Official United, Southwest & American Airlines Name Change Policy

When it comes to air travel, even the smallest mistake—like a misspelled name on your ticket—can disrupt your entire journey. Airlines must follow strict TSA rules, which require the passenger’s name on the ticket to match their government-issued ID exactly. Because of this, every major U.S. airline has specific rules for correcting or changing names on booked tickets. In this guide, we’ll break down the United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines name change policies so you know exactly what to expect, how to request corrections, and what fees or restrictions may apply. If you ever need personalized help with any of these policies, you can also contact assistance at +1-877-245-9984 for fast guidance.

United Airlines Name Change Policy

United Airlines understands that passengers may make errors when entering their details. However, to protect security and prevent ticket misuse, United only allows certain types of name changes.

1. Minor Name Corrections (Typos)

United allows small NAME FIXES such as:

Correcting spelling errors
Updating or removing a middle name
Changing abbreviation issues (like Jon → John)

These corrections normally do not require a fee, and you can update them online or by calling support.

2. Major Name Changes

A complete change (ex: marriage, divorce, legal name update) requires legal documents such as:

Marriage certificate
Court order
Divorce decree

These requests cannot be done online—you must contact customer support. In some cases, United may reissue the ticket, and a fare difference may apply depending on the original fare type.

3. Non-transferable Tickets

United does not allow transferring your ticket to another person. If a new traveler needs the ticket, you must cancel the original and purchase a new one.

For help with United corrections or document-based name changes, travelers often call +1-877-245-9984 for guided support.

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly approach, and that includes name corrections—but with limits.

1. Simple Name Corrections

Southwest allows:

Fixing typos
Standardizing the spelling
Adding or removing middle names

These corrections can be processed online, provided they match your ID.

2. Major Legal Name Changes

If your name legally changed due to marriage, divorce, court order, or adoption, Southwest requires legal documentation. After reviewing your documents, Southwest will reissue your ticket under the updated name without penalties—though fare differences may apply depending on the ticket type.

3. No Name Transfers Allowed

You cannot transfer a ticket to someone else. Southwest tickets are tied to the original traveler and cannot be changed to a new person.

If you need help getting the correction approved, contacting +1-877-245-9984 can make the process smoother.

American Airlines Name Change Policy

American Airlines follows TSA guidelines very strictly, so making sure your ticket matches your ID is crucial.

1. Minor Name Corrections

American Airlines allows the following:

Spelling corrections
Adding/removing middle names
Small formatting updates

These types of corrections are usually free and can be done online or by contacting support.

2. Full Name Changes

A full name change is only approved when you present:

Court documents
Government-issued name change records
Marriage or divorce paperwork

American may reissue the ticket, and if your fare class is no longer available, a fare difference may apply.

3. Ticket Transfer Restrictions

American Airlines never allows tickets to be transferred to a different traveler. If you made a booking for the wrong person, the only option is cancellation and rebooking.

For assistance navigating American’s stricter systems, you can call +1-877-245-9984 for direct support.

Which Airline Has the Easiest Name Change Policy?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Airline	Minor Corrections	Major Legal Changes	Ticket Transfer
United	Easy	Allowed with documents	Not allowed
Southwest	Very easy	Allowed with documents	Not allowed
American	Easy	Allowed with documents	Not allowed

Southwest is generally the easiest for quick name fixes, but all three major carriers allow legal name change corrections with proper documents.

Tips to Avoid Name Issues When Flying

Before booking your next flight, keep these in mind:

Always use your full legal name as it appears on your government ID or passport.
Double-check your spelling before submitting payment.
Avoid using nicknames (ex: Mike instead of Michael).
If you recently changed your name, update your ID first before booking flights.
For complicated corrections, always contact support for help.

If you're unsure whether your problem qualifies as a minor or major correction, simply call +1-877-245-9984 and get clarification based on your specific case.

Final Thoughts

Understanding airline name change policies can save you from unnecessary stress, delays, or even being denied boarding at the airport. United, Southwest, and American Airlines all allow minor corrections easily, while legal name changes require documentation. None of these airlines permit ticket transfers, so accuracy is essential when booking.

If you ever need help working through the process, contacting customer assistance at +1-877-245-9984 can offer quick, personalized support, making your travel experience smoother and hassle-free.