So, you’ve booked the perfect flight through Expedia,{{⇠(+1) ‣ 888⇠⇢891⇠⇢4550 ‣ ⇢))) and now you’ve spotted a typo in the passenger’s name, or perhaps there’s been a legal name change. Your heart sinks. Visions of lost money, complicated phone calls, and ruined travel plans start to swirl.
Take a deep breath. You are not alone, and this situation is often fixable. While changing a name on an airline ticket isn't always simple, approaching it with the right knowledge can turn a potential nightmare into a manageable task.
This guide is designed to walk you through the process step-by-step, minimizing your stress and maximizing your chances of a successful resolution.
This is the most important concept to understand:
Expedia and most airlines do not allow you to transfer a ticket to a completely different person.
The policies we're discussing are for corrections and minor changes, such as:
Fixing a typo (e.g., "Jhon" to "John" or "Smtih" to "Smith").
Updating a name after marriage or divorce (e.g., "Jane Doe" to "Jane Smith" with supporting documentation).
Adjusting the order of first and last names if they were entered incorrectly.
If you need to give your ticket to someone else, you are likely looking at canceling the original booking and purchasing a new ticket, which will be subject to the airline's cancellation fees.
Time is of the essence. The sooner you catch the mistake, the easier and cheaper it is to fix. Airline policies become much stricter as the departure date approaches.
Before you even pick up the phone or open a chat window, have this information ready:
Your Expedia itinerary number (a 6-character code) and your airline confirmation code (usually a 6-digit letters/numbers combo).
The passenger's name exactly as it appears on the booking.
The passenger's name exactly as it appears on their government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license).
Your personal contact information.
This is a common point of confusion. Here’s the breakdown:
You booked through Expedia, so you should start with Expedia.
Since Expedia is the travel agent that issued your ticket, their customer support team is your first point of contact. They have access to your booking and the tools to request changes on your behalf. They are responsible for managing the reservation.
However, the final decision rests with the Airline. ⇠(+1) ‣ 888⇠⇢891⇠⇢4550 ‣ ⇢
Expedia can only make changes based on the specific rules of the airline you're flying. They will need to contact the airline to request the change and apply the airline's specific policy.
In short: You call Expedia, and Expedia deals with the airline for you.
Use the Expedia App or Website First: Log into your Expedia account and go to "My Trips" or "Manage Booking." Some airlines allow Expedia to process very minor typo fixes directly through this portal. If you see an option for "Correct a typo," use it. This is the easiest path.
If Online Management Isn't Available: Call Expedia. ⇠(+1) ‣ 888⇠⇢891⇠⇢4550 ‣ ⇢
Find the Correct Number: Go to the Expedia Help Center and navigate to "Contact Us." ⇠(+1) ‣ 888⇠⇢891⇠⇢4550 ‣ ⇢ Enter your itinerary number to get the dedicated customer service number for your booking. This is more efficient than a general line.
Be Calm and Clear: The support agent is there to help. Clearly explain the issue: "There is a spelling error in the passenger name on my booking. I need to correct it to match the passport." Provide all the information you gathered in Step 2.
Understand the Possibilities: The agent will look up your flight's rules and explain:
If a change is allowed.
What fees apply (often an Expedia service fee plus any airline change fee).
If there is a fare difference if the correction somehow triggers a re-price of the ticket (rare for simple typos).
Fixing a name is rarely free. Typical costs can include:
Expedia Service Fee: Usually around $25 - $50 for processing the change.
Airline Change Fee: Can range from $0 (for very flexible fares) to $200+.
Fare Difference: If the current price of the ticket is higher.
Pro Tip: If the error was caused by Expedia's website (a proven autofill glitch), politely ask for a waiver of their service fee. They may comply as a one-time courtesy.
Once the change is processed:
Ask for a new updated itinerary to be emailed to you immediately.
Double-check the new itinerary to ensure the name is now 100% correct.
Verify the change directly with the airline. Use the airline confirmation code from your new Expedia itinerary to look up the booking on the airline's own website. The name must be correct there, as that is the airline's official record.
✅ Act as soon as you spot the error.
✅ Have your itinerary and ID ready.
✅ Contact Expedia first, not the airline.
✅ Be patient and polite with the customer service agent.
✅ Understand that fees will likely apply.
✅ Get a new confirmation and verify it with the airline.
While a name change can be an inconvenient and sometimes costly process, it is by no means the end of your travel dreams. By following these steps, you can handle the situation calmly and efficiently, getting you back to what really matters: looking forward to your trip.