How to Change Name on United Airlines?

Being a great traveler, you understand well enough that it is quite necessary to get proper information about your flight tickets. One of these days, mistakes normally creep in, and you may find yourself in a position where you need to change the name on your United Airlines reservation. All the same, whether it is a typo problem, a new legal name, or you just recently got married, policies around United Airlines will come to your aid. This detailed guide through the United Airlines name change policy will well prepare you for what you are about to face. 

Understanding United Airlines Name Change Policy

United Airlines takes passenger information seriously because it is needed for security purposes and identification. Unite Airlines’ name change policy is formulated to capture all situations while adhering to the regulatory environment in which it operates. We shall dissect this policy to give you an idea of what to expect.

Simple Name Corrections vs. Significant Name Changes

The differentiation made by United Airlines is between small and large changes to a passenger’s name. Therefore, it is out of consideration to know the process and fees for each of these instances.

• Simple Name Changes: These tend to be relatively small changes that are made to remedy misspellings or typographical errors. For example, if it says “John Smith” and it was meant to say “John Smith,” this would be considered a simple correction. The benefit is that simple changes are typically at no charge and can be made without having to upload anything further to the case.

• Major Name Changes: These are more important changes, such as from marriage, divorce, or another actual legal name change. For these changes, you’ll have to prove the change, and you’ll likely have to pay a fee. It’s a more involved process; your ticket probably will need to be reissued. Name Change Fees—What to Expect

United Airlines name change fees vary, and depend on the type of name change that has occurred as mentioned below: 

1. Minor Correction: As mentioned above, no charge applies for this correction. Such a policy keeps the customers first and upfront with the realization that indeed, mistakes are bound to occur in the process of booking a flight.

2. Major Name Changes: More significant changes can involve costs of $100-$200 per route. A higher price is charged because the extra effort is going into processing such changes and issuing the tickets all over again.

3. Timing: Over 24 hours into making your reservation and you want to change the name? Well, you’ll be charged $75 as a hefty correction fee. All the more reason to review your booking well within that time.

How to Change the Name on a United Airlines Ticket?

United Airlines offers several ways: There are several methods through which you can change the name on your ticket this time, we are going to take you through every one of them, so just choose one that works best for you:

Online Name Change

You can apply for an online name change. United Airlines offers a way of changing the name online. So, if you like getting it done personally, here is a way in which you can do it online, step by step:

1. Visit the United Airlines website to initiate a name change. 

2. Manage Booking Section: Usually, you would get this in the main menu or at the top of the homepage.

3. Enter your Information: You need to provide your 6-digit confirmation number along with your last name on the booking to retrieve the same.

4. Look for Name Change Option: Look for a section stating “Name Correction” or “Update Passenger Info.”.

5. Follow the Instructions on the Screen: The website will then guide you through the process, including choosing the type of change that is required and inputting the correct information.

6. Review and Submit: All the changes you made have to be reviewed for accuracy before you finally submit it. If you are fine with it, then simply submit your request.

7. Wait for Confirmation: Your request must be confirmed after you submit it. Expect an email from United Airlines with follow-up communications.

The online method is best suited for simple changes, and it could especially help you save time compared to other substitute methods. The alternative methods apply to more complex changes.

Most of the time, United Airlines’ customer service will be of help to you, while for more complex tasks, or if you are not comfortable with the online process, reaching out to customer service directly is a good idea. Here is how you do it:

1. Contact Customer Service: Call the number provided for United Airlines’ customer service, especially for name changes: +1-800-864-8331.

2. Prepare Your Information: Have your details ready before you make the calls, such as your booking confirmation number, ticket number, and the name on your reservation.

3. Explain: Clearly articulate the reason for your name change to the customer service representative. A simple typo or a legal name change—whatever it is, the customer service representative will better assist you if you specify the issue.

4. Supporting Documentation: With significant name changes, you might be asked to file supporting documentation about the name change. This can include a marriage or divorce certificate or a court order for a legal name

change. You may be asked to email or fax such documentation, should that be the case.

5. Explanation of Fees: The representative will explain fees based on your specific circumstances. You should be made aware of all the fees based on your case and at that point, you can proceed.

6. Reconfirm the Details: Ask the representative to reconfirm the new details after he has gone ahead to make those changes. Besides, it doesn’t hurt to also ask for written confirmation via email.

7. Follow-Up: In case there is something that will need further action on your part, like a re-issuance of the ticket, you know how the process and timeline will be realized.

This is useful when the circumstance may be rather complicated or if urgent help is required. The human factor is comforting, even more so in the case of major changes that could potentially affect your travel.

United Airlines Name Correction Policy for Travel Agents

Travel agents play a very crucial role in the booking process for many passengers. It hence follows that United Airlines spells out several special provisions that must be adhered to:

1. Authority to Make Changes: In general, travel agents have minor correctional rights in the name via their booking systems.

2. Documentation Requirements: When travel agents must involve United Airlines to make more substantive changes, they will need to provide the necessary documentation on behalf of the passenger.

3. Fee Structures: Travel agents should know exactly what kinds of fee structures come with different types of name changes and educate this information to clients very clearly.

4. Timelines: Within the allowed timelines any such amends are allowed and travel agents can do so without further mandate from United Airlines.

5. Communication Channels: United Airlines provides a specialized support channel for their associates – which encompasses travel agents especially those having complex name change requests.

