Booking a flight or hotel online is usually straightforward—until you notice something’s off. You’ve just hit confirm on your itinerary, and suddenly you realize there’s a typo in your name. Panic sets in, and a question comes to mind: Can I change my name on Expedia?
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues travelers face when booking through third-party platforms. In this blog, we’ll walk through what types of name changes are allowed, how to make corrections, and what to do if your travel plans are already confirmed.
Can I Change My Name on Expedia After Booking?
Yes—but it depends. The short answer to “Can I change my name on Expedia?” is you can, but only under certain conditions. If your booking includes a minor name error, such as a misspelling or incorrect middle name, you may be able to request a correction.
However, Expedia follows the policies set by its travel partners—especially airlines. This means the final decision on whether a name change is permitted is usually up to the airline, not Expedia itself.
For hotels, the process is more relaxed. You often have more freedom to update your reservation name as long as it matches the ID you’ll present during check-in.
What Kind of Name Changes Are Allowed on Expedia?
Understanding what counts as a “minor” or “major” name change is key when asking “Can I change my name on Expedia?”
Minor Corrections
If you accidentally misspelled your name or left out a letter, most airlines and hotels will allow this type of correction. Examples include:
- Typing “Jonh” instead of “John”
- Leaving out a middle name
- Using “Sara” instead of “Sarah”
These small errors are usually fixable as long as they don’t change the identity of the traveler. You may still need to contact Expedia directly, but the fix is typically approved without much hassle.
Major Name Changes
Things get more complicated if the change involves:
- Replacing the first or last name entirely
- Changing the ticket to another person’s name
- Adding a name after a legal change (e.g., due to marriage)
In these cases, Expedia might not be able to help. Airlines almost always prohibit name transfers. If you need to make a full name change, you’ll likely have to cancel the original booking and start over.
How to Change Your Name on Expedia: Step-by-Step Instructions
If you’re still wondering “Can I change my name on Expedia and how do I do it?”, here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you handle it correctly.
Step 1: Check the Type of Booking
Log into your Expedia account and view your itinerary. Determine whether your booking is for a flight, hotel, or vacation package. This will influence what changes are allowed.
Step 2: Review Your Confirmation Email
Double-check the name exactly as it appears. Compare it with your passport or government-issued ID. If it doesn’t match closely, you’ll need to take action.
Step 3: Act Quickly
Timing is everything. Many airlines allow corrections within 24 hours of booking without fees. If you catch the mistake early, your chances of resolving it increase significantly.
Step 4: Contact Expedia Support
You cannot change the name directly through the Expedia website for most flight bookings. Instead, use their customer support options:
- Chat with an agent online
- Call Expedia’s customer service number
- Submit a name correction request through your account
Be ready to provide your itinerary number, the incorrect name, and the corrected version. The support team will contact the airline or hotel on your behalf.
Can I Change My Name on Expedia for Flights?
This is where things can get tricky. If you’re asking “Can I change my name on Expedia for an airline ticket?”, the answer depends on the airline’s policy.
Most airlines don’t allow full name changes due to security regulations. However, they often accept minor spelling corrections, as long as your identity isn’t in question.
In some cases, if your name has legally changed (e.g., marriage or divorce), you can submit supporting documents to the airline through Expedia. These might include:
- Marriage certificate
- Court order
- Updated ID
Still, approval isn’t guaranteed, and you may be required to cancel and rebook your ticket. Any refund or fee waiver will depend entirely on the airline.
Can I Change My Name on Expedia for Hotels?
When asking, “Can I change my name on Expedia for a hotel reservation?”, the answer is usually yes, and the process is far easier than with flights.
Hotels are generally more flexible. You can often:
- Edit the guest name in your Expedia account
- Contact the hotel directly to update the reservation
- Call Expedia for help with the change
As long as the name on the booking matches the ID shown at check-in, you’re unlikely to face any issues.
Are There Fees for Changing My Name on Expedia?
Travelers often worry about extra costs when they ask, “Can I change my name on Expedia?”
Flight Bookings
- Within 24 hours: Many airlines waive correction fees if the change is requested within a day of booking.
- After 24 hours: You may face a name correction fee and a fare difference. This can range from $50 to over $200 depending on the airline.
Hotel Bookings
- Most hotels don’t charge fees for changing the name on a reservation, especially if it’s a simple update.
- If the name change results in a rebooking (e.g., a loyalty member is added), you may see a rate difference.
Always confirm with Expedia or the provider before assuming any costs.
What If I Don’t Change My Name?
If the name on your reservation doesn’t match your ID, there’s a risk of being denied check-in or boarding. For flights, airport security checks and airline staff require exact name matches. Even small differences—like a missing letter—can raise red flags.
For hotels, mismatched names might not be a deal-breaker, but they could delay check-in. If the hotel is strict about ID verification, you might be asked to contact Expedia on the spot, which can be frustrating.
That’s why it’s important to take action as soon as you notice an error. Asking “Can I change my name on Expedia?” is the first step—but don’t stop there. Follow through with a correction before it becomes a bigger problem.
Final Tips: How to Avoid Name Mistakes on Expedia
Avoiding the issue entirely is the best solution. Before confirming your booking:
- Double-check all passenger names
- Match names exactly as they appear on your passport or ID
- Don’t use nicknames, initials, or abbreviations
Also, book directly when possible if you’re worried about support delays. Third-party platforms like Expedia can be helpful, but the process may take longer when middle parties are involved.
Final Thoughts: Can I Change My Name on Expedia Without Trouble?
So, to wrap it all up: Can I change my name on Expedia? Yes—but it depends on the situation. If the correction is minor and caught early, there’s a good chance it can be fixed quickly, often without cost. For major changes or airline ticket transfers, the process is more difficult, and success isn’t guaranteed.
