Delta allows name changes on tickets, but only under specific conditions and with limits on how much you can change
Delta permits you to change the name on your ticket if the change is a correction of a misspelling or a legal name change — such as after marriage, divorce, or a court order. You cannot use a name change to transfer your ticket to a different person. The airline treats the ticket as tied to the passenger whose name appears on the booking, and changing it to someone else's name is considered a new ticket purchase, not a modification.
If your name is misspelled on your ticket, Delta will correct it at no charge. If your legal name has changed since you booked, you will need to provide documentation of that change and may face a fee. The process differs depending on how close your flight is and whether you book directly with Delta or through a third party.
Key Takeaways
- Delta corrects misspellings on tickets for free, but you must contact them before your flight departs.
- Legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court order) require official documentation and may incur a change fee.
- You cannot transfer your ticket to another person by changing the name — that would require cancelling and rebooking.
- Contact Delta directly by phone or through your online booking to make a name change; third-party booking sites often cannot process these changes.
- Name changes must be completed before you check in for your flight.
Misspellings: What Delta will fix for free
If your name is spelled wrong on your ticket — for example, "Joh" instead of "John" or "Smyth" instead of "Smith" — Delta will correct it without charging you. This is considered a clerical error, not a ticket change. You can report the misspelling by calling Delta directly at 1-800-221-1212, through your online booking under "Manage My Booking," or at the airport ticket counter.
The correction must happen before you check in. If you catch the error after you have already checked in, inform a gate agent when ready; they can often update your boarding pass on the spot. If the misspelling is caught after your flight has departed, contact Delta customer service as soon as possible, as it may affect your ability to board a connecting flight or your return flight.
Legal name changes: Documentation and fees
If your legal name has changed since you booked your ticket — because you married, divorced, or obtained a court order — Delta will change it, but you must provide proof of the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also likely face a change fee, which Delta charges for modifications to passenger names that are not straightforward corrections.
Contact Delta by phone at 1-800-221-1212 with your booking reference and the documentation ready. Have a photo ID matching your new legal name available as well. The airline will verify the change and process it, usually within one business day. You will need to present the same documentation at the airport when you check in.
Why you cannot transfer a ticket by changing the name
Tickets are non-transferable under Delta's policy. If you try to change the name on your ticket to someone else's name, Delta will not permit it — the airline considers this a transfer, not a correction. The person whose name is on the ticket is the only person who can use it. If someone else tries to board with a ticket under a different name, they will be denied entry to the flight.
If you need to give your ticket to another person, you must cancel your original ticket and book a new one in their name. Depending on your fare type, you may receive a credit toward a future flight or a refund. Basic economy fares on Delta are often non-refundable, so cancelling may result in losing the ticket value entirely.
How to change a name if you booked through Delta directly
Log into your Delta account and go to "Manage My Booking." Enter your confirmation number and last name. Once your booking appears, look for the option to edit passenger information. If the change is a straightforward misspelling, you may be able to correct it yourself online. If it is a legal name change, you will likely be directed to call Delta to complete the process with documentation.
Alternatively, call Delta at 1-800-221-1212. Have your confirmation number, current ticket name, and new name ready. If it is a legal name change, tell the agent you will provide documentation. The agent will process the change and may email you a new ticket or confirmation. Always confirm that your new name appears correctly on your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport.
Name changes through third-party booking sites
If you booked through a travel website like Expedia, Kayak, or a travel agent, you cannot change the name directly through that site. You must contact Delta directly, even though the booking was made elsewhere. Call Delta at 1-800-221-1212 with your confirmation number from the third-party site and your Delta booking reference if you have it.
Third-party sites do not have access to Delta's passenger records and cannot modify names on tickets. Some travel agents can submit change requests on your behalf, but the fastest route is usually to call Delta yourself. Have your booking confirmation from the third-party site and your documentation (if it is a legal name change) ready when you call.
Timeline: When to make the change
Name corrections must be completed before you check in for your flight. For misspellings, you can make the change up until check-in, which opens 24 hours before departure for domestic flights and up to 3 days before for international flights. For legal name changes, contact Delta as soon as you have your documentation — do not wait until the day of your flight, as processing may take a business day.
If your flight is tomorrow and you have a legal name change, call Delta when ready. Explain the situation and provide your documentation. The airline will prioritize urgent requests, but there is no may provide the change will be processed in time. If it is not, you may be denied boarding, so it is better to contact them early.
What happens if your name does not match your ID at the airport
When you check in, your name on the ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID. If they do not match and you have not corrected the ticket, you will not be allowed to board. The gate agent cannot override this — it is a security requirement. If you realize the mismatch at the airport, when ready go to the Delta ticket counter and explain the situation. They may be able to correct a misspelling on the spot, but a legal name change will require documentation they may not have time to verify.
To avoid this problem, always check your ticket name against your ID before you arrive at the airport. If there is any discrepancy, contact Delta at least 24 hours before your flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my ticket to my nickname or preferred name?
No. Your ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID. If you go by a nickname but your legal name is different, the ticket must show your legal name. Delta will not change a ticket to a nickname or preferred name unless you have legally changed your name through a court order.
What if I made a typo when I booked and my name is completely wrong?
Call Delta at 1-800-221-1212 when ready. If the error is clearly a typo (for example, you typed "Jhn" instead of "John"), Delta will usually correct it for free. If the name is so different that it looks like a transfer attempt, you may be asked to cancel and rebook, which could cost you money depending on your fare type.
Do I need to change my name if I got married after booking?
Yes, if your legal name has changed. Your ticket must match your current ID. Bring your marriage certificate to the airport, and inform the check-in agent. They will verify the document and update your boarding pass. Contact Delta in advance if possible so the change is reflected in their system before you arrive.
Can a travel agent change my name on a Delta ticket?
Not directly. Travel agents cannot access Delta's system to change passenger names. You must contact Delta yourself, though your agent can help you gather the right information and documentation to make the process faster.
What if Delta denies my name change request?
If Delta believes the change is a transfer rather than a correction or legal name change, they will deny it. Your only option is to cancel the ticket and book a new one in the correct name. Check your fare rules first — some tickets are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for a credit.