Introduction

Realizing you’ve booked a ticket under the wrong person’s name can be panic-inducing—especially close to departure. Whether it’s a swapped first name or a completely different passenger, this guide covers Delta’s policies, emergency fixes, and real traveler stories so you can correct mistakes without losing your trip (877-297-0699).

1. Policy Overview

“Delta permits one minor name correction after the 24-hour risk-free period. For more extensive errors or wrong passenger bookings, cancellation and rebooking may be required.”—Delta Contract of Carriage, April 2025

• Minor Correction: Typo fixes, middle name additions.
• Major Error/Wrong Passenger: You must cancel and rebook under the correct name.

2. Identifying Your Situation

• Typo / Spelling Error: Up to 3 letters off.
• Name Order Swap: First and last names reversed.
• Entirely Wrong Passenger: Name does not match traveler at all.

3. Steps to Correct

1. Typo/Minor: Use My Trips → Correct a Name (see “Changing Name on Delta Ticket”).
2. Major / Wrong Passenger:

• Cancel the ticket online (subject to fare rules).
• Rebook immediately under correct name.
• Use Credit: Apply any remaining travel credit to new booking.

4. Emergency & Last-Minute Fixes

• Airport Desk: In rare cases, agents can override minor name mismatches if presented with ID—best at 2+ hours before departure.
• Specialist Desk: For medical emergencies, email documentation to Delta’s Special Services; they may waive change fees.