Booking a flight can be exciting, but small mistakes like a misspelled name can cause major issues at check-in. Fortunately, the Delta Airlines name correction policy gives travelers the chance to fix those errors without canceling and rebooking their tickets.
Whether you’ve mistyped a letter or forgotten your middle name, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know about Delta's name correction rules, what changes are allowed, and how to handle different booking scenarios. Getting your name right on your ticket is more important than you might think—and this guide will help make it easy.
Why the Name on Your Ticket Must Be Correct
Every airline, including Delta, requires the name on your boarding pass to match your government-issued ID exactly. Even a small typo, such as an extra letter or missing initial, can cause problems at TSA checkpoints or immigration counters. That’s why understanding the Delta Airlines name correction policy is so important.
Correcting a name on a flight ticket isn’t always as easy as editing a restaurant reservation. Airlines use strict systems for security and verification. A mismatched name can trigger security flags, denied boarding, or travel delays—none of which you want to deal with when you’re heading to the airport.
What Is Delta Airlines Name Correction Policy?
The Delta Airlines name correction policy allows passengers to fix minor errors in their ticketed names. It’s designed for simple issues like typos or formatting problems—not for changing a traveler’s identity or transferring the ticket to someone else.
What You Can Correct:
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Spelling errors in first or last names (e.g., “Stephnie” to “Stephanie”)
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Reversed first and last names
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Addition or deletion of a middle name or initial
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Fixing a duplicate letter (e.g., “Willliam” to “William”)
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Minor formatting changes (e.g., missing space or punctuation)
These corrections are generally considered “minor,” and Delta will allow one correction per ticket under this policy. However, the identity of the traveler must remain the same.
What You Cannot Do Under This Policy
There are limitations to the Delta Airlines name correction policy. Here’s what is not allowed:
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Changing the name entirely (e.g., from “Sarah Jones” to “Amy Lee”)
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Transferring the ticket to another person
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Making multiple corrections after a ticket is reissued
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Correcting names on certain non-refundable or third-party tickets without going through additional steps
If the name change reflects a legal name change (due to marriage, divorce, or a court order), Delta may still assist—but it will require proper documentation and may involve extra steps.
How to Correct a Name on a Delta Ticket
There are a few ways to initiate a name correction with Delta, depending on how you booked the ticket.
1. If You Booked Directly Through Delta.com or the Delta App
You can often fix the name yourself online if the change is minor.
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Go to Delta.com
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Click on My Trips
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Enter your confirmation number and last name
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Look for the Edit Name option if eligible
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Make the necessary correction and save
For small corrections, this can be done without fees. If the system doesn’t allow the change, you’ll need to contact customer service.
2. Contacting Delta Reservations
For more complex cases, or if online edits are disabled, call Delta’s customer service:
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Be ready with your confirmation number
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Explain the nature of the error
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Provide an ID or passport to verify your correct name (if needed)
The agent will review your case and process a correction if it falls within the Delta Airlines name correction policy.
3. If You Booked Through a Third-Party Site or Travel Agency
Delta cannot always modify reservations made through other platforms. In that case:
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Contact the third-party site or travel agent
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Request them to initiate the correction with Delta
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Expect the process to take a little longer due to verification and re-issuance
In some cases, the third party may charge a service fee in addition to Delta’s reissue fee.
Are There Fees for Name Corrections?
Delta typically allows one name correction per ticket without charging a fee if:
However, fees may apply in some scenarios:
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If the correction affects flight segments, fare class, or taxes
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If the ticket must be reissued entirely
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If you are working with a travel agency that adds their own service fees
Name corrections involving international flights or partner airlines may also include additional charges. Always check with Delta for the exact cost depending on your itinerary.
Timing Matters: Correct the Name Early
One of the most important things to know about the Delta Airlines name correction policy is the timing. It’s much easier—and usually cheaper—to fix errors when they’re caught early.
Here’s why early correction matters:
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Reissue fees are less likely
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Seat availability issues can be avoided
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International itinerary changes may require more lead time
Ideally, review your ticket within 24 hours of booking. Delta also offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window—so if the name is completely wrong and can’t be edited, you may be able to cancel and rebook.
Legal Name Change? Here’s What to Do
If you recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, Delta can help. These types of name changes fall outside the usual typo corrections but can still be processed with the right documents.
You'll likely need:
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A valid ID with your new name
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Supporting documents like a marriage certificate or court order
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A request to reissue your ticket under the correct name
These requests typically must be made through Delta’s customer service line or ticketing office.
Name Corrections for International Travel
When traveling internationally, name accuracy becomes even more critical. Your passport and ticket must match exactly. Otherwise, you could face delays at customs or even be denied boarding.
The Delta Airlines name correction policy does cover international tickets, but changes on these bookings may involve more coordination, especially if a codeshare partner airline is involved. Some international corrections must be handled manually and could take 48–72 hours.
So, if your itinerary includes flights on international routes or with SkyTeam partners, handle any corrections as soon as possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common name-related mistakes travelers make when booking their flights:
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Using nicknames instead of legal names
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Entering names in the wrong order
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Leaving out a middle name when required
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Typing too quickly and missing letters
To avoid needing the Delta Airlines name correction policy, always double-check your ticket info before submitting payment.
Final Thoughts: Use Delta Airlines Name Correction Policy to Your Advantage
Nobody wants to deal with the stress of name mismatches when it’s time to travel. Luckily, the Delta Airlines name correction policy is built to help passengers fix small errors easily and avoid big problems at the airport.
Just remember the essentials:
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Fix minor name errors early
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Use the online tools when possible
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Contact Delta or your booking agency for help
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Know the difference between a correction and a legal name change
By following these tips, you can save time, money, and stress before your flight.