Delta, American & Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy

Call at +1-877-245-9984, Booking a flight with the correct passenger name is extremely important. Airlines require that the name on your ticket matches your government-issued ID or passport exactly. Even a small spelling error can create issues during check-in or security screening. That’s why understanding the name change policies of major airlines like Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Lufthansa is essential before you travel.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how each airline handles name corrections, what changes are allowed, applicable fees, and tips to avoid problems.

Why Airline Name Change Policies Matter

Airlines follow strict security and regulatory rules. A ticket is considered non-transferable, meaning you generally cannot change the passenger entirely. However, most airlines allow minor name corrections under specific conditions.

Common reasons passengers request name changes include:

Typographical errors during booking
Legal name changes after marriage or divorce
Missing or incorrect middle names
Inverted first and last names

Understanding each airline’s policy helps you save time, money, and stress.

Delta Airlines Name Change Policy

Delta Airlines has one of the more passenger-friendly name correction policies, especially for minor errors.

Allowed Name Corrections on Delta Airlines

Delta permits minor name corrections without reissuing a new ticket in many cases. These include:

Spelling mistakes (up to a few characters)
Incorrect order of first and last name
Missing or added middle name
Title corrections (Mr., Mrs., Ms.)

For legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court orders, Delta may allow updates after document verification.

What Is Not Allowed

Delta does not allow:

Complete transfer of a ticket to another person
Changing the full first and last name to a different traveler

Fees and Fare Difference

Minor corrections: Often free if requested early
Legal name changes: May require a ticket reissue
Fare difference may apply if the ticket must be reissued

How to Request a Delta Name Change

You can request a name correction by:

Contacting Delta customer support
Visiting the airport ticket counter
Working through your travel agency if booked via a third party

American Airlines Name Change Policy

American Airlines has a structured and slightly stricter approach to name changes.

Permitted Name Corrections

American Airlines allows name corrections, not full name changes. Permitted corrections include:

Minor spelling errors (usually up to 3 characters)
Missing or incorrect middle name
Incorrect title
Legal name changes with proper documents

The corrected name must still clearly identify the same passenger.

Restricted Changes

American Airlines does not permit:

Changing the ticket to another person
Major name alterations that change passenger identity

Fees and Conditions

Minor corrections: May be free or involve a small service fee
Ticket reissue: Fare difference may apply
Changes after check-in: Usually not allowed

How to Change Name on American Airlines Ticket

Passengers can request changes:

Through American Airlines reservations
At the airport (before check-in)
Via the booking agency if purchased elsewhere

Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy

Lufthansa Airlines follows strict international aviation and security regulations, especially for international travel.

Allowed Name Corrections

Lufthansa allows limited name corrections, such as:

Typographical errors (usually up to 2 characters)
Missing or incorrect middle name
Title corrections

Legal name changes may be accepted with official documents, depending on fare type and route.

Restrictions on Lufthansa Name Changes

Lufthansa does not allow:

Complete name changes
Transfer of ticket ownership
Corrections that alter passenger identity

For international tickets, Lufthansa is particularly strict, and even small changes may require ticket reissue.

Fees and Fare Differences

Correction fees vary by fare type
Economy Light fares are often more restrictive
Fare difference applies if ticket reissuance is required

How to Request a Name Correction with Lufthansa

Name correction requests can be made:

Through Lufthansa customer service
At Lufthansa ticket counters
Via the travel agency used for booking

Comparison: Delta vs American vs Lufthansa Name Change Policy

Feature	Delta Airlines	American Airlines	Lufthansa Airlines
Minor spelling correction	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed (limited)
Legal name change	Allowed with proof	Allowed with proof	Case-by-case
Ticket transfer	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed
Fees	Low or none	May apply	Often applies
International strictness	Medium	Medium	High

Important Tips Before Requesting a Name Change

Act Early – The earlier you request a correction, the better your chances of avoiding fees.
Check Your Fare Rules – Basic or light fares usually have stricter policies.
Carry Documents – For legal name changes, keep marriage certificates or court orders ready.
Avoid Third-Party Delays – If booked through an agency, changes may take longer.
Double-Check Before Booking – Always verify spelling before confirming payment.

Can You Change the Passenger Name Completely?

Across Delta, American, and Lufthansa:

Complete passenger name changes are not allowed
Tickets are non-transferable
Airlines consider this a security risk

If the wrong passenger name was entered entirely, the only solution may be canceling and rebooking, subject to fare rules.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Delta, American & Lufthansa Airlines Name Change Policy can help you avoid unnecessary stress at the airport. While all three airlines allow minor name corrections, they strictly prohibit full passenger changes. Delta offers the most flexibility, American Airlines maintains balanced rules, and Lufthansa applies the strictest international standards.

To stay safe, always double-check passenger details at the time of booking and contact the airline immediately if you notice an error. A small correction handled early can save you from expensive last-minute issues and denied boarding.