You can change a name on a Delta ticket only for corrections, not to transfer it to another person; name corrections for the same passenger are allowed with documentation.
Can you change name on plane ticket?
Airlines don’t let you swap the name on a plane ticket to someone else; tickets are non-transferable under Delta’s 2026 policy to prevent resale.
This rule exists because airlines once had big problems with scalpers buying cheap tickets and flipping them for profit. Delta’s contract of carriage explicitly bans name transfers between different people—try to sell or give your ticket away, and it could get canceled without a refund. If you absolutely need to fly under a different name, your only option is to cancel the ticket and buy a new one in the correct name.
How do I change a name on a Delta flight?
To fix a name on a Delta flight, log in to “My Trips” on Delta’s website, upload legal name-change paperwork, and pay a $50 name correction fee per passenger if you catch it within 24 hours of travel.
- Head to Delta.com, click “My Trips,” and punch in your confirmation number and last name.
- Upload a scanned copy of your legal name-change document—like a marriage certificate or court order.
- Delta will review it and reissue your ticket with the corrected name; fees depend on your fare type and when you make the change.
Name corrections have to match your government ID exactly. Caught a tiny typo early? Those usually get fixed for free.
Can you give your plane ticket to someone else?
Delta won’t let you hand off a plane ticket to another person; tickets are tied to one traveler and can’t be transferred.
Delta’s rules flat-out forbid name changes just to pass tickets around. If you can’t fly, you can cancel for credit or refund (as long as your fare rules allow it) or change the flight for a fee—but the ticket stays in your name. The only wiggle room? Immediate family in certain bereavement cases—you’ll need to call Delta with proof.
How do I change my name after marriage with Delta?
After getting married, update your name in Delta SkyMiles by logging in, filling out the Identity Verification Form, and uploading your marriage certificate plus your new ID through the SkyMiles portal.
Delta wants you to handle two things separately: your SkyMiles account and your actual flight reservations. Start with your SkyMiles profile so your miles accrue under the right name, then file a name correction for any existing or future flights. Once you submit everything, it usually takes about 5–10 business days to process.
How long does it take to change your name on Delta SkyMiles?
Name changes on Delta SkyMiles usually take 5–10 business days to go through, depending on how fast they verify your documents and how busy they are.
Delta suggests getting this done at least 30 days before you fly to avoid last-minute headaches. Need to travel sooner? You can still fly as long as your ticket name matches your ID—just update everything once the correction goes through.
How long does it take Delta to change your name?
Delta usually finishes name corrections on tickets within 1–3 business days after they get all your paperwork, though urgent cases might get rushed with proof of immediate travel.
You can handle name corrections online or over the phone, but how fast it happens depends on their review process and system updates. Always double-check the change in writing and confirm it on your e-ticket before heading to the airport.
Why can’t you change the name on a plane ticket?
Airlines block name transfers on plane tickets to stop fraud, scalping, and lost revenue—it’s written into their contract of carriage and backed by federal aviation rules.
This policy got stricter after people exploited loopholes by buying cheap tickets just to resell them at higher prices. Now, the passenger on the ticket has to be the one flying, with name changes allowed only for typos or legal name updates. Try to bend the rules? You risk losing the ticket and any money you spent.
How much does it cost to change a name on a plane ticket?
A Delta name correction runs from $0 to $150 per passenger, depending on your fare type, when you make the change, and whether it’s a simple typo or a legal name update.
| Change Type | Cost (2026) | Timing |
| Minor typo fix | $0 | Before check-in |
| Legal name change | $50–$150 | Any time |
| Last-minute correction | $150 | Within 24 hours of departure |
Fees can shift, so always check at the time of your request. If you’re fixing a name within a day of flying and can prove you really need it, Delta might skip the fee.
How do I change my passenger name on Delta airlines app?
In the Delta app, tap “My Trips,” pick your reservation, and use “Update Passenger Information” to correct a name with uploaded documents.
- Open the Delta app, sign in, then tap “My Trips” and enter your confirmation number.
- Choose “Update Passenger Information,” pick the passenger, and upload your legal name-change document.
- Submit the request—Delta will email you once they approve the change.
If the app won’t accept your document type, hop on the website or call Delta at 1 (800) 221-1212 instead.
Do Delta SkyMiles expire?
Delta SkyMiles don’t expire as long as your account stays active and in good standing under Delta’s 2026 policy.
Your miles stick around until you use them or close the account—either from fraud or if you don’t touch it for 24 months. Delta can shut down accounts they suspect of fraud or ones that sit idle, per their SkyMiles Program Rules.
Is Delta getting rid of SkyMiles?
Delta isn’t killing off SkyMiles—in fact, it’s added more ways to earn them since January 1, 2022, including permanent Medallion status perks.
Back in 2022, Delta removed mileage caps on Award Travel for Medallion members, letting them pile up miles without limits to chase elite status. The program’s still going strong, with miles you can redeem for flights and upgrades—though how much value you get depends on the route and when you book.
How much are Delta SkyMiles worth?
As of 2026, Delta SkyMiles are worth roughly 1.2 to 1.4 cents each when used for flights, based on average redemption values across different fare classes.
| Redemption Type | Value per Mile (2026) |
| Domestic economy award | $0.013 |
| International business class | $0.020 |
| Upgrade certificates | $0.010 |
Those numbers can move around depending on demand, route, and booking class—always compare cash prices before you redeem.
How do I get a human at Delta?
To reach a Delta rep, dial 1 (800) 221-1212 and press 5 → 1 → 6; average wait times run about 5–15 minutes.
Want to skip the phone tree? Try Delta’s Twitter support at @DelawareDelta or use the in-app chat under “Contact Us.” Calling from outside the U.S.? Use +1 (404) 715-2600 for international help.
Does Delta cut off middle name?
Delta doesn’t require or enforce middle names on tickets—only your first and last names need to match your government ID.
Your ticket will show whatever name you provided, but security and airlines only care that your first and last names line up with your ID. Shorten or skip your middle name on the ticket? No problem—it won’t mess with your travel, boarding, or security checks.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.