Does Expedia Allow Name Changes? A Complete Guide for 2025

If you’ve ever booked a flight or hotel through Expedia and noticed a typo in your name—or maybe your plans changed and someone else needs to take your place—you may be wondering: Does Expedia allow name changes?

This is a common concern for travelers, and rightly so. Incorrect information on a booking can lead to denied boarding, hotel check-in issues, or even the loss of your reservation. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Expedia name change policies, how to fix errors, and what your options are when you need to modify a booking.

Table of Contents

1. Does Expedia Allow Name Changes?
2. What Is Expedia’s Policy on Name Corrections?
3. How to Change the Name on a Flight Booked Through Expedia
4. Hotel Booking Name Changes on Expedia
5. Can You Transfer a Booking to Someone Else?
6. Common Reasons for Requesting a Name Change
7. Step-by-Step Guide to Request a Name Change on Expedia
8. Fees and Penalties for Expedia Name Changes
9. Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Expedia
10. FAQs About Name Changes on Expedia

Does Expedia Allow Name Changes?

The short answer is: Yes, Expedia does allow name changes—but with some limitations. Whether you’re booking a flight, hotel, or vacation package, the ability to change a name on a reservation largely depends on the policies of the airline or hotel provider.

Expedia acts as an intermediary between you and the service provider. So while you can request a name change through Expedia, the final approval is usually up to the airline or hotel policy.

What Is Expedia’s Policy on Name Corrections?

Expedia differentiates between minor name corrections and full name changes. Minor corrections, such as fixing a typo, are often allowed. However, major changes, such as transferring a booking to another person, may not be permitted.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Typo Corrections: Fixing a misspelled name (e.g., "Jhon" to "John") is typically allowed.
• Full Name Changes: Replacing the original traveler with a new person is rarely allowed for flight bookings.
• Hotel Reservations: More flexible; often allow name updates with little to no issue.
• Car Rentals and Activities: Usually easier to modify, depending on the provider.

How to Change the Name on a Flight Booked Through Expedia

Flight bookings are the most sensitive when it comes to name changes. Airlines have strict rules, and even a minor mismatch between your ID and the ticket can cause issues.

Steps to Change a Name on an Expedia Flight:

1. Log into your Expedia account
2. Go to My Trips
3. Select the booking you want to change
4. Click on “Help” or “Change” and request a name correction
5. Expedia will contact the airline on your behalf (you may also be directed to contact the airline directly)

Hotel Booking Name Changes on Expedia

Changing the name on a hotel reservation is usually easier and more flexible than flights. Most hotels only need the primary guest's name to match the ID presented at check-in.

How to Change the Guest Name:

• Log in to your Expedia account
• Go to “My Trips”
• Select the hotel booking
• Choose “Change reservation”
• Update the name fields

Can You Transfer a Booking to Someone Else?

This is where things get tricky. Expedia does not support full transfers of flight bookings to another person due to airline policies. However, hotel and car rental bookings may be more lenient.

Common Reasons for Requesting a Name Change

Here are some typical situations where travelers need to change or correct a name on Expedia:

• A typo during the booking process
• Using a nickname instead of a full legal name
• Booking for someone else but entering the wrong traveler’s details
• Legal name changes due to marriage or divorce
• Transferring a trip to a friend or family member

Understanding the reason for your change will help Expedia determine if it qualifies as a correction or a non-changeable transfer.

Common Reasons for Requesting a Name Change

Here are some typical situations where travelers need to change or correct a name on Expedia:

• A typo during the booking process
• Using a nickname instead of a full legal name
• Booking for someone else but entering the wrong traveler’s details
• Legal name changes due to marriage or divorce
• Transferring a trip to a friend or family member

Understanding the reason for your change will help Expedia determine if it qualifies as a correction or a non-changeable transfer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Request a Name Change on Expedia

1. Check Your Confirmation Email

Look at the details and confirm what needs to be changed. Compare it with your passport or government-issued ID.

2. Contact Expedia Customer Support

Call or chat with Expedia through their Help Center. Provide:

• Your booking ID
• The correct name
• Reason for the name change

3. Wait for Airline/Hotel Approval

Expedia will forward your request. If it’s a flight change, you might need to wait for the airline to process it. Be prepared to provide documentation if needed.

4. Pay Any Applicable Fees

Name changes might incur airline penalties or Expedia service fees.

5. Confirm the Update

Always re-check your updated itinerary before your travel date.

Fees and Penalties for Expedia Name Changes

Expedia itself does not usually charge a name change fee, but airlines and other providers might. Typical costs:

• Airline name correction: $75–$200
• Hotel name change: Usually free
• Activity/tour name change: Varies by operator
• Expedia service fee (if applicable): $0–$50

Pro Tip: If your ticket is non-refundable or on a basic economy fare, the provider may deny all name changes—even minor corrections.

Tips to Avoid Name Errors on Expedia

Preventing name issues is always better than fixing them. Follow these tips when booking:

• Use your full legal name as it appears on your ID
• Double-check before clicking “Confirm”
• Don’t auto-fill traveler info unless you're sure it’s accurate
• If booking for someone else, ask them to verify the spelling

FAQs About Name Changes on Expedia

Q1: Can I change the name on a flight booked through Expedia?

A: You can request a name correction for typos, but full name changes or transfers are usually not allowed by airlines.

Q2: How long does a name change request take?

A: It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the airline or hotel.

Q3: Will Expedia charge me for a name correction?

A: Expedia itself might not charge, but the airline or provider could.

Q4: Can I change the name on a non-refundable hotel booking?

A: In many cases, yes. But it’s best to contact Expedia or the hotel to confirm.

Q5: What if I entered my nickname instead of my legal name?

A: This can cause issues, especially with flights. You should request a name correction immediately.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, yes—Expedia allows name changes, but with conditions. Your ability to make changes will depend on:

• The type of booking (flight, hotel, car, etc.)
• The service provider’s rules
• Whether it's a minor correction or full name change
• The timing of your request

To avoid extra charges or denied services, it’s crucial to double-check all traveler details before confirming a booking. If you spot an error, don’t delay—contact Expedia customer support right away.