How to Change Passenger Name on a Delta Ticket​?

Did you know that even a mismatch of a single character in your name on your Delta flight ticket can stop you from boarding the flight? Yes, if your name is not the same on the Delta Airlines flight ticket and your documents, it is a serious concern for you, but don’t worry, it can be corrected. The most critical situation is when you need to completely change the name on a Delta ticket, because Delta tickets are non-transferable. You can’t simply change the full name on the ticket and transfer it to another person. After all, we are all human, and mistakes are possible while booking flights. So, Delta gives us a chance to correct some of our mistakes, like typos or minor spelling errors, legal name changes, and swapped first and last names. Therefore, this guide aims to explain to you how you can change name on Delta ticket.

Types of Name Changes You Can Make On Delta Ticket

These are the mistakes that you can fix on your Delta flight ticket easily without any documentation and fee:

1. Minor Spelling Corrections

Delta allows minor spelling corrections only up to a few characters (3-4).

• Misspelled name: “Sara” → “Sarah”, “Alyce” → “Alice”, “Micheal” → “Michael”
• Missing or Extra letters: “Cristina” → “Christina”, “Allex” → “Alex”
• Missing Middle Name: “John Smith” → “John A. Smith”

2. Swapped Names

This is one of the most common mistakes that people make while booking flights. For example, the full name is Ross Taylor, but the name entered on the ticket as First Name is Taylor and Last Name is Ross. In such cases, Delta allows you to swap your first and last names so it can appear akin to your government-issued ID or passport.

3. Legal Name Changes

In case your name has changed due to any legal reason, like marriage, divorce, gender change, or court order, Delta can allow you to update your new legal name on the flight ticket, but you will need to provide the original documents for the procedure, and the passenger must remain the same person. Once your documents are verified, Delta will probably re-issue the ticket with your updated legal name, and this process may also take a few days to complete. Here are the documents that you may need for a legal name change request on Delta:

• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Decree
• Court Order
• Updated Government-Issued Photo ID

Learn more: Does Delta Do Same Day Flight Change?

Types of Name Changes You Can’t Make On Delta Ticket

Since changing the name on a flight ticket can lead to significant confusion and a security threat, Delta maintains a strict name change policy that follows TSA rules requiring the name on your ticket to match the name on your ID. So, you can’t make these types of name corrections or changes on the ticket at any cost:

• If you are changing the complete name or transferring the ticket to a different person.
• When you fully replace your first name or last name with someone else.
• When you want to transfer the ownership of the Delta ticket.

How Do You Request Name Change On Delta Ticket?

If your mistake is correctable according to Delta Airlines name change policy, the next thing you need to know is how you can request a name change, whether it is a minor spelling mistake or a legal name change. Since Delta Airlines does not allow name corrections online through My Trips on its website or app, you need to do this:

• For Minor Name Correction: Usually, Delta does not allow minor name corrections on its website or app, so you can either make a phone call or chat with the agent by using the Message Us option in the Fly Delta App. Share your booking confirmation code and correct name with the agent. The agent will correct your mistake and make sure your name is exactly the same as it is on your ID.
• For Legal Name Change: When your original identity changes due to any legal reason, you first need to gather all your required documents to prove that your old name and your new legal name belong to you. Make a phone call to the Delta helpline number and explain that you need a legal name change on your flight ticket, and then submit the required proof and wait for verification. If verified, the Delta agent will re-issue the ticket with your new legal name on it. On a related note, you must also update your new legal name on your SkyMiles account in order to earn miles.
• For Complete Name Change: Since the change of complete name on a Delta flight ticket is not allowed, you can only use the 24-hour rule, which allows you to cancel your ticket for a full refund if you purchased your ticket within the last 24 hours and immediately book a new ticket with the new name.

Read more: How to Avoid Delta Flight Change Fee​?

Final Thoughts

Flying with Delta Airlines means your pre-flight experience is seamless and free of stress, as it gives you the flexibility to correct your name mistake or legally change your name as long as the traveler is the same person, you catch the mistake early, and you have all the required documents. However, you will need to contact Delta directly by call or chat, as the online method is not available for name change requests.

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