How To Change The Name On A Delta Flight Ticket [2023]

When it comes to air travel, the devil is in the details. It’s likely that sooner or later the time may come when you need to modify the details related to a flight reservation, including a passenger’s name. Whether due to unforeseen circumstances or perhaps a simple spelling mistake made during booking, the process of changing the name on a flight ticket may seem like a daunting task. In reality, however, it’s quite straightforward and more common than you may think.

Delta Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines. If you find yourself needing to change the name on a Delta Airlines ticket, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. But don’t worry! In this post, I’ll help you better understand the Delta Name Change Policy, cover the different ways you can go about changing the name on a Delta ticket, and guide you through the step-by-step procedures to ensure you’re well-equipped to travel with ease. Let’s dive right in.

Traveling on a long-haul flight? Check out Can You Bring A Metal Water Bottle On A Plane?.

Delta Airlines Name Change Policy

Delta is my favorite airline to travel on within the United States. As a Delta frequent flyer, I can tell you right off the bat that Delta tends to be more reliable and makes travel easier than most other airlines. Their in-flight and airport experiences are of higher quality, their website and mobile app are amongst the most user-friendly, and they’re consistently flexible with members during extenuating circumstances (such as the coronavirus pandemic). It comes as no surprise, then, that their name correction policy remains reasonable and even allows for several minor name corrections to be made without even contacting Delta for assistance. Before we visit some of the applicable scenarios, consider the following guidelines which apply to domestic or international Delta flight ticket name changes:

• The corresponding flight must be operated by Delta
• The ticket in question is issued with the ticket stock number beginning with 006
• Only one reissue for a name correction is allowed per passenger ticket (so use it wisely!)
• The passenger on the original reservation must be the actual traveler (i.e., you cannot swap passengers)
• The Secure Flight Passenger Data information (for programs such as TSA PreCheck) remains the same as on the original reservation

Alternatively, you should contact their Global Sales Support team directly for assistance if your trip meets the following conditions and exclusions:

• The ticket includes a flight or flights operated by a partner carrier, including Aeromexico, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, or Virgin Atlantic
• The itinerary includes travel to/from China
• The itinerary includes travel to/from India
• More than three letters of the passenger’s last name need to be corrected
• The name has already been corrected once and requires further correction (and the ticket needs to be reissued a second time)

Delta Airlines Name Change Scenarios

First Name Or Middle Name Changes

Delta will usually allow one-time minor corrections to either a first name or a middle name without significant restrictions, especially if the change is made within 24 hours of booking your flight.

Nickname To Legal First Name Changes

Delta lets you adjust the nickname on your Delta ticket to your legal name. For example, a passenger can change the first name on their ticket from JIM (nickname) to JAMES (legal name).

Middle Name Additions

While not negligible, middle names tend to be optional, and adding them to your ticket is possibly the easiest of all the name change scenarios to handle. In fact, middle names can usually be added directly to your ticket without having to go through Delta customer service.

Last Name Changes

The Delta Airlines name correction policy allows up to three letters in a last name to be corrected. If you require more than three letters to be changed you will need to reach out to Delta Airlines for assistance. More on this below.

Last Name Additions Without Changes

One “exclusion” to the 3-letter limit for last name changes applies to last name additions. Additions can be made to the current last name on a ticket without actually modifying the preexisting last name itself. For example, in the case of a maiden name, SMITH/JANE can be changed to JOHNSONSMITH/JANE.

Name Changes Due To Marriage Or Divorce

It’s only under special circumstances such as a marriage or a divorce that Delta will allow a legal name change to be made to the full name. In both of these cases, a supporting document (court order, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, etc.) will be required.

Inverted First And Last Names On A Delta Airlines Flight Ticket

If you accidentally entered your last name in the first name field or vice versa don’t panic. Even if left as is, this shouldn’t pose any issues on the day of travel so long as the ticket details match the first and last name on your government-issued ID. That said, it’s advisable to always strive for accuracy.

Note, however, that if a middle name, middle initial, or title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Mrs.) is unintentionally included in one of the name fields and the first and last names are inverted you should certainly aim to make the change prior to traveling. Any noteworthy mismatch between your boarding pass and your valid photo ID and you run the risk of not being allowed to fly.

