Last updated: September 2025
Making a name correction on your Delta Airlines reservation can be crucial for smooth travel. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about editing your name on Delta, including fees, restrictions, step-by-step instructions, and special circumstances.
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Table of Contents
Understanding Name Changes vs. Name Corrections
- Complete Fee Structure
- What Qualifies as a Minor Correction
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Time Restrictions and Deadlines
- Required Documentation
- Special Circumstances
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- SkyMiles Account vs. Reservation Changes
- International Travel Considerations
- Comprehensive FAQ
Understanding Name Changes vs. Name Corrections
Name Corrections (Usually Free)
Name corrections are minor spelling fixes that don't change the passenger's identity:📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Fixing typos (e.g., "Smth" to "Smith")
- Correcting up to 3 letters in last name
- Adding or removing middle names/initials
- Fixing first/last name order
- Adding hyphenated last names
Name Changes (Require New Ticket)
Name changes involve different passengers 📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️and require purchasing a new ticket:
- Transferring ticket to different person
- Complete name overhauls (more than 3 letters different)
- Gender changes requiring new identification
- Legal name changes not matching original ID
Complete Fee Structure
Name Correction Fees by Ticket Type
Ticket Type |
Domestic Flights |
International Flights |
Notes |
Basic Economy |
$200 + fare difference |
$200 + fare difference |
Most restrictive |
Main Cabin |
$200 + fare difference |
$200 + fare difference |
Standard processing |
Comfort+ |
$200 + fare difference |
$200 + fare difference |
Same as Main Cabin |
First Class |
$200 + fare difference |
$200 + fare difference |
Priority processing |
Delta One |
Usually waived |
Usually waived |
Premium service benefits |
Fee Waivers Available For:
Additional Costs:
What Qualifies as a Minor Correction
✅ Acceptable Minor Corrections
First/Middle Name Changes:
- Tom → Thomas
- Katie → Katherine
- Adding middle initial: John Smith → John A. Smith
- Removing middle name: Mary Jane Doe → Mary Doe
Last Name Corrections (Up to 3 Letters):
- Jonson → Johnson (1 letter)
- Smythe → Smith (3 letters - maximum allowed)
- MacDonald → McDonald (1 letter)
Format Changes:
- SMITH/JOHN → JOHN/SMITH (name order reversal)
- smith → Smith (capitalization)
- O'Connor → O'CONNOR (punctuation/caps)
Additions:
- Smith → Smith-Johnson (hyphenated names)
- Adding titles: John Smith → Dr. John Smith
❌ Changes Requiring New Tickets
Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 1: Online via Delta.com (Recommended)
Step 1: Access Your Reservation 📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Go to delta.com
- Click "My Trips" in top navigation
- Enter confirmation number and last name
- Or log into your SkyMiles account
Step 2: Locate Name Change Option
- Find your trip in trip details
- Look for "Modify Trip" or "Change Flight" button
- Select "Passenger Information"
- Choose "Edit Name"
Step 3: Make the Correction
- Click on the passenger name to edit
- Update first name, middle name, or last name fields
- Review the changes carefully
- Check preview of new ticket
Step 4: Review Fees and Confirm
- Review any applicable fees
- Confirm payment method
- Submit the change request
- Save confirmation email
Processing Time: Immediate for minor corrections
Method 2: Delta Mobile App
Step 1: Open the App📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Download Delta app from App Store/Google Play
- Log into your SkyMiles account
- Or enter trip details manually
Step 2: Find Your Trip
- Tap "My Trips" from main menu
- Select the relevant reservation
- Tap "Trip Details"
Step 3: Edit Passenger Information
- Scroll to passenger details section
- Tap "Edit" next to passenger name
- Make necessary corrections
- Verify changes are accurate
Step 4: Complete the Process
- Review fee summary
- Confirm payment if required
- Submit changes
- Screenshot confirmation
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Before Calling, Have Ready:
- Confirmation number
- Government-issued photo ID
- Correct spelling of name
- SkyMiles number (if applicable)
- Credit card for any fees
Call Script Example:
"Hi, I need to make a name correction on my reservation. My confirmation number is [NUMBER]. The name currently shows [CURRENT NAME] and needs to be corrected to [CORRECT NAME] to match my ID."
