Changing a name on a Delta ticket is generally categorized as either a minor correction or a legal name change. For minor spelling errors (up to 3 characters) or middle name additions, you can often make the change yourself via the "My Trips" section on Delta's website or app. If you have a legal name change due to marriage or divorce, you must contact Delta’s reservation department directly and provide supporting legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Delta does not allow tickets to be transferred to another person entirely; the traveler must remain the same. If the correction is made within 24 hours of booking, it is typically free; after that, you may be subject to a fee ranging from $75 to $500 plus any fare difference. For complex corrections involving more than three letters of the last name, speaking with a customer service representative is mandatory.
Changing the name on a Delta ticket depends on the type of error and the fare rules. Here’s a clear breakdown of your options:
Important First Step: Check Your Ticket Type
Log into your Delta account on the website or app, go to “My Trips,” and view your ticket. Look for the “Ticket/Passenger Restrictions” or fare rules. This will tell you if your ticket is refundable or non-refundable, which affects your options.
Scenario 1: Minor Spelling Correction (Most Common)
If it’s a simple typo (e.g., “Jon” instead of “John,” or a transposed letter), this can usually be fixed for free.
- How to do it: Call Delta Reservations at 1-800-221-1212. You can also use the Delta Message Center on the website or app under “My Trips” by selecting “Need Help?” for your specific flight.
- What you need: Your confirmation number and the exact correction. Corrections are generally only allowed to match the traveler’s government-issued ID (up to 3 characters for first/middle/last name).
Scenario 2: Legal Name Change (Marriage, Divorce, etc.)
Delta allows name changes to reflect a legal name change, provided you can document it.
- How to do it: You must call Delta Reservations. Do not try to do this online.
- What you need: Your confirmation number and a scanned copy of the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) that bridges the old name to the new name. You will likely need to send this to a dedicated Delta support team via a secure link they provide.
Scenario 3: Transferring a Ticket to Another Person (STRICTLY PROHIBITED)
You cannot simply give your ticket to someone else. Delta’s tickets are non-transferable. You cannot change the passenger’s name to a completely different person.
- Your only option in this case: If you cannot travel, your options are:
- Cancel the ticket: If you have a refundable ticket, you can cancel for a full refund to your original form of payment. If you have a non-refundable ticket, you will receive an eCredit for the value of the ticket, minus any cancellation fees (many Main Cabin and above fares now have no change/cancel fees, but fare difference may apply).
- Use the value for the new traveler: The person who originally purchased the ticket (and is named on the ticket) must cancel it. The eCredit will be issued in the original traveler’s name. That original traveler can then use the eCredit to purchase a brand new ticket for the new person. The new ticket will have the correct name from the start.
Key Points & Recommendations
- Act Immediately: The sooner you address the issue, the easier and less costly it will be.
- Have Your Documents Ready: For any change beyond a minor typo, have your government-issued ID and any legal documents handy.
- Do Not Book Through Third-Party Sites (OTAs): If you booked through Expedia, Priceline, etc., you must