Finding a misspelled name on your United Airlines ticket can feel like a travel nightmare waiting to happen. Visions of being denied boarding at the gate are enough to spike anyoneโs anxiety.๐๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ดใ{ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ}ใ (๐ข๐ง๐) ๐ผ๐ฟ ใ{ +ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ }ใ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ.
Donโt panic. This is a common issue, and United Airlines has a process for it. While name change policies are strict, most minor errors can be fixed without canceling your entire trip. The key is to act quickly and follow the right steps.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, helping you correct the error and get back to looking forward to your trip.
First, you must understand United Airlines' core policy:
Name Correction: Fixing a minor typo, legal name change, or adding a middle name to match your government ID (e.g., "Micheal" to "Michael" or "Jane Doe" to "Jane Smith"). This is what weโre covering.
Name Change (Transfer): Giving your ticket to a completely different person. This is not allowed. If you need to do this, you must cancel your flight and rebook, which will incur fees and fare differences.
Unitedโs policy is designed for corrections, not transfers.๐๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ดใ{ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ}ใ (๐ข๐ง๐) ๐ผ๐ฟ ใ{ +ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ }ใ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ.
Time is critical. Fees can increase, and options become limited as your departure date approaches. As soon as you spot the mistake, start the process.
Before you call or go online, gather these essentials:
United Confirmation Number: The 6-character code (e.g., ABC123) from your booking confirmation.
Passenger Name: Precisely as it appears on the incorrect ticket.
Government-Issued ID: The passport or driver's license that shows the correct spelling of the name. This is your target.
Your best path depends on how you booked your ticket.
1. If You Booked Directly with United:
Best Option: Call United Airlines. This is the most reliable method. Use the official United customer service number. Clearly state: "I need to correct a spelling error on a passenger's name to match their government ID." The phone agent can often make the change over the phone.
Online Option: "Manage My Booking": Log into your United account online or on the app. Navigate to your trip details. For very minor typos (a single missing letter), there may be an option to "Edit" the name. However, most changes will require you to call.
2. If You Booked Through a Third Party (Expedia, Corporate Travel, etc.):
You Must Contact Your Travel Agent First. The third party that issued your ticket owns the reservation. You need to call their customer service.๐๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ดใ{ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ}ใ (๐ข๐ง๐) ๐ผ๐ฟ ใ{ +ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ }ใ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ.
Be Patient: The agent will have to contact United on your behalf. This can add time to the process, and the third party may charge you their own service fee on top of any United fees.
Correcting a name is typically not free. United Airlines may charge a fee, which can vary based on your fare class, destination, and MileagePlus status.๐๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ดใ{ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ}ใ (๐ข๐ง๐) ๐ผ๐ฟ ใ{ +ใ+๐ (๐ ๐ ๐ ) ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ใ }ใ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ.
Change Fee: This can range, but being a Premier member or having a premium ticket can often reduce or waive this fee.
Fare Difference: In rare cases, if the correction forces a re-ticketing and the current price of your fare class is higher, you may have to pay the difference.
Third-Party Fee: If you booked through an online travel agency, they will likely charge an additional processing fee.
Pro Tip: If the error was caused by a website glitch (e.g., an auto-correct error), politely ask the agent if they can waive the fee as a one-time courtesy. Itโs not guaranteed, but itโs worth asking.
Once youโre told the change is complete, your job isnโt over.
Get a New Confirmation: Demand a new itinerary receipt be emailed to you immediately.
Check the Details: Scrutinize the new document. The name must now be an exact match for the name on your passport or driverโs license.
Check In Online: The ultimate test is checking in online 24 hours before your flight. If you can successfully retrieve your boarding pass, youโre good to go.
โ Act immediately. Donโt wait.
โ Call the right place. Booked with United? Call United. Booked with Expedia? Call Expedia.
โ Have your confirmation number and ID ready.
โ Be clear and calm with the customer service agent.
โ Understand that fees will likely apply.
โ Get a new confirmation and verify itโs correct.
By following these steps, you can efficiently resolve a name discrepancy and ensure your journey with United Airlines begins smoothly. Safe travels