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- Tuesday-Thursday for shortest waits
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- Navigate phone menu (Press 1 for English, then 2 for existing reservations)
- Provide confirmation details
- Explain the correction needed
- Verify your identity
- Confirm fees and payment
- Request email confirmation
Time Restrictions and Deadlines
General Timeline Rules
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- 4-24 hours before departure: Phone only for corrections
- Within 4 hours: Airport ticket counter or gate agent only
- After check-in: Very limited options, usually requires rebooking
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- Airport ticket counter (2+ hours before departure)
- Gate agent (30+ minutes before boarding)
- Phone support with expedited processing fee
Processing Times
Emergency Situations
If traveling within 4 hours and need name correction:📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Go directly to airport ticket counter
- Have government ID and confirmation ready
- Be prepared for additional fees
- Consider rebooking if correction isn't possible
Required Documentation
Standard Documentation
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- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Confirmation number or ticket number
- Original booking confirmation email
Special Circumstances Documentation
Marriage/Divorce Name Changes:📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Marriage certificate (certified copy)
- Divorce decree (if reverting to maiden name)
- Updated government ID reflecting new name
Legal Name Changes:📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Court order for legal name change
- Updated Social Security card
- New government-issued ID
International Travel:📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Passport (must match ticket exactly)
- Visa (if required) matching passport name
- Birth certificate (in some cases)
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- Military ID card
- Leave orders (for official travel)
- Dependent ID (for family members)
Digital vs. Physical Documents
Digital Copies Accepted For:📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Phone support verification
- Online chat support
- Initial processing
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- Airport counter changes
- Complex legal name changes
- International travel discrepancies
- Suspicious activity verification
Special Circumstances
Partner Airlines and Codeshare Flights
Restrictions Apply When:
- Flight operated by Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic
- Any partner airline operates part of your journey
- Codeshare flights (different airline codes)
Required Action:
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- Cannot make changes online
- May require contacting partner airline directly
- Additional processing time required
Group Bookings (10+ Passengers)
Special Process:
- Contact Delta Group Desk: 📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Provide group confirmation code
- Specify which passengers need corrections
- May require group coordinator authorization
Corporate and Business Travel
Additional Requirements:
- Company authorization may be required
- Corporate travel policy compliance
- Business credit card for fee payment
- Travel manager notification
Elite SkyMiles Members
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- Diamond Medallion: Fee waivers often granted
- Platinum Medallion: Case-by-case consideration
- Gold/Silver: Standard fees apply, but priority processing
- General SkyMiles: No fee benefits, but faster phone support
Military and Government Travel
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- Official orders can waive fees
- Military ID accepted for verification
- Emergency travel provisions
- Family member considerations
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Name Doesn't Match" Error Messages
Problem: Online system rejects name correction
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- Use mobile app instead
System Glitches During Process
Problem: Website freezes or crashes during name change
Solutions:
- Don't refresh page - wait 5 minutes
- Check email for partial processing confirmation
- Call to verify status before trying again
- Screenshot any error messages
Payment Processing Failures📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
Problem: Credit card declined for name change fees
Solutions:
- Verify card has sufficient credit limit
- Contact bank to authorize international transaction
- Try different payment method
- Use SkyMiles account credit if available
Deadline Pressures
Problem: Discovering name error close to travel date
Emergency Protocol:
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- Explain urgency - request supervisor
- Go to airport early if phone unsuccessful
- Have backup ID forms ready
Third-Party Booking Complications
Problem: Booked through Expedia, Priceline, etc.
