How to Change Name in United Airlines Flight Booking

Changing the name on a United Airlines flight booking is a process that can be managed with a few steps. It's important to understand the policies and procedures United Airlines has in place to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the name change process effectively.

Understanding United Airlines' Name Change Policy

United Airlines allows passengers to correct minor errors in their names. However, they do not permit full name changes that would transfer the ticket to another person. The types of name corrections typically allowed include:

Correcting typos: Fixing a misspelled name or incorrect letter.
Legal name changes: Updating a name due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, with appropriate documentation.

Steps to Change the Name on a United Airlines Booking

1. Review Your Booking Details

First, review your booking confirmation to identify the specific error in the name. Determine whether it’s a minor typo or if you need to make a legal name change. Having a clear understanding of the error will help streamline the correction process.

2. Contact United Airlines Customer Service

For minor corrections, you can contact United Airlines’ customer service. Here’s how:

Phone: Call the United Airlines customer service center. This is often the quickest method to address the issue. Be prepared to provide your booking reference number, personal details, and specifics about the correction needed.
Online: Log into your United Airlines account on their website. Navigate to the "My Trips" section, find your booking, and see if the option to correct the name is available online.

3. Provide Necessary Documentation

For legal name changes, you’ll need to provide documentation. This may include:

A copy of a marriage certificate.
A divorce decree.
A court order for a name change.

When contacting customer service, ensure you have these documents readily available. You might need to email or upload them through a secure portal provided by United Airlines.

4. Pay Any Applicable Fees

United Airlines may charge a fee for name corrections. The fee structure varies, so it’s advisable to inquire about any potential costs when you first contact customer service. Be prepared to make the payment to finalize the name change.

5. Confirm the Changes

Once the correction is processed, confirm the changes by reviewing your updated booking information. You should receive an updated confirmation email reflecting the correct name. Double-check all details to ensure everything is accurate.

Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process

Act Quickly: Address any name corrections as soon as possible. Last-minute changes can be more difficult to manage and might incur higher fees.
Check the Details: Always double-check your booking information at the time of purchase to avoid errors.
Keep Documentation Handy: For legal name changes, keep all relevant documents organized and easily accessible.

Conclusion

Changing the name on a United Airlines flight booking is a straightforward process if you follow the outlined steps. Whether correcting a simple typo or updating your name due to a legal change, United Airlines’ customer service team is equipped to assist you. Always ensure that you provide accurate information and necessary documentation to facilitate a smooth name correction process. By acting promptly and understanding the airline’s policies, you can avoid potential inconveniences and ensure a pleasant travel experience.