When planning a trip, booking your flight or hotel online should be a seamless process. But what happens when you realize your name is misspelled after confirming your booking? One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Can I change my name on Expedia?” Whether it’s a typo, a legal name change, or an issue with your travel documents, correcting your name is crucial to avoid issues during check-in or boarding.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about changing your name on Expedia—from the types of changes allowed to the steps you need to take, associated fees, and useful tips to ensure a smooth process.
Why Correct Name Information Matters on Travel Bookings
Before we dive into the details of how to change your name on Expedia, it’s important to understand why accuracy matters. Airline tickets must match the name on your government-issued ID or passport exactly. A slight discrepancy—like a missing middle name, swapped last and first names, or even a small typo—can result in denied boarding.
That’s why it’s essential to act quickly if you spot an error. So, if you’re asking, “Can I change my name on Expedia?”, the short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of correction and the airline or service provider involved.
Can I Change My Name on Expedia After Booking a Flight?
If you’re dealing with a flight reservation, the ability to change your name on Expedia depends largely on the airline’s policy. Expedia acts as a third-party booking platform, which means that even though you booked through them, the actual rules about name changes are dictated by the airline.
Minor Corrections Allowed:
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Typographical errors (up to 3 characters)
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Spacing or punctuation corrections
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Name order corrections (e.g., first/last name swap)
Not Typically Allowed:
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Full name changes due to marriage or legal changes
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Transfers to a different traveler
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Nickname to legal name updates
In such cases, the question shifts from “Can I change my name on Expedia?” to “Can the airline accommodate this change through Expedia support?”
How to Change Your Name on Expedia – Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Log in to Your Expedia Account
Visit Expedia.com and log in using your registered email. Navigate to “My Trips” to view all your existing bookings.
Step 2: Select the Booking with the Incorrect Name
Choose the itinerary where the name needs to be corrected. Look for an option to modify booking or manage reservation.
Step 3: Contact Expedia Customer Service
If the self-service option doesn’t allow you to edit the name directly, your next step is to contact Expedia’s customer support. You can:
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Use the chat support on their website
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Call their customer service number
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Use the Help Center to request a name correction
Clearly explain the nature of the error. For instance, say, “I mistakenly entered ‘Jonh’ instead of ‘John’ on my booking. Can I change my name on Expedia or through the airline?”
Airline Policies Impacting Name Changes on Expedia
Because Expedia is just a middleman in flight bookings, airlines have the final say on whether a name change can be made. Here’s a quick overview of common airline name change policies:
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Most Airlines: Allow minor corrections (typos, 1–3 letters)
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Low-Cost Carriers: Often do not allow any changes after booking
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International Carriers: May require passport copies for any change
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Premium Airlines: Sometimes allow changes for a fee or documentation
When you’re asking, “Can I change my name on Expedia?”, remember that Expedia can only submit a request; final approval lies with the airline.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Name on Expedia?
The cost of changing a name on Expedia varies depending on several factors:
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The airline’s individual policy
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Whether it’s a minor correction or a legal name change
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Time remaining before the flight (closer departures = higher fees)
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Whether travel insurance was purchased
Typical Costs:
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Minor Corrections: Usually free or up to $50
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Legal Changes: May range from $100–$300
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Service Fee by Expedia: In some cases, Expedia may charge a processing fee
So when asking, “Can I change my name on Expedia and how much will it cost?”, it’s crucial to act early and understand both Expedia’s and the airline’s rules.
Changing Name on Hotel or Car Rental Reservations via Expedia
Unlike flights, hotel and car rental bookings are often more flexible. If you’re thinking, “Can I change my name on Expedia for a hotel reservation?”, the answer is usually yes and with minimal hassle.
Hotels:
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Many allow name updates without penalties
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Simply contact the hotel directly or request the change via Expedia
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No ID matching is typically required
Car Rentals:
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Name must match driver’s license
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Small edits might be allowed
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Otherwise, cancel and rebook is often required
Legal Name Changes and Travel Documentation
If your name has changed legally due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you’ll need proper documentation to request changes. This includes:
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Marriage certificate
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Divorce decree
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Court-issued name change document
When contacting Expedia, be prepared to upload or email scanned copies of these documents. Asking “Can I change my name on Expedia?” becomes easier when you provide these proofs upfront.
Can I Transfer My Booking to Someone Else?
One question closely related to “Can I change my name on Expedia?” is whether you can transfer a ticket to a different person. Unfortunately, most airlines and service providers do not allow ticket transfers. Tickets are non-transferable once issued in a passenger’s name.
So while you can correct a typo, changing the traveler altogether is usually prohibited. You’d likely need to cancel the existing booking (with potential cancellation fees) and create a new one for the correct traveler.
Tips to Avoid Name Issues When Booking on Expedia
To avoid the stress of asking “Can I change my name on Expedia?” after booking, follow these tips:
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Double-check spelling before finalizing any booking.
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Use full legal names as shown on your ID or passport.
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Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations.
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Enter middle names only if required by the airline.
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Confirm gender and title are accurate.
What If the Name Error Was Expedia’s Fault?
If you find that the name error occurred due to a system glitch or mistake by an Expedia representative during a call, you may be entitled to a free correction or refund. Keep copies of:
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Chat transcripts
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Booking confirmation emails
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Screenshots of any issues
Then escalate your request through Expedia’s customer service escalation process, clearly stating: “Can I change my name on Expedia since the mistake originated from your system?”
Final Thoughts: Can I Change My Name on Expedia?
So, can you change your name on Expedia? The answer is: Yes—under certain conditions. If it’s a minor typo, a quick correction is usually possible through customer support or by contacting the airline. For more serious changes, like legal name changes, documentation will be required, and fees may apply.
Ultimately, the success of your request depends on timing, the type of booking, and the provider’s rules. Acting quickly and clearly communicating the issue increases your chances of a smooth name correction process.
