Delta Airlines Name Change – Complete Guide for 2025
Travel plans can change, and so can the details on your flight ticket. One of the most common issues passengers face is realizing that their name is incorrect or has changed after booking a flight. If you’re flying with Delta and need to modify the name on your ticket, it’s important to understand how the Delta Airlines name change process works.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know—from policy rules and allowed corrections to costs and how to request changes—so you can travel with peace of mind.
Why a Name Change Might Be Needed
There are several reasons travelers might need to initiate a Delta Airlines name change:
Misspellings or typos during the booking process
Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order
Middle name or initial issues that don’t match your passport or ID
Switching tickets between travelers (though this is typically not allowed)
Whatever the reason, it’s critical that the name on your ticket matches the government-issued ID you’ll use at check-in and security checkpoints. Even minor mismatches can result in denied boarding or added complications at the airport.
Delta Airlines Name Change Policy Overview
Delta Airlines allows limited name corrections and changes under specific conditions. Here's an overview of their name change policy:
Name corrections are allowed for minor errors such as spelling mistakes or omitted middle names.
Major name changes (e.g., changing the traveler to a completely different person) are generally not permitted.
The name must match the government-issued ID used for travel.
One-time name correction per ticket is usually allowed.
What Counts as a Minor Correction?
Delta considers the following as minor name corrections:
Correcting misspelled first or last names (e.g., "Jonh" to "John")
Adding or correcting middle names or initials
Reversing first and last names (if mistakenly swapped during booking)
Updating suffixes like Jr., Sr., II, III
These changes are usually approved without major complications, but documentation may be required.
How to Request a Delta Airlines Name Change
If you’ve noticed an error in your ticket or need to make a correction, here’s how to handle it step-by-step:
Step 1: Identify the Type of Name Change
Start by checking if your request qualifies as a correction or a change. Minor corrections are generally permitted. Changing the passenger altogether is not.
Step 2: Contact Delta Airlines
You can initiate a Delta Airlines name change through any of the following:
Online: Log into your booking via Delta’s website or mobile app and look for the “Manage My Booking” section. Minor edits may be possible here.
Phone: Call Delta’s customer service line at 1-800-221-1212 (U.S. number) and speak with a representative.
Travel Agent: If you booked through a travel agency, the agent must process the name correction on your behalf.
Step 3: Provide Required Documentation
Depending on the nature of the name change, you may need to submit:
A copy of your passport or government-issued ID
A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for legal name changes
Booking reference or confirmation number
Delta Airlines Name Change Fees
Fees for a Delta Airlines name change can vary depending on the fare class, timing, and nature of the change:
Minor corrections made within 24 hours of booking are often free.
After 24 hours, fees may apply, generally ranging from $75 to $200, especially for international tickets.
Basic Economy tickets may have additional restrictions and may not be eligible for changes.
Note: If the name correction leads to a reissue of the ticket or a change in itinerary, fare differences may apply.
Important Rules to Know
Here are a few rules that travelers should be aware of when requesting a Delta Airlines name change:
Only one name correction is permitted per ticket.
Name changes must be completed at least 24 hours before departure.
The ticket must be reissued after a name correction (even for small changes).
Name changes are only allowed for unused tickets—once travel has begun, the name cannot be changed.
SkyMiles Members should ensure their account name matches their travel documents to avoid issues when redeeming miles.
Name Change for International Flights
If you’re traveling internationally, the Delta Airlines name change process can be more complex. International tickets often involve partner airlines (like Air France or KLM), and each partner has its own policies regarding name corrections. Delta may have to coordinate with these airlines before the change is approved.
In such cases, expect a longer processing time and potentially higher fees. It’s recommended to start the correction process as early as possible—preferably weeks before departure.
What Not to Do
When dealing with a Delta Airlines name change, avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t rebook a new ticket in a different name before confirming the correction can’t be made.
Don’t wait until the day of travel to fix the error—airlines are less flexible last minute.
Don’t assume middle names don’t matter—some TSA and international destinations require full name matches, including middle initials.
Name Change and the 24-Hour Grace Period
Delta offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel or modify a booking within 24 hours of purchase without penalty. If you just made the booking and noticed a mistake, this is the easiest way to fix it:
Cancel the original booking.
Rebook the flight with the correct name.
This policy applies to all fare classes, including non-refundable Basic Economy tickets, and is an excellent safety net for travelers who spot errors quickly.