Solutions:
- Contact original booking agent first
- Get written authorization for changes
- Call Delta with third-party confirmation
- Be prepared for additional fees from both parties
SkyMiles Account vs. Reservation Changes
Understanding the Difference
SkyMiles Profile Changes:📞+1☀888☀425☀9695 OR [+44⟼808➤175➤7407] (UK) ✍️
- Updates your permanent account information
- Affects future bookings automatically
- No immediate impact on existing reservations
- Free to update
Reservation-Specific Changes:
- Only affects current booking
- Doesn't update SkyMiles profile
- Requires fees for corrections
- Must be done for each trip separately
How to Update SkyMiles Profile
Online Process:
- Log into delta.com
- Go to "My Account" → "Profile"
- Click "Edit Profile Information"
- Update name fields
- Save changes
What This Affects:
- Future booking defaults
- SkyMiles communications
- Account statements
- Loyalty program records
Syncing Issues and Solutions
Problem: Profile doesn't match reservation
Resolution Steps:
- Update SkyMiles profile first
- Then make reservation correction
- Call if automatic sync fails
- Verify both are updated correctly
International Travel Considerations
Passport Matching Requirements
Critical Rule: Airline ticket must exactly match passport name
- Same spelling, character-for-character
- Same order (first, middle, last)
- Same punctuation and hyphens
- Same spacing
Country-Specific Restrictions
China Travel:
- Currently restricted name changes/corrections
- New reservation required for any changes
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India Travel:
- Special authorization required
- Additional documentation needed
- Longer processing times
- Government compliance checks
European Union:
- GDPR compliance affects processing
- Additional verification steps
- Passenger Name Record (PNR) regulations
Visa Considerations
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Visa Transfer Issues:
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- PreCheck/Global Entry must match exactly
- Known Traveler Number linked to specific name
- Security screening complications if mismatched
Comprehensive FAQ
Basic Questions
Q: How much does it cost to change my name on a Delta flight?
A: Minor corrections (3 letters or less) are often free. Major changes cost $200 plus any fare difference. Call ☎️+1 (888) 425 9695 (US) OR +44||808||175||7407✈ for specific pricing.
Q: Can I change my name on Delta online?
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Q: How close to my flight can I make a name change in Delta?
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Q: What's the difference between a name change and name correction in Delta?
A: Name corrections fix spelling errors for the same person (usually free/low cost). Name changes transfer tickets between different people (requires new ticket purchase).
Process Questions
Q: Can I change my name on Delta after checking in?
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Q: What if my passport name doesn't match my Delta ticket?
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Q: Can someone else change my name on my Delta reservation?
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Q: Do I need to change my SkyMiles account name too?
A: It's recommended but not required for existing reservations. Update your profile at delta.com → My Account → Profile for future bookings.
Fee and Policy Questions
Q: Are there any Delta name change fee waivers available?
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Q: What counts as a minor name correction on Delta?
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Technical and Timing Questions
Q: Why won't Delta's website let me change my name?
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Q: How long does a Delta name correction take to process?
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Special Situations
Q: I got married and changed my last name. How do I update my Delta ticket?
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Q: What if I made a typo when booking my Delta flight?
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Q: My Delta flight is operated by a partner airline. Can I still change my name?
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Q: I have multiple tickets in one reservation. Do I need to pay fees for each name change?
A: Fees typically apply per passenger per ticket. If you have round-trip tickets, it's usually one fee per person for the entire itinerary.
Contact Information Summary
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Additional Resources
Online Resources
Final Tips for Success
Before You Travel
- Double-check spelling when booking
- Verify name matches ID exactly
- Update SkyMiles profile if name has changed
- Check passport expiration for international travel
If Issues Arise
Act quickly - sooner is always better
- Have documentation ready before calling
- Be patient during peak travel times
- Screenshot confirmations for your records
Prevention Strategies
Copy/paste from ID when booking online
- Review reservation immediately after booking
- Set up SkyMiles profile with correct information
- Book directly through Delta when possible for easier changes
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