Booking your flights, hotels, or vacation packages through online travel platforms makes travel easier. But what if you make a mistake while entering your name during the booking process? Many travelers find themselves asking, “Can I change my name on Expedia?” Whether it’s a minor typo or a legal name change, understanding how to fix it can save you time, money, and stress.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process, policies, and potential costs involved with changing your name on Expedia reservations.
Why Would You Need to Change Your Name on Expedia?
Before addressing “Can I change my name on Expedia?”, let’s explore why travelers may need to correct or change their names:
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Spelling mistakes while booking a flight
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Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other circumstances
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Passport mismatches with the name on your reservation
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Adding or removing a middle name or initial
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Booking under a nickname instead of your legal name
Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial that the name on your booking matches your government-issued ID or passport. Any mismatch can result in being denied boarding or other complications during check-in.
Can I Change My Name on Expedia After Booking?
The straightforward answer to “Can I change my name on Expedia?” is: it depends.
Expedia acts as a third-party travel agency, which means they facilitate the booking, but the actual travel service is provided by airlines, hotels, or other companies. Therefore, name change policies are often subject to the individual airline’s or service provider’s rules.
For Flights Booked on Expedia
Most airlines do not allow full name changes (i.e., transferring the ticket to another person), but they may allow minor corrections. If your issue involves a simple typo—like a missing letter or an incorrect character—many airlines allow you to correct this without canceling the reservation.
If you’re wondering “Can I change my name on Expedia for a flight?”, here’s what you should know:
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Minor corrections (typos, misspellings, added middle initials) may be allowed.
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Major changes (full name swaps or legal name updates) are often more complex and may require documentation.
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Expedia must contact the airline on your behalf to request a name correction.
How to Request a Name Change on Expedia
Now that we’ve addressed “Can I change my name on Expedia?”, let’s look at how to go about making the change.
Step 1: Log into Your Expedia Account
Go to www.expedia.com and sign in. Navigate to “My Trips” to locate the specific booking you want to modify.
Step 2: Click on the Booking Details
Find the reservation you need to update and click to view the full booking details.
Step 3: Use the “Help” or “Contact Us” Option
Since name changes usually can’t be completed online, click on “Help” and select “Change or Cancel”. You’ll often be prompted to contact Expedia customer service directly via chat or phone.
Step 4: Speak With a Representative
Tell the agent your situation and provide supporting documentation if needed (such as a marriage certificate, passport, or government-issued ID). The Expedia agent will contact the airline or service provider to see if a name change is permitted.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name on Expedia?
The cost of changing your name on Expedia varies depending on:
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The airline’s policy
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The type of name change
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Whether it’s a domestic or international flight
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The timing of your request (changes made closer to the departure date may incur higher fees)
Some airlines allow minor corrections for free, while others may charge a change fee ranging from $50 to $200. Expedia itself does not charge a fee for facilitating the request, but you will be responsible for any fees imposed by the travel provider.
Name Changes for Hotel or Car Rentals on Expedia
While the question “Can I change my name on Expedia?” mostly applies to flights, it can also be relevant for hotel bookings or car rentals.
Hotel Reservations:
Hotels tend to be more flexible. You can often update the guest name on your reservation by contacting the hotel directly or making the change through Expedia’s “Manage Booking” feature.
Car Rentals:
Car rental companies usually require the name on the reservation to match the driver’s license. If you booked under a different name or made a typo, contact Expedia or the rental agency to request a correction.
What If the Airline Denies the Name Change?
Unfortunately, if the airline refuses to allow a name change, you may need to cancel and rebook your flight. Cancellation policies vary, and you might not get a full refund. Some tickets—especially low-cost or promotional fares—are non-refundable.
If you’re still wondering “Can I change my name on Expedia if the airline says no?”, your best bet is to explore these options:
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Check if trip protection insurance covers your situation.
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Look into whether you can get a credit or voucher instead of a refund.
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Rebook under the correct name and use the incorrect ticket for other refundable components (like taxes).
Tips to Avoid Name Issues When Booking with Expedia
To avoid ever having to ask “Can I change my name on Expedia?” again, follow these tips:
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Double-check your name before confirming the booking.
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Use your legal name as it appears on your ID or passport.
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Avoid using nicknames, abbreviations, or initials unless they are part of your legal name.
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Review travel documents immediately after booking for any errors.
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Contact Expedia as soon as possible if a mistake is found.
Conclusion: Can I Change My Name on Expedia?
So, to wrap up the question “Can I change my name on Expedia?”—yes, in many cases, name corrections are possible, especially for minor typos. However, significant name changes are subject to airline policies and may involve documentation and additional fees.
If you discover a mistake in your booking details, act fast. The sooner you reach out to Expedia and the travel provider, the better your chances of getting the issue resolved smoothly.
