes to your reservation. The key is knowing which path to take based on your specific scenario.

United understands that human error is part of life. Whether you're adjusting your itinerary, recovering lost items, or fixing a name discrepancy, their crew of support specialists stands ready around the clock to assist you.

Name Change vs. Flight Change: Know the Difference

Booked the wrong route or time altogether? You’ll want to explore United Airlines’ Flight Change Policy.
Need to tweak your name due to a typo or legal shift? The Name Change Policy is your guiding document. Let’s explore the essentials of the latter.

Crucial Rules to Know Before Amending a Name on a United Airlines Ticket

United Airlines' name amendment protocol is specific and strictly monitored. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• One-time only. You’re allowed a single name correction per reservation. Be meticulous when making this final correction.

• Flight must be operated by United. Third-party partner flights fall outside the scope of this policy.

• Ticket must begin with code 016. This ensures the ticket was issued by United, not an external system.

• No changes to birth date or gender. Only the name—first, middle, or last—can be modified.

• ID match is mandatory. Your ticketed name must mirror your government-issued identification precisely.

• Class and fare must remain the same. You cannot upgrade or change flight details during a name correction.

Types of Name Changes Permitted by United Airlines

United recognizes a variety of scenarios under its name change policy:

• First, middle, or last name corrections

• Replacing nicknames with official/legal names

• Adding or modifying names post-marriage, divorce, or adoption

Important: Always re-enter Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) when changing your name. Also, log an OSI (Other Service Information) entry during the process for internal verification.

Online Name Correction via United Airlines Website

Prefer the digital route? Here's how you can correct your name without speaking to anyone:

[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Open United Airlines’ official website.

[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Navigate to the “Manage Booking” section.

[if !supportLists]3. [endif]Click the “Change Reservation” tab.

[if !supportLists]4. [endif]Enter your booking reference number and last name.

[if !supportLists]5. [endif]Once your itinerary appears, choose “Edit” next to the name field.

[if !supportLists]6. [endif]You may alter up to three characters—first, middle, or last.

[if !supportLists]7. [endif]Review and save the corrections.

Requesting Name Change via United Airlines Customer Service

Not into web forms? Reach out directly through one of the following channels:

• Live Chat: United offers 24/7 real-time support on its website and app. Use this for quick status checks or name corrections.

• Phone Support: Dial 1-888-447-6335 to speak with a customer service expert. They’re on hand 24/7 to help with any booking-related hiccups.

• Travel Agent Assistance: If you booked through an agent or a third-party site, you’ll need to contact them directly for changes.

Final Thoughts

Correcting a name on your United Airlines ticket doesn't have to be an uphill battle. Whether you do it yourself via the website or opt for support through a live agent, United’s name correction framework is built to keep your journey smooth.

Still hitting roadblocks? Our aviation experts at safefly are here to help. We provide policy guidance cross-verified with airline databases to ensure you’re on the right flight path. Call us at +1-888-447-6335 for personalized assistance with United Airlines reservations and name corrections.