Mistyped your name on an Expedia flight booking? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a simple spelling error or a mixed-up first and last name, even a small mistake can stop you at airport security. But don’t worry — you don’t need to cancel your trip just yet. Expedia’s name correction process can help you fix minor mistakes quickly and (sometimes) at no extra cost.
This guide breaks down Expedia’s Name Change Correction Policy in plain English. We’ll show you what kind of mistakes you can fix, how much it might cost, how long it takes, and what to do if the airline has strict rules. From urgent edits to legal name changes after marriage — we’ve got you covered.
Let’s walk you through the steps to fix your booking and save your travel plans without unnecessary stress.
Understanding Expedia’s Role in Your Booking
Expedia is an online travel agency (OTA) that acts as an intermediary between the traveler and service providers like airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies. When you book a flight through Expedia, your ticket is technically issued by the airline, not Expedia itself. This means that Expedia follows the airline's rules and policies when it comes to changes, including name corrections.
So, while Expedia can assist with your request, the final approval for a name change or correction lies with the airline you are flying with.
What Kind of Name Corrections Are Allowed?
Expedia allows travelers to request minor name corrections. These include:
Spelling errors (e.g., "Jhon" instead of "John")
Missing middle names or initials
Reversed first and last names
Adding a missing letter or correcting a typographical mistake
Not Allowed:
Changing the entire name to a different person
Transferring the ticket to another individual
Making changes after the airline’s deadline has passed
Remember, full name changes or ticket transfers are generally prohibited unless you are correcting a legal name due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason (which requires documentation).
When to Request a Name Correction
Time is a critical factor in name correction requests. Most airlines — and by extension Expedia — recommend submitting a correction request within 24 hours of booking. This window often allows for free changes and helps you avoid additional fees.
If more than 24 hours have passed, some airlines may still allow corrections, but they may impose service fees or administrative charges.
How to Request a Name Correction on Expedia
Here are the steps to request a name correction via Expedia:
1. Go to the Expedia Website
Visit https://lowestairlinesdeal.com/ and log in to your account.
2. Access Your Trip
Click on “My Trips” from the top menu and select the specific itinerary where the name needs correction.
3. Contact Expedia Customer Support
There is no online self-service name correction tool available for flights. Instead, you’ll need to:
Use the live chat option
Call Expedia’s customer service number
Use their Help Center form to request a name change
When contacting Expedia, be ready to provide:
Your booking reference number
The correct name as per your government-issued ID
A description of the error
4. Expedia Coordinates with the Airline
Once the request is submitted, Expedia will reach out to the airline on your behalf. If the airline allows the correction, Expedia will notify you with updates and any applicable fees.
Fees and Charges Involved
Expedia does not charge a fee for facilitating name corrections, but the airline may impose a charge, depending on their policy. These fees can range from $0 to $200 or more, depending on the airline, route, and the type of fare booked.
In addition to airline-imposed fees, if you booked a non-refundable or basic economy ticket, name corrections may be restricted or limited.
Airline-Specific Policies
Each airline has its own name correction rules, and Expedia must adhere to them. Below are some general examples:
American Airlines
Allows minor corrections
Full name changes not allowed
Must be completed 72 hours before departure
Delta Airlines
Minor spelling corrections allowed
Up to 3 characters in the first or last name
Fees may apply depending on fare class
United Airlines
Allows minor corrections
Must match government-issued ID
Additional documentation may be required
Emirates & Qatar Airways
Stricter rules for name corrections
Corrections allowed only once
Passport copy often required
Always double-check the airline's policy on their website or with Expedia’s customer support.
Legal Name Changes
If your name has changed legally due to marriage, divorce, or court order, Expedia can assist in updating your booking. You will need to submit:
A scanned copy of the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)
A copy of your passport or government-issued ID reflecting the new name
Legal name change corrections typically take longer, so it’s important to start the process early.
What Happens If You Don’t Correct Your Name?
Failing to correct your name on the booking can lead to serious travel disruptions, including:
Denial of boarding at the airport
Extra fees for last-minute name corrections
Full ticket cancellation with no refund in some cases
TSA and immigration authorities require that the name on your ticket matches the name on your government-issued identification exactly. Even a small typo can cause delays or denial of entry.
Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Expedia
Here are some tips to help prevent booking errors in the first place:
Double-check your name: Make sure the spelling matches your passport or ID exactly.
Avoid autofill mistakes: Disable browser autofill when entering passenger details.
Book using official documents: Use the exact name format as shown on your travel documents.
Check immediately after booking: Always review your confirmation email right after booking for any name errors.
Can You Cancel and Rebook Instead?
If the name error is significant and not correctable, your only option may be to cancel the booking and rebook under the correct name. Expedia’s 24-hour free cancellation window (for most flights) allows you to cancel without penalty if you notice the error in time.
However, after 24 hours, cancellation and rebooking may result in:
Non-refundable fare loss
New ticket purchase at a potentially higher price
Expedia Travel Insurance and Name Corrections
If you purchased travel insurance through Expedia, it’s important to know that most policies do not cover name correction issues unless they result from a legal name change. Always read the policy carefully or contact the insurance provider for clarification.
Final Thoughts
The Expedia Name Change Correction Policy is relatively flexible when it comes to minor corrections, but ultimately depends on airline rules. Acting quickly is key — the sooner you report the mistake, the better your chances of correcting it without incurring fees.
Always ensure that your booking matches your identification documents, and if a mistake happens, don’t panic. Expedia’s customer service is available to help you resolve the issue and get your travel plans back on track.
FAQs – Expedia Name Change Correction
Q1: Can I change the name on my Expedia ticket to someone else’s?
A: No, name transfers to another person are not allowed.
Q2: How long does it take for a name correction to be processed?
A: It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the airline and the complexity of the correction.
Q3: Is there a deadline for name correction before my flight?
A: Most airlines require corrections to be made at least 72 hours before departure.
Q4: Will Expedia charge me for a name correction?
A: Expedia does not charge for processing a correction, but the airline may apply a fee.
Q5: Can I correct a name if I booked a Basic Economy fare?
A: Basic Economy fares may have stricter rules. Some airlines do not allow name corrections for these fare types.
If you’d like help initiating a name correction through Expedia or need guidance based on your airline, feel free to reach out to their support or consult the airline's official website.
