Expedia Name Change Correction Policy: A Complete Guide
When booking flights through Expedia, accuracy is key—especially when it comes to your name. Even a minor misspelling can disrupt your travel plans or cause delays at the airport. Fortunately, Expedia provides a structured name correction policy to assist travelers in resolving these issues. This article explores the Expedia Name Change Correction Policy in detail, covering eligibility, procedures, fees, airline-specific rules, and expert tips.
Why Correcting Your Name on Expedia Is Important
Whether due to typographical errors, last-minute changes, or legal name updates, incorrect names on flight tickets can pose serious issues. Airlines require the passenger's name to match their government-issued ID exactly. If there’s a mismatch—even by a single letter—you may be denied boarding.
Common Scenarios for Name Corrections:
A typo in the first or last name
A missing or extra letter
Spelling differences due to transliteration
Legal name change due to marriage or divorce
Switching first and last names by mistake
Expedia’s Official Name Correction Policy
Expedia acts as an online travel agency, so its ability to correct names depends heavily on the airline you’ve booked with. Expedia facilitates name changes only for flight bookings made through their platform and according to airline regulations.
Key Highlights of the Policy:
Minor Corrections Allowed: Expedia permits minor corrections (such as one or two letters).
Legal Documentation May Be Required: If the name change is due to a legal reason (e.g., marriage), documentation must be submitted.
Airline Approval Required: All name corrections are subject to approval by the airline operating the flight.
Not All Changes Are Possible: Complete name swaps (transferring tickets to another person) are usually not allowed.
How to Request a Name Correction on Expedia
Expedia makes the name correction process straightforward. Below are the detailed steps to follow if you discover an error in your flight booking:
Step 1: Visit the Name Correction Form
Go to the official and select the “Expedia US” version if you booked through their U.S. website.
Step 2: Fill Out Required Details
You’ll be asked to provide:
Expedia itinerary number
Original passenger name
Corrected passenger name
A detailed description of the correction
Upload of supporting ID (passport or license)
Step 3: Submit and Await Review
After submission, Expedia reviews your request. They may contact you for additional details or to inform you about applicable fees.
Step 4: Pay Change Fees (If Any)
Once approved, you may need to pay:
Airline change penalty
Difference in fare
Service fees (if applicable)
Step 5: Confirmation
After processing, you’ll receive an updated itinerary with the corrected name.
Airline-Specific Name Change Rules
Expedia must follow the policies set by each airline. Here's a brief look at what some major airlines typically allow:
Airline | Name Correction Policy |
American Airlines | Minor corrections allowed; no full name change |
Delta Air Lines | Up to 3-character correction allowed |
United Airlines | Minor corrections; legal proof may be needed |
Spirit Airlines | Correction within 24 hours may be free |
Emirates | Name corrections may be allowed with passport scan |
Qatar Airways | Limited corrections; no name swaps |
Air Canada | Only minor typos allowed; must match ID |
Note: These policies may change, so always confirm with Expedia or the airline directly.
Fees Associated with Name Corrections
Correcting your name on a flight ticket may involve several charges. These vary based on the airline, the nature of the correction, and how soon you catch the mistake.
Potential Costs Include:
Airline Penalty: Typically ranges from $50 to $200.
Fare Difference: If the new booking class is more expensive.
Expedia Service Fee: Sometimes $25–$50 depending on the assistance provided.
Free Corrections:
Some airlines waive change fees if:
The correction is made within 24 hours of booking.
The change is minor (e.g., spelling correction of 1–2 characters).
Name Change vs Name Correction: What’s the Difference?
It’s crucial to distinguish between a name correction and a name change:
Term | Meaning | Allowed by Expedia? |
Name Correction | Fixing typos, missing letters, or minor errors | ✅ Yes |
Name Change | Changing the name to a different person altogether | ❌ No |
Expedia and most airlines do not allow you to transfer your ticket to someone else.
Legal Name Changes: What to Do?
If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order after booking, you can still request a correction through Expedia. Here’s what you need:
Legal Documentation: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Updated Government ID: Matching the new name.
Submit Through Form: Use the official form and attach the documents.
Expedia will forward these documents to the airline for review and may process the change depending on their policies.
Tips to Avoid Name Errors When Booking
To avoid the hassle of name corrections in the future, consider the following expert tips:
Double-Check Your Booking Details Always verify your name as it appears on your passport or ID before submitting the form.
Use Auto-Fill with Caution Auto-fill might insert incorrect or old information from previous bookings.
Avoid Nicknames or Shortened Versions Use your full legal name as shown on your ID. Avoid nicknames or initials unless they match the ID.
Book Within 24 Hours for Flexibility Many airlines allow free cancellations or changes within 24 hours—giving you a buffer.
Contact Expedia Immediately for Errors The sooner you spot the error, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I change the name on my Expedia flight booking?
A: Yes, you can request a correction for typos or minor errors, but Expedia does not allow changing the name to a different person.
Q2: How long does it take to process a name correction?
A: It typically takes 24–72 hours for Expedia to review and process a name correction request, depending on the airline’s response time.
Q3: What if the airline rejects my name correction request?
A: If the airline denies the request, you may have to cancel and rebook the flight. Cancellation fees and fare differences may apply.
Q4: Can I contact Expedia for help?
A: Yes, you can reach Expedia Customer Support via their Help Center:
Q5: Is there a phone number for Expedia name correction issues?
A: While there is no direct line exclusively for name corrections, you can call Expedia’s general customer support at +1-8557164791) for help.
Final Thoughts
Expedia offers a relatively streamlined process for correcting names on flight bookings, but it’s crucial to act quickly and understand that the final approval lies with the airline. Fees may apply, and not all changes are permitted, especially if you're trying to transfer a ticket to another person.
In short:✅ Act fast✅ Use the correction form✅ Provide ID or documentation✅ Be prepared to pay a fee
For the smoothest experience, always double-check your booking details before confirming your flight. And if you spot an error, use the to start the correction process as soon as possible.
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