Booking a trip is exciting—but one simple mistake, like a misspelled name, can quickly turn your plans into a stressful experience. Whether it’s a typo, a missing middle name, or a recent legal name change, these issues can create major headaches if not resolved early. If you booked your trip through Expedia, it’s important to understand how their name correction process works.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the Expedia name change policy, when and how name changes are allowed, the steps to request a correction, potential fees, and tips to avoid errors in the future.
What Is the Expedia Name Change Policy?
The Expedia name change policy outlines the procedures and limitations for changing or correcting a name on travel bookings made through Expedia. As an online travel agency, Expedia acts as a middleman between travelers and service providers like airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. Because of this, Expedia’s ability to modify personal details—especially names—is often limited by the policies of those providers.
In most cases, full name changes are not allowed. However, minor corrections may be possible, especially for airline tickets and hotel bookings, provided you act quickly and provide the required documentation.
Are Name Changes Allowed on Flight Tickets?
If you’ve made an error in your flight booking, you’re likely wondering if you can simply change the name. The short answer: full name changes are generally not permitted. The Expedia name change policy aligns with airline regulations, which are typically strict due to security protocols.
What Can Be Changed?
While full name transfers aren’t allowed, Expedia can often assist with minor corrections, including:
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Fixing spelling errors (e.g., “Jahn” to “John”)
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Reordering names (e.g., “Smith John” to “John Smith”)
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Adding or correcting middle names or initials
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Removing extra characters or typos
These changes are allowed only if the airline agrees to the correction. Some low-cost carriers are more rigid, while major airlines may allow limited edits within a set timeframe before departure.
When Are Changes Not Allowed?
In many cases, if you want to transfer your ticket to another person, the Expedia name change policy will not support it unless the airline itself permits such a change—which is rare. This is especially true for non-refundable and non-transferable fares.
How to Request a Name Change Through Expedia
If you catch a name mistake after booking, act immediately. Here’s how to initiate a correction under the Expedia name change policy:
Step 1: Sign In and Locate Your Trip
Log in to your Expedia account and navigate to the “My Trips” section. Click on the itinerary where the name correction is needed.
Step 2: Contact Expedia Support
You’ll need to get in touch with a customer service representative. This can be done via:
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Phone call
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Chat support
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Email request (less common for urgent issues)
Clearly explain the nature of the mistake and provide accurate spelling for the correction.
Step 3: Provide Identification Documents (if required)
For international travel or significant corrections, you may be asked to send in a copy of your passport or government-issued ID for verification.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
Expedia will then reach out to the airline or provider on your behalf to request the correction. If approved, you’ll receive confirmation via email. Processing times may vary, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Are There Fees for Making a Name Correction?
The Expedia name change policy itself does not impose a fee for helping process corrections. However, airlines and service providers may charge a fee depending on their own rules.
Typical Fee Ranges
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Domestic flights: $50–$150 (depending on the airline)
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International flights: $100–$300 or more
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Some carriers may require reissuing the ticket completely, which can be costly.
Always ask the Expedia agent for a cost estimate before proceeding. If the name correction isn’t approved, you may need to cancel the ticket (if refundable) and rebook with the correct name—sometimes at your own expense.
Can You Change Names on Hotel Bookings?
The Expedia name change policy for hotel reservations is more flexible than for flights. Since hotels don’t have the same level of security restrictions, they often allow name changes before check-in.
Acceptable Name Edits for Hotels Include:
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Changing the primary guest’s name
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Adding a co-traveler’s name
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Replacing the name with someone else’s (depending on the hotel)
To make a change, contact Expedia’s support team and request the update. In many cases, changes can also be made by contacting the hotel directly, especially for pay-at-property bookings.
How About Car Rentals and Vacation Packages?
If you booked a car rental or vacation package, the Expedia name change policy becomes more complex. Car rental companies usually require that the name on the reservation match the driver’s license, and changing the driver may not be possible unless canceled and rebooked.
For vacation packages (flight + hotel + car), any name change can affect all components of the trip. Be prepared for multiple providers to be involved in the process—and potentially, multiple fees.
Legal Name Changes: What You Should Know
If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you’ll need to provide supporting documents to initiate a correction. The Expedia name change policy allows for these updates if you provide:
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A copy of your legal name change certificate
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Marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Updated ID or passport
Keep in mind that even with legal documents, changes are still subject to airline or hotel approval.
International Travel: Extra Precautions
When traveling internationally, the name on your ticket must match your passport exactly. Even a single letter out of place could result in denied boarding. The Expedia name change policy emphasizes the importance of accurate details from the start.
Always double-check:
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First name and last name order
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Correct spelling
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Inclusion of middle names if listed on your passport
If you notice a discrepancy, resolve it at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid complications.
Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Expedia
Avoiding name issues altogether is the best approach. Here’s how to prevent problems under the Expedia name change policy:
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Double-check spelling before booking
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Use traveler profiles to auto-fill details
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Cross-check with passport or ID
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Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations
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Book early to allow time for corrections
Being cautious during the booking process saves you from costly and stressful last-minute changes.
What to Do If Name Changes Aren’t Approved
If the Expedia name change policy can’t help you due to airline restrictions, your options are limited. In some cases, the only viable solution is to:
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Cancel the booking (if permitted)
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Rebook the ticket under the correct name
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Seek a partial refund if possible
Always check the cancellation and refund policy before booking, especially for non-refundable fares or packages.
Final Thoughts on the Expedia Name Change Policy
Name mistakes are a common yet serious issue when it comes to travel bookings. The Expedia name change policy provides some flexibility for minor corrections, but major edits are often limited by airline and provider rules. Acting quickly, understanding the limitations, and preparing the right documents can make the process smoother.
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