Booking travel plans online has become second nature for many, and Expedia stands out as one of the leading platforms for reservations. However, life is unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to adjust details after booking—especially the name on the reservation.
Whether it’s a misspelling, a legal name change, or transferring the booking to someone else, the question arises: Can I change the name in my Expedia reservation? Understanding the policies around name changes on Expedia is crucial to avoid last-minute surprises, cancellation fees, or even denied boarding.
The process is not always straightforward, but knowing your options and limitations can save you time and stress.
In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll walk through Expedia’s approach to name changes, how airline and hotel policies affect your ability to update reservations, and what you can do if changes aren’t permitted directly.
There are also strategies worth considering, including contacting customer support or exploring alternatives. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently manage your bookings and make necessary adjustments without hassle.
Understanding Expedia’s Name Change Policy
When you make a reservation through Expedia, the platform acts as an intermediary between you and the service providers like airlines and hotels. This arrangement means Expedia’s ability to change reservation names is often limited by the individual policies of these providers.
Expedia’s official stance is that name changes on reservations are subject to the rules of the airline, hotel, or rental car company. Expedia itself does not typically allow customers to directly change the passenger or guest name through their website or app once the booking is confirmed.
Instead, Expedia recommends contacting the service provider directly if you need to make a name change. This can sometimes be a frustrating process because each provider has its own rules regarding name modifications, some being more flexible than others.
“Name changes on bookings are governed by the policies of the service provider, not Expedia itself.” – Expedia Customer Service
Key Points on Expedia’s Role
- Expedia cannot guarantee name changes on reservations.
- Any name modification must comply with the airline or hotel’s policies.
- Expedia customer service can sometimes facilitate changes but often directs you to the provider.
Airline Reservations and Name Changes on Expedia
Changing the passenger name on flight bookings is among the most sensitive and regulated actions in travel. Airlines have strict security and identification requirements, so their policies around name changes tend to be stringent.
When booking flights via Expedia, the ticket is issued by the airline, and the airline controls the name change policy. Most airlines do not permit outright name swaps, especially transferring a ticket to a different passenger, but minor corrections such as spelling mistakes are often allowed for a fee.
It’s important to act quickly if you notice an error in the passenger name because airlines usually impose deadlines for amendments.
Common Airline Name Change Rules
- Minor spelling corrections allowed, often with a fee.
- Full passenger name changes or transfers are typically prohibited.
- Some airlines allow name changes within 24 hours of booking with no charge.
| Airline | Name Change Allowed | Typical Fee | Timeframe |
| American Airlines | Minor corrections only | $75-$150 | Within 24 hours or before departure |
| Delta Airlines | Minor spelling errors | $125 | Before check-in closes |
| United Airlines | Limited corrections | $100 | Up to 24 hours after booking |
Because these policies vary widely, it’s best to verify directly with the airline as soon as you realize a name change is necessary. Expedia may assist in communicating with the airline but cannot override their rules.
Hotel Reservations: Flexibility in Name Changes
Hotel bookings often offer more flexibility when it comes to changing the name on a reservation. Expedia’s hotel partners usually allow the guest name to be updated or changed, sometimes without additional fees, because the hotel prioritizes room availability over strict identity matching.
However, there are some exceptions, especially during peak times or with non-refundable bookings, where name changes might be restricted or require contacting the hotel directly.
Many hotels allow a reservation to be used by someone other than the original booker as long as they have proper identification at check-in. This offers a more relaxed approach compared to airline tickets.
How to Change Hotel Reservation Names
- Contact Expedia customer service or the hotel directly.
- Provide the new guest’s full name and booking details.
- Confirm if any fees or restrictions apply based on the booking type.
“Hotels generally allow name changes on reservations, but it’s important to notify the property in advance to avoid check-in issues.”
For travelers needing more detailed guidance on name changes, Can You Change Passenger Name on Flight? Easy Guide offers insights that complement the hotel perspective well.
Rental Car Reservations and Name Modifications
Rental car companies tend to align their policies more closely with airlines regarding name changes. Since the individual renting the car must present a valid driver’s license matching the reservation, name changes can be challenging.
Expedia’s role here is mostly to forward your request to the rental agency, but the final decision rests with the provider. Some companies allow name amendments for corrections but do not permit transferring the rental to a different driver.
Anyone other than the person named on the reservation will likely need to be added as an additional driver, which usually incurs extra fees.
Rental Car Name Change Overview
- Name corrections may be possible with supporting documentation.
- Transferring a rental to another person is generally not allowed.