For a person who wants to make a change in the spelling of their name and has booked through an agent, the best way to do this is by contacting your agent first. They might help you do the process, and they often do most of the communication with United Airlines on the client’s behalf.

United Airlines Name Change Form

A few name changes might require you to fill out a form by United Airlines. It generally includes the following details:

1. Current Booking Information: Your confirmation number, flight details, and the name as it currently appears on the ticket.

2. Requested Changes: The new name you want on the ticket with an explanation for the change.

3. Contact Information: Telephone Number and Email ID for correspondence.

4. Declaration of Passenger: It should state that you are the genuine holder of the ticket and the details provided above are true.

5. Documents Required: Instructions on attachment or submission, if required.

This form acts as an official request and helps United Airlines in the processing of your name change efficiently. It’s very important to fill out this form correctly and completely so that we can help you with processing your request without any sort of delay.

Read Also: Can You Choose Your Seats On A United Airlines Flight?

United Airlines Name Change Phone Number

For name changes, the airline has assigned a dedicated phone number: +1-800-864-8331. This is manned by specially trained representatives to take care of issues such as name change requests. Be prepared to have the following before you make that call:

1. Booking details

2. The nature of the name change required

3. Any supporting documents. 

United Airlines Name Change on Flight

If you realize a discrepancy in your name just before flying, don’t get panic-stricken. Although it’s always best to sort out name issues well in advance, United Airlines does have provisions for last-minute name changes:

1. Airport Check-In: If you have reached the airport and already checked in, go to the United Airlines check-in counter and inform the agent about the situation. He may ascertain whether any slight correction is possible.

2. Documentation: Prepare your ID and supporting documentation. For minor corrections, your ID might be sufficient to cross-verify and check correct spelling.

3. Time Factor: Note that security regulations and time constraints may make it impossible to effect any last-minute changes. Thus, arriving early at the airport provides one with the best opportunity to solve problems.

4. Extra Charges: Last-minute changes one makes at an airport will likely result in more expensive charges than if made well in advance. Be prepared for this possibility.

5. Rebooking Option: In some circumstances where a name change cannot be accommodated due to time constraints, rebooking the flight might become necessary. United Airlines staff will assist you with finding options.

While United Airlines still does try to accommodate passengers, it’s always good to realize that security and regulatory requirements can restrict what a carrier can do on short notice. Always confirm the details of your reservation long before your date of travel to avoid such stressful situations.

United Airlines Name Change Fee Refund

Under certain circumstances, United Airlines will refund a name change fee:

1. Airline Error: If this was the fault of United Airlines, you shouldn’t be charged a fee, and any fees that you did pay should be refunded.

2. Elite Status: Some members of MileagePlus elite have a waiver or a reduced fee to change a name. Details will be available in your status benefits.

3. Extenuating Circumstances: United Airlines shall entertain a refund on name change due to serious sickness, or death in the family, amongst other extraordinary cases. These shall be reviewed on an individual basis.

4. Fare Type: Just among the flexible fare types, most come with free changes. Once you have purchased one, make sure you check if it contains name changes.

To claim a refund on the name change fee:

• Contact the customer service of United Airlines
• Detail what happened and why you believe you are due for a refund
• Attach all supporting documents or proof of the same
• Be patient and courteous; decisions concerning refunds take time

Remember, even with its customer-friendly policy, United Airlines does not issue refunds easily, and decisions are based on individual circumstances.

United Airlines Name Change Marriage

Here’s how United Airlines handles a name change due to marriage:

1. Timing: The best time would be to wait until such a time when your process of changing the name will be legally completed before requesting an update on your United Airlines bookings or your MileagePlus account.

2. Necessary Documentation: In this event, you shall need to display the legal name change with a copy of the marriage certificate. Ensure that you have the scanned and paper copy.

3. MileagePlus Account Update: If you have MileagePlus, update that first. This is often something you can do online:

• Log into your MileagePlus account
• Click on “Profile
• About Me
• Edit 
• Update your name; changes will be saved

4. Current Reservations: For any future flights, in case you already booked them by your previous name, you should contact United Airlines customer support. They will guide you through updating those reservations.

5. Future Bookings: Once your MileagePlus account has been updated, all bookings made must be under your new legal name for future flights.

6. ID Considerations: Be aware that travel will require the same identification used at check-in as indicated on the ticket. If you are in the process of updating your government-issued identification, plan accordingly.

7. Fees: Note that, in general, there are no fees to update a MileagePlus account; however, most changes to existing reservations do apply to fees. Inform them it’s due to a change because of marriage; some airlines are more lenient in these cases.

8. Honeymoon travel: If you have your honeymoon scheduled right after your wedding, you may want to book the tickets under your pre-marriage name to avoid any complications.

United Airlines is aware that name changes from marriage are a common occurrence. Therefore, they usually try to make it easier for their customers. You really should prepare in advance and give yourself time so all updates are done before your journey dates.

Conclusion

Changing names on United Airlines tickets is not a cup of tea. The airline has clearly stated its policies on how to help passengers, be it a simple typo or significant life events. Be prompt to avoid extra fees, choose the right method according to your situation, prepare any required documentation, and note the possible costs. Never hesitate to contact United Airlines directly in case your case is very complicated or complex. 

Great patience and preparation will be required to ensure that you have the right name in your travel documents so that you may focus on other things, like planning for your journey ahead. With its supportive policies, United Airlines makes changing names with confidence possible, thus making your travel experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions