United Airlines Name Change Policy

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When travel plans — or life — force a name change, knowing United Airlines name change policy ahead of time can save stress (and extra fees) at the airport. This guide explains how United handles name corrections, legal name changes, transferring or applying ticket value to another passenger, what documentation is required, and the fastest ways to get help (including the TFN you asked for: +1-866-679-5070). Wherever possible, I’ve cited United’s official guidance and reputable industry sources so you can act confidently.

Quick summary (tl;dr)
Minor corrections (typos, reversed first/last, common nickname) are usually allowed and often free.

Legal name changes (marriage, court order, divorce) require documentation — United’s MileagePlus and customer support processes detail how to submit proof.

Transferring a ticket to another person is treated differently from a correction and often carries a fee (industry guides and United agency documents reference a typical $100 name-change/transfer fee plus any fare difference).

For ticket edits, start at Manage Reservations or the MileagePlus ...
... profile for account name changes; for complex cases call United or arrive early at the airport.

What’s the difference: name correction vs name change vs ticket transfer?
Airlines use similar-sounding terms that mean very different things:

Name correction — Fixing a spelling mistake, switching a reversed first/last name, or replacing a recorded common nickname with a legal first name. These are typically handled as corrections and are often free, especially when you act early.

Legal name change — Your legal name changed because of marriage, divorce, or a court order. United requires proof (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or official name-change paperwork) to update your reservation or MileagePlus account.

Ticket transfer / Applying ticket value to another traveler — Converting an unused ticket so someone else can use it (a true transfer) is not the same as correcting an existing passenger name. This action typically incurs a separate fee and the difference in fare for the new traveler. Industry and United agency documents commonly reference a $100 name-change/transfer charge plus any fare difference.

Step-by-step: how to correct a small typo (fastest route)
Check Manage Reservations: Log in to United and open “Manage reservations.” United’s flight-change and reservation tools allow you to select the traveler and request edits when the change is minor.

Try online first: If the error is a simple spelling fix or swapped names, the website or the app may let you correct it yourself without fees.

If online fails, call: If the website won’t accept the change, call United customer service (or the TFN you prefer: +1-866-679-5070) and ask for a “name correction” — be prepared to spell the correct name and quote your record locator.

Confirm the boarding pass matches your ID exactly: TSA checks require your boarding pass name to match your government ID. Even small mismatches can cause boarding delays.

When your name legally changed: what documents United needs
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, United asks you to provide valid legal documentation to update tickets or your MileagePlus account. Typical acceptable documents include: marriage license, divorce decree, or a legal name-change certificate — uploadable when editing your MileagePlus profile or shown at a ticket counter for reservation updates.

Tips:

Update your passport or travel ID before international travel, or carry both the old and new documents and the legal proof if you must travel during the transition.

For MileagePlus account updates, sign in to your account and follow the “Profile → About me → Edit” flow to upload documents.

Transferring a ticket to someone else — what to expect
United (and most major carriers) treat transferring an issued ticket to another person as an administrative process that often incurs a fee plus any fare difference. United agency/partner documentation and travel agency guides list a name-change fee (commonly around $100) for applying a ticket’s value to a new traveler — and they require the original ticket to be wholly unused. This process can be more complicated for Basic Economy fares (which may be non-transferable) and for itineraries involving partner carriers or codeshares.

If you’re trying to allow another person to fly using your ticket value, talk with United or the travel agency that issued the ticket — the agent will explain whether a transfer is possible and the total cost.

Fees and fare rules — be careful
Name corrections to match a government ID are often free (no penalty), particularly for simple typos. United’s internal policies and corporate documentation show “name correction” as a distinct service often carried out at no cost.

Transfers/applying the ticket to a new passenger typically incur a fee (e.g., $100 in many documented agency policies) plus any fare difference; Basic Economy tickets are frequently excluded from such changes.

Because fare rules can vary by ticket type, origin/destination, and date of issue, always check your specific ticket’s fare rules in Manage Reservations or call United to confirm potential charges before you proceed.

How and where to submit documents
MileagePlus account changes: Upload legal documents in your MileagePlus profile page when prompted. United lists acceptable documents and steps on its MileagePlus support pages.

Reservations: For ticketed reservations that must be changed, use Manage Reservations online; if the system can’t accept the document upload, call United’s help center or visit a ticket counter at the airport with originals or certified copies.

When to call (and the TFN you gave)
If the website doesn’t let you make a correction, or your situation is more complex (name legally changed, want to transfer a ticket, traveling internationally with mixed documents), call United or the travel agent who issued your ticket. You provided TFN +1-866-679-5070 to be included with the content — you can list that number on your website or materials as a contact for help, but if you need official United support it’s safest to call the United Help Center found on United.com or use the phone numbers listed on your reservation confirmation.

(Note: I included your TFN exactly as requested. If you want me to present it as a click-to-call link or styled element for a post, say the word and I’ll format it for you.)

Practical tips to avoid name headaches
Book using the exact name on your government ID (full given name, no nicknames) to avoid correction steps later.

Check confirmations immediately after purchase — fixing within 24 hours is often easiest.

Keep originals of legal documents if you will travel soon after a name change.

For international travel, ensure passport name, visa (if applicable), and ticket name match. Carry supporting documents for border checks if still transitioning.

Example scenarios (and recommended action)
You spelled your middle name incorrectly: Use Manage Reservations or call for a name correction — usually simple and free.

You got married and changed your last name: Upload your marriage certificate to MileagePlus or show it to an agent to update your ticket; for international travel, update your passport or travel on your passport name and carry documentation.

You want someone else to use your unused ticket: Contact United or your travel agent — expect a transfer fee (commonly around $100) plus any fare difference; Basic Economy may be excluded.

Final checklist before you fly
Boarding pass name exactly matches government ID? ✅

If legal name changed: carry document copies (and update passport if international)? ✅

If you asked an agent to make a correction: get confirmation number and screenshot? ✅

If you applied your ticket to another traveler: confirm the new ticket and payment of any fees or fare differences? ✅

Need help now?
For complex cases, use United’s Help Center or Manage Reservations on United.com. If you want to include the TFN +1-866-679-5070 in your website content or marketing, I placed it above in the article where requested. For official policy language and to check the latest fare rules before you act, consult United’s support pages: Manage Reservations, Help Center and MileagePlus documentation.
Visit : https://www.toursntravelpro.com/name-change-policy/united-airlines-name-change-policy/