Transferring Delta Airlines Flight Tickets

As indicated above, Delta does not allow passengers to share tickets. If you purchased a flight ticket and can no longer use it due to unexpected circumstances you will not be able to transfer it to someone else. You may change refundable tickets without paying a change fee (provided all fare and ticket rules are met and seats are available). With a non-refundable ticket, you can change your flight when you pay a flight change fee of $0-$400 (depending on your travel route) plus any fare difference. A Delta Basic Economy ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases but, in some instances, may be canceled for a partial Credit.

Delta Airlines Name Change Fees

Delta Airlines allows all passengers to make any name corrections free of charge if the change is made within 24 hours of booking your flight. If you make a change following the 24-hour period then you may be subject to a Delta name change fee. This fee typically ranges between $75-$500 (usually $275) depending on the type of ticket as well as the time period remaining before flight departure.

As frustrating as it may be to incur an additional cost on top of your original flight purchase (especially if this was the result of an oversight) remember that this sure beats purchasing a new ticket or missing out on the trip altogether. Be thankful that you caught the error (if this was the case), that you’re able to make the necessary changes ahead of time, and that this will allow you to travel with peace of mind on the day of the flight.

5 Ways To Change The Name On Your Delta Flight Ticket (Self-Service & Assisted)

1) Delta Name Change Via The Delta Website

As expected, perhaps the most appropriate place to start processing a name change request is none other than on the official website of Delta Airlines. You can do so as follows:

1. Navigate to the Delta website (without logging in).
2. Click on My Trips from the top-most menu bar.
3. Find your trip using either the Confirmation Number, Credit/Debit Card Number, or Ticket Number as well as your first name and last name; The Confirmation Number or e-Ticket Number can be found in the confirmation email sent to the email address provided or previously on file.
4. Follow the prompts to make any allowable flight ticket name changes.

If you have a SkyMiles account already set up, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Navigate to the Delta website and log in to your Delta SkyMiles account.
2. Click My Trips from the top-most menu bar and select View All Trips from the sub-menu below.
3. Select the respective reservation you wish to modify the name for under the My Trips tab.
4. Click on Modify Flights at the top right of the screen.
5. Click on Start Flight Change and follow the prompts to make any allowable flight ticket name changes.

2) Delta Name Change Via The Fly Delta Mobile App

Using Delta’s app is one of the more handy ways to make a name change directly from anywhere without reaching out to Delta for assistance. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Fly Delta mobile app (if haven’t yet done so).
2. Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account using the Fly Delta mobile app.
3. Select the respective reservation you wish to modify the name for under the My Trips tab.
4. Click on Modify Flights at the top right of the screen.
5. Click on Start Flight Change and follow the prompts to make any allowable flight ticket name changes.

3) Delta Airlines Name Change Via Text

The Delta “Message Us” chat function can be a total lifesaver and is probably the most convenient way of getting in touch with Delta’s customer service team. This innovative feature can help you avoid horrendous call wait times (especially during busy travel seasons and periods of inclement weather) and enables you to multitask while you use it. You can access this feature in one of two ways:

• Through The Delta Website: Click on this link and then click on the Message Us text box on the page (you may need to scroll down slightly); This will immediately open up the chat feature.
• Through The Fly Delta Mobile App: Open the Fly Delta mobile app (no need to log in) and click the Contact Us link at the bottom of the login page; Click the Message Us link at the top right of the page (right below the first phone number listed) and, this will instantly open up the chat feature.

4) Delta Airlines Name Change Via Phone

While this tends to take a bit longer, sometimes the best and most effective way to get the information and/or assistance you need is with a phone call. To speak with a Delta agent over the phone about any matter pertaining to an existing Delta reservation (including name changes), you can reach one of their representatives by dialing their general flight Reservations line at (800) 221-1212.

Accessing Dedicated Phone Numbers by Language, Category, And Medallion Status Via The Fly Delta Mobile App

If you’re looking to reach a particular group (e.g., Domestic Groups, International Groups, Disability Assitance) or speak with a representative in a certain language (e.g., Spanish, Japanese, Korean) you can take the following steps to easily track down the corresponding phone number:

1. Download the Fly Delta mobile app (no need to log in).
2. Click the Contact Us link at the bottom of the login page.
3. There you can find the Reservations phone number indicated above as well as other dedicated numbers by language and assistance group.