- Additional drivers must be registered and often pay fees.
| Rental Company | Name Change Allowed | Additional Driver Fee |
| Hertz | Minor corrections only | $10-$15 per day |
| Avis | Minor name edits with proof | $13 per day |
| Enterprise | Corrections allowed | $12 per day |
Always check your rental agreement and contact the company directly for the most accurate information. For more on managing names in reservations, see can you switch names on a plane ticket?
what to know.
Steps to Request a Name Change on Expedia Bookings
While Expedia does not generally allow customers to change names on bookings directly via their platform, there are practical steps you can take to try and update your reservation.
First, review your booking confirmation to identify the service provider’s contact information. This is essential as they hold the authority over name changes.
Next, contact Expedia customer support to inform them of your request. They may be able to assist or provide specific instructions on how to proceed.
In many cases, Expedia acts as a liaison but cannot override provider policies.
Practical Tips
- Have your booking reference and personal identification ready.
- Explain clearly why the name change is necessary (typo, legal change, transfer).
- Be prepared to pay any applicable fees or penalties.
- Follow up promptly, especially for flight bookings.
“Immediate communication with both Expedia and the service provider increases the chances of a successful name change.”
For detailed step-by-step assistance on similar topics, you might find Can I Change My Caller ID Name? Easy Steps to Update insightful in understanding how to manage name changes in digital systems.
When Name Changes Are Not Allowed: Alternatives and Workarounds
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, name changes on Expedia reservations may not be permitted. This is especially true for non-refundable airline tickets or third-party bookings with strict provider policies.
In such cases, consider alternative options such as canceling the booking (if refundable) and making a new reservation under the correct name. Be mindful of cancellation fees and deadlines to minimize losses.
Another workaround is to use a name correction rather than a full name change, as some providers treat these differently. For example, fixing a typo or missing middle name might be easier than swapping the entire name.
Alternative Strategies
- Cancel and rebook if allowed and financially viable.
- Request a name correction instead of a full change.
- Use the reservation as is for hotels that allow guest flexibility.
- Contact your travel insurance provider if name issues cause cancellations.
It’s also valuable to understand the broader context of name changes in travel, which is why exploring related topics like Can You Change Passenger Name on Flight? Easy Guide can deepen your insight.
Tips to Avoid Name Change Issues When Booking with Expedia
Prevention is always better than cure, especially regarding travel reservations. Taking certain precautions before finalizing your Expedia booking can save you time and frustration later.
Always double-check the spelling and format of all passenger or guest names before submitting your reservation. Ensure the names match exactly with government-issued IDs or passports used for travel.
Consider booking directly with airlines or hotels when possible, as this can sometimes offer more flexibility with name changes. If you use Expedia, keep all confirmation emails and documents easily accessible.
Best Practices
- Verify names thoroughly before booking.
- Use consistent name formats (full legal names, no nicknames).
- Review provider policies on name changes prior to purchase.
- Consider travel insurance covering name correction fees.
“Attention to detail at the time of booking can prevent costly and stressful name change complications later.”
How Customer Support Can Help with Name Changes
Expedia’s customer support can be a valuable resource when dealing with name change requests. While they may not have the authority to change names directly, they can facilitate communication with airlines, hotels, or car rental agencies.
Customers have reported varying degrees of success when working with support agents, depending on the provider and timing. Being polite, clear, and persistent can improve your chances.
Contacting support early—as soon as you discover the need for a name change—is critical. Late requests often face stricter restrictions and higher fees.
Making the Most of Customer Service
- Use Expedia’s online chat or phone support for quick responses.
- Have all booking and ID information ready before calling.
- Ask for escalation if initial support cannot assist.
- Document all communications for reference.
There’s a wealth of advice on handling name-related changes in bookings, and exploring topics such as Can You Switch Names on a Plane Ticket? What to Know can enhance your understanding.
Conclusion
Changing the name on an Expedia reservation is a nuanced topic that depends heavily on the policies of the airlines, hotels, or rental car companies involved. Expedia itself generally does not allow direct name changes through its platform, making it essential to engage with the service provider or Expedia customer support promptly when a modification is needed.
Understanding the distinctions between minor corrections and complete name changes can help travelers navigate potential fees and restrictions effectively. Being proactive by double-checking names at booking and maintaining clear communication can prevent many issues.
When changes are not permitted, exploring alternatives like cancellations or corrections may be necessary.
Travelers who equip themselves with knowledge and patience tend to experience smoother journeys. If you want to dive deeper into related topics or find useful tips on managing name-related changes in travel and beyond, resources like can you change passenger name on flight?
easy guide and Can You Switch Names on a Plane Ticket? What to Know are excellent places to start.
Ultimately, staying informed and communicating clearly with all parties involved is the best strategy for handling name changes in Expedia reservations.
