In the fast-paced world of travel bookings, even the smallest typo in your name can cause major disruptions at the airport. When you're booking through an online travel agency like Expedia, correcting such errors becomes essential. This article explores the Expedia Name Change Correction Policy, helping travelers understand what changes are allowed, how to request them, and what to expect during the process.

Why Getting the Name Right Matters

Airlines operate under strict regulations from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other global aviation authorities. Your flight ticket must exactly match the name on your passport or government-issued ID. A small spelling mistake, missing middle name, or misaligned surname can result in boarding denial or last-minute chaos at check-in.

That's why Expedia’s name correction policy is important to understand before you panic or attempt to rebook your entire itinerary.

Expedia’s Role as an OTA (Online Travel Agency)

Expedia is not an airline but a third-party travel aggregator. It facilitates flight bookings, hotel reservations, and vacation packages by connecting customers with different travel providers. Therefore, when it comes to name changes or corrections, Expedia follows a dual-policy approach:

1. Expedia’s Internal Policies for managing bookings.

2. Airline Partner Policies for name correction or change restrictions.

Because Expedia is not the final authority on airline ticketing rules, it must work within the boundaries set by the airline operating your flight.

What Name Changes Are Allowed?

Expedia allows minor name corrections under specific conditions. Here’s a breakdown:

✅ Permitted Name Corrections

• Spelling Errors (up to 3 characters)
  Typos such as “Jhon” instead of “John” can be corrected.

• Missing Middle Name or Initials
  If your middle name was omitted during booking, you may request to add it, depending on the airline.

• Legal Name Updates (with documentation)
  Changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal name alterations may be approved with valid documents.

❌ Prohibited Name Changes

• Transferring Ticket to Another Person
  You cannot completely change the name from one person to another. Airline tickets are non-transferable.

• Switching First and Last Names
  Swapping your first and last names is treated as a new passenger name and is not allowed.

Steps to Correct a Name on Expedia

If you realize there’s a mistake in your booking, act quickly. Here’s how to correct it on Expedia:

Step 1: Review Your Booking Details

Go to your Expedia account, log in, and check your "Trips" section. Review the name(s) associated with your itinerary and identify the specific error.

Step 2: Check Airline Policy

Look up the airline’s name correction rules either through Expedia or directly on the airline's website. Some airlines allow minor corrections for free, while others may charge a fee or deny changes after a certain period.

Step 3: Contact Expedia Customer Support

Use any of the following to reach out:

• Live Chat on the Expedia website

• Customer Support Hotline

• Twitter/X or Facebook (for urgent responses)

Provide them with:

• Your booking reference number

• Correct name spelling

• Supporting documentation (if applicable)

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

Expedia will liaise with the airline on your behalf. If the airline approves the change, you’ll receive a revised ticket confirmation. If denied, Expedia will explain your alternatives (which may include canceling and rebooking).

Fees and Charges for Name Corrections

Expedia itself typically does not charge for minor corrections. However, airline-imposed fees may apply depending on:

• The airline’s correction policy

• Type of ticket (refundable vs. non-refundable)

• How close it is to the departure date

Typical correction fees can range from $0 to $200 or more, especially for international flights.

Tips for Avoiding Name Errors on Expedia

• Double-check your entry before confirming payment.
  Even a single misplaced character can create a problem later.

• Use auto-fill cautiously.
  Web browsers can sometimes enter outdated or incorrect information.

• Match your name with your ID exactly.
  Use the exact same format as your passport or driver’s license.

• Add travelers to your account profile.
  If you frequently travel with family or friends, pre-save their correct names to avoid errors during checkout.

Can You Cancel and Rebook Instead?

Yes, in some cases, it might be cheaper or easier to cancel and rebook the flight with the correct name. But this depends on the fare conditions:

• Flexible or refundable tickets: Full or partial refunds are possible.

• Basic economy or non-refundable tickets: May incur cancellation charges or offer only travel credits.

You can verify the cancellation terms in your Expedia itinerary under the “Trip details” section.

Special Cases: International Flights and Group Bookings

International tickets often involve stricter name accuracy rules due to visa requirements and border control. Airlines may require you to present a passport scan before approving changes.

For group bookings, Expedia usually redirects customers to their Group Travel desk, where a dedicated agent handles name corrections and documentation.