If you’re a Delta SkyMiles Medallion Member you can follow these quick steps to access a designated phone line based on your tier level:

1. Download the Fly Delta mobile app (if haven’t yet done so).
2. Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account using the Fly Delta mobile app.
3. Click the More tab (right-most option on the bottom menu).
4. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the menu list and click on the Contact Us section to reference your dedicated phone line; In case needed, be sure to have your SkyMiles account number handy to expedite your call.

5) Delta Airlines Name Change Via Airport Assistance

If you happen to find yourself at the airport and near a Delta Airlines check-in counter or Help Desk kiosk, you can get a Delta agent to assist you in the good old-fashioned way — in person. Give yourself ample time to get this resolved if you’re addressing this on the day of your flight. While most system changes are effective immediately, you don’t risk of pushing it too close.

Name changes are usually not permitted after checking into the flight. Similarly, on some flight legs, the latest a passenger can make a change is 24 hours prior to flight departure. Thus, taking this approach to rectify a flight ticket name should be used as a last resort.

How To Change The Name Associated With Your Delta SkyMiles Account

If applicable, besides changing the name on a flight ticket, you can (and probably should) update the name linked with your Delta account to address the root cause of any future travel changes. Changes to your first name or suffix can be made by completing an Identity Verification Form. This form can be accessed on your SkyMiles account as follows:

1. Navigate to the official Delta Airlines website and log in to your Delta SkyMiles account.
2. Clicking on your name on the top right of the page.
3. Selecting the Profile tab at the bottom of the dropdown.
4. Navigate to the Personal Details option on the left-most menu and click on the Edit link under the “Basic Info & Passport Details” section.

Any and all changes will require that a government-issued ID copy be uploaded (in .pdf, .png, .jpeg, or .jpg format) as part of the request. This could be a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or any government-issued ID that meets the following criteria:

• Is issued by a local, city, state, or national government
• Includes a photograph as well as a signature
• Is current (i.e., non-expired)

In addition to the above, last name changes will require a copy of a court document issued by a local, city, state, or national government to be uploaded as well.

Delta Airlines Flights Booked Through A Third-Party

If you purchased a ticket from a third-party travel site or travel agency (i.e., not directly through Delta) and need to make a change or cancellation, you should start by contacting your third-party travel site or travel agent directly for support. There’s a high likelihood that a Delta representative will direct you to the respective third party if you reach out to them (Delta) first. This is coming from first-hand experience as well as Delta’s general direction.

Impact On Secure Flight Passenger Data

If a passenger name has been changed or corrected in a flight booking that previously contained Secure Flight Passenger Data information, you may need to reenter this information or re-upload any pertinent verification document after the correction to the name has been made.

Bottomline — How To Change The Name On A Delta Flight Ticket

Don’t let an incorrect name on your ticket spoil your travel plans! Take action and modify your Delta flight reservation with confidence. By following the proper steps, you can make sure your Delta flight ticket accurately reflects the correct passenger name while also avoiding any last-minute scares and annoyances. Here are the key takeaways:

• General Delta Name Change Policy: Delta allows for minor name corrections and is generally flexible with the required changes. The most common reasons for having to correct a name include a marriage, a divorce, or spelling mistakes.
• Different Modification Methods: You can make minor corrections to your ticket name via the official Delta website, the Fly Delta App, the “Message Us” chat function, phone, or airport assistance. Non-minor changes will usually require reaching out to Delta directly for assistance.
• Necessary Documentation: Some non-minor changes will usually require proof in the form of a government-issued photo ID and/or court document.
• Delta Name Change Fees: Name change fees may apply to changes made more than 24 hours after booking your flight and will range between $75 and $500 (depending on the type of ticket and pre-departure timeline) with the standard fee being $275.

If in doubt, I highly recommend that you contact Delta Airlines directly for the latest and greatest guidance on name changes given that each airline’s policies and procedures are ever-changing.

Wishing you safe and stress-free travels!

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