Delta Airlines Name Change Policy and Correction Guide 2026

The Golden Rule of Corrections vs. Transfers

Before we dive into the "how-to," we have to clear up one major misconception. There’s an important distinction between a "name correction" and a "name change" (transfer).

Name Correction: This is fixing a typo, updating a surname after marriage, or adding a middle name. This is allowed.

Name Transfer: This is an attempt by delta airlines change passenger name details to someone else entirely (e.g., giving your ticket to your cousin). This is not allowed. Tickets are non-transferable.

If you need to swap passengers, your best bet is to review the Delta airlines cancellation policy to see if you can review an eCredit or book a new trip.

How to Change Name on a Delta Airlines Ticket

If you’ve spotted a mistake, you want to act fast. The method you use to change names on Delta Airlines tickets usually depends on how complex the fix is.

1. Minor Typo Corrections

Did you type "Jon" instead of "John"? Most of the time, Delta typically allows minor corrections, often involving a small number of characters, subject to review. If the flight is entirely operated by Delta airlines (not a partner like Virgin Atlantic or KLM), this is usually a quick fix. You can often do a Delta airlines name change online by heading to the "My Trips" section, but if the system feels stubborn, a quick chat with a representative will usually do the trick.

2. Legal Name Changes (Marriage or Divorce)

Life happens. If you booked your flight months ago but have since tied the knot, you’ll need a delta airlines name change marriage update.

The Paperwork You will need your marriage certificate or a court-sanctioned name change document.

The Process Delta may request identity verification and supporting legal documents before approving the update. You’ll upload a photo of your legal docs, and their team will manually verify the change.

3. Inverted Names and Prefixes

Sometimes the system glitches, or we just get confused by the boxes, and our first name ends up where the last name should be. This is a very common name change on Delta Airlines ticket requests. Because the identity of the person hasn't changed, just the order of the words, Delta handles these quite efficiently.

Also Read: How to Select a Seat on Delta Airlines Flights

Delta Airlines Name Change Online Steps

Most travelers prefer to skip the hold music and handle things themselves. Here is the play-by-play for attempting a Delta airlines name change online:

•  Go to the "My Trips" tab at the top of the homepage.

•  Put in your confirmation number and your last name.

•  Look for the passenger information section. If the error is minor, the system may allow you to edit the field directly.

• If the change is accepted, you will receive a new confirmation email.

What if the "Edit" button isn't there?

This usually happens if you’ve already checked in, if you have a complex international itinerary involving partner airlines, or if you’ve already flown one leg of the trip. In these cases, you’ll need to contact Delta’s Global Assistance team via the "Message Us" feature in the Fly Delta app.

Also Read: Delta Airlines' Liquid Limit: Know What Liquids You Can Carry on the Flight

Effortless Corrections with Affluence Travels

If you have booked your flight through us, you don't need to worry about long wait times or complex forms. You can easily request a name change through Affluence Travels. Our dedicated team coordinates directly with the airline to ensure your name change on Delta Airlines is completed without any hassle. We understand that mistakes can happen during travel planning, and we are here to make your ticketing process as smooth and error-free as possible.

Checking Your Delta Airlines Name Change Status

After you’ve submitted a request, especially a legal one involving documents, you won't see the change instantly. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for the back-end team to process the request and reissue the ticket.

To check your Delta airlines name change status:

Refresh "My Trips." This is the most accurate way to see if the name on the e-ticket has been updated.

Email Notifications: Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder) for a message stating your "Ticket has been reissued."

The Fly Delta app is great for real-time updates. If your boarding pass updates with the correct spelling, you’re good to go.

Also Read: What is the Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program?

Important Fees and Fare Differences to Consider

While Delta is generally friendly about corrections, there are a few "gotchas" to watch out for:

24-Hour Window: If you have identified the mistake within 24 hours of booking, the easiest thing to do is use Delta’s Risk-Free Cancellation. Just cancel the whole thing for a full refund and rebook it correctly.

Change Fees: Most Main Cabin and higher tickets don't have "change fees" anymore, but a name correction might require the ticket to be "reissued." In some cases, if the original fare class is no longer available, you might be asked to pay the difference in ticket price (though agents often waive this for simple typos).

Basic Economy: These tickets are the most restrictive. If you are on a Basic Economy fare, you really need to double-check your spelling at the time of booking, as these are much harder to modify.

Enjoy a worry-free travel experience. Secure your trip with Affluence Travels and trust our experts to handle the rest.

Why Matching Your ID is Essential for Travel

You might be thinking, "It’s just one letter. Will the TSA really care?"

The answer is, Yes. Secure Flight Data rules require the name on your boarding pass to match your government-issued ID exactly. If your passport says "Elizabeth" and your ticket says "Beth," you might get pulled aside for extra screening, or worse, denied boarding. Taking 10 minutes to fix a name change on Delta Airlines now is much better than spending two hours arguing at the security gate.

Also Read: Things You Must Know About Delta Airlines Group Travel

Tips for a Stress-Free Experience

• Check your confirmation email within 24 hours to fix any typos under the Risk-Free Cancellation policy.

• Keep digital copies of legal documents ready for any delta airlines name change or marriage request.

• Make sure your SkyMiles profile matches your passport exactly to avoid future booking issues.

• Upload passport details in Delta FlyReady early for international trips to align ticket and ID information.

• Focus on getting first and last names correct, as TSA checks these most carefully.

• Recheck spellings before check-in to prevent last-minute airport stress.

Book Your Delta Flight Today With Affluence Travels

Correcting a name on a flight doesn't have to be so stressful. Delta’s policies are designed to be secure but fair. Whether it's a Delta airlines name change, marriage update or just fixing a clumsy typo, the key is to be proactive and have your documents ready. By following these steps, you can ensure your travel remains the highlight of your year rather than a paperwork headache. Ready for a hassle-free journey? Book your next flight with Affluence Travels today and let us handle the details for you.

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