Booking a flight can be exciting—until you spot a spelling error in your name or realize you’ve changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons. With airlines, even the smallest mistake in your name can lead to boarding issues or denied travel. That’s why understanding Delta Airlines name change policy is essential.
This guide will walk you through every detail—what qualifies as a correction versus a full name change, how to request it, what fees to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Understanding Delta Airlines Name Change Policy
Delta Airlines allows passengers to modify their ticket names in certain cases, but the rules vary depending on the type of change.
- Name correction: Fixing small errors like typos, missing letters, or misplaced initials.
- Name change: Updating your ticket after a legal name change, such as marriage, divorce, or court order.
💡 Pro Tip: If your ticket name does not exactly match your government-issued ID, you may face boarding issues—especially for international travel.
When You Need a Name Change
Here are the most common reasons why passengers need to update their name on a Delta ticket:
1. Spelling Mistakes
Even a single letter out of place can create a mismatch between your ticket and your ID. For example, “Johnathan” instead of “Jonathan” may need correction.
2. Marriage or Divorce
If you’ve recently gotten married or divorced and changed your surname, you’ll need to update your travel documents and ticket to match your legal name.
3. Legal Name Change
Sometimes people change their name for personal, cultural, or religious reasons. A court order is usually required for proof.
4. Gender Transition
Passengers undergoing gender transition may change their name legally and need their airline tickets updated to match.
Delta Airlines Name Correction vs. Name Change
Minor Corrections:
- Fixing typos or misspellings in your first, middle, or last name.
- Adding or removing middle names or initials.
- These can often be done without a fee if caught early.
Major Name Changes:
- Changing your name entirely after a legal change.
- Requires documentation like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- May involve fees depending on the fare type.
Delta Airlines Rules for Name Change
- Ticket Type Restrictions – Some deeply discounted or promotional fares may have stricter change rules.
- Timeframe for Changes – Corrections should be made as early as possible; some changes may not be possible within 24 hours of departure.
- Documentation Requirements – Legal proof is mandatory for significant name changes.
How to Request a Name Change with Delta Airlines
1. Online Process
- Visit the Delta Airlines official website or mobile app.
- Go to “My Trips” and enter your booking details.
- If eligible, you’ll see an option to edit your name.
2. Contact Customer Service
- Call Delta’s customer service at 1-800-594-4991 (US).
- Provide your booking number, current ticket name, and the correct name.
- Email or upload legal documents if required.
3. Airport Ticket Counter
- Go to the Delta counter with your government ID and legal documents.
- This is best for last-minute corrections before check-in.
Name Change Fees and Charges
- Minor corrections: Usually free if made within 24 hours of booking.
- Major changes: Can range from $75 to $500 depending on the ticket type and destination.
- Award tickets: May involve reissuing fees or mileage adjustments.
💡 Tip: Booking directly through Delta often makes corrections easier and cheaper compared to third-party booking sites.
Name Change for Domestic Flights
- Usually more flexible than international changes.
- Corrections can often be made up to check-in time if you have proper ID.
Name Change for International Flights
- Requires that your ticket name exactly matches your passport.
- Any mismatch could result in being denied boarding.
- Some destinations require notifying immigration authorities before travel.
Special Cases
Group Bookings
If you booked as part of a group, changes may need to go through the group travel coordinator.
Corporate or Business Travel Tickets
Check if your company’s travel policy covers name change fees.
SkyMiles Members
If your name has changed, update your SkyMiles profile to avoid mismatches in future bookings.
Documentation Needed for a Name Change
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license)
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- Court-issued legal name change document
- Updated passport for international travel
Name Change Policy for Award Tickets
- Name corrections may be possible if the ticket is booked with your SkyMiles account.
- Partner airlines may have stricter rules, so changes may take longer.
Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process
- Double-check your ticket before paying.
- Start the name change process as soon as possible.
- Keep scanned copies of legal documents.
- Avoid booking under a nickname or shortened name.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last minute to fix errors.
- Booking with an incorrect passport name for international trips.
- Assuming small errors don’t matter—they do!
How Delta Airlines Name Change Compares to Other Airlines
| Airline | Minor Corrections | Major Changes | Fee Range |
| Delta | Allowed | Allowed with docs | $0–$500 |
| United | Allowed | Allowed with docs | $0–$500 |
| American | Allowed | Allowed with docs | $0–$450 |
| Southwest | Allowed | Allowed with docs | $0–$400 |
Conclusion
Mistakes happen—but with Delta Airlines, most name corrections are straightforward if you act quickly. Always ensure your ticket matches your government ID to avoid travel issues. Whether it’s fixing a typo or updating your name after marriage, understanding Delta’s policy will save you stress and money.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Can I transfer my Delta ticket to someone else?
No, Delta does not allow transferring tickets to another person.
2. How long does a Delta name change take?
Minor corrections can be instant; major changes may take 24–48 hours.
3. What if my name is slightly misspelled?
Even minor errors should be corrected to match your ID.
4. Does Delta allow free name changes?
Yes, within 24 hours of booking for most fare types.
5. Can I change my name after check-in?
Usually not—name corrections must be made bef