Changing the name on your Ryanair booking can be a crucial step if you’ve made a typo, changed your name legally, or simply booked under the wrong name. Since Ryanair is one of Europe’s most popular low-cost airlines, understanding the costs and procedures involved in a name change is vital to avoid unexpected fees and hassles before your flight.
Whether you’re adjusting for a minor spelling error or updating a completely different name, knowing exactly how much a name change costs can help you plan better and keep your travels smooth.
While Ryanair offers affordable ticket prices, the fees for changes, especially name corrections, can sometimes catch travelers off guard. It’s important to differentiate between a simple correction and a full name change, as each carries different charges and conditions.
Additionally, timing plays a significant role in how much you might pay, along with the methods available to make these changes. We’ll explore all these aspects in depth so you can navigate Ryanair’s policies confidently and avoid last-minute surprises.
Understanding Ryanair’s Name Change Policy
Ryanair has specific guidelines when it comes to altering the name on your flight booking. It’s essential to understand these rules to avoid additional charges or booking issues at the airport.
Generally, Ryanair allows name corrections, but full name changes are restricted and often more expensive. The airline treats name corrections as minor errors, such as fixing spelling mistakes or swapping the order of first and last names, whereas full name changes involve completely replacing the booked name with another passenger’s name.
One key aspect to note is that Ryanair requires the name on the ticket to match the passenger’s official travel document exactly. Failure to comply can result in denied boarding or additional fees.
“Ensuring that your booking name matches your travel ID is not just a policy; it’s a legal requirement for air travel within the European Union.”
Name Correction vs. Name Change
- Name Correction: Fixing typos, misspellings, or minor errors in the existing name.
- Name Change: Replacing the entire name with a different passenger’s name.
- Policy Difference: Name corrections are generally cheaper and easier to process.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Name on Ryanair?
When it comes to the fees Ryanair charges for name changes, the cost varies depending on whether you are making a minor correction or a full name change.
For minor name corrections, Ryanair usually charges a fee that is significantly lower than a full name change. The price can vary based on the timing of your request and the route you are flying.
Full name changes are treated almost like a new booking, so the fees are considerably higher. This is because Ryanair needs to cancel the original ticket and issue a new one under the new name.
| Type of Name Change | Typical Fee | When Allowed |
| Name Correction (typos, spelling) | Approximately €110 | Up to 2 hours before scheduled departure |
| Full Name Change | Up to €160 or more (includes cancellation and rebooking) | Depends on ticket terms and availability |
Note: Prices may fluctuate depending on Ryanair’s current policies and currency exchange rates.
Additional Charges to Consider
Besides the name change fees, you might face other costs, such as:
- Fare difference if the new booking is more expensive
- Payment handling fees depending on your method
- Potential penalties for late changes
Timing and Deadlines for Name Changes
The timing of your name change request plays a crucial role in the cost and feasibility of the change. Ryanair has strict deadlines regarding when these changes can be made.
Name corrections can generally be done up to two hours before the flight departure. However, the closer you get to the flight time, the higher the risk of additional charges or rejection of the request.
For full name changes, it is advisable to act as soon as possible after booking. Delaying the request can increase the costs or even render the change impossible, forcing you to cancel the ticket and book anew.
Tip: Always double-check your booking details immediately after purchase to minimize the need for costly last-minute corrections.
How to Request a Name Change
- Log in to your Ryanair account and access your booking
- Navigate to the “Manage Booking” section
- Choose the option for name correction or name change
- Pay the applicable fee online
Ryanair does not typically allow name changes through third-party websites or travel agents, so handling it directly is the best approach.
Common Scenarios Requiring a Name Change
Many travelers face situations where a name change on Ryanair becomes necessary. Understanding these scenarios can help you prepare accordingly.
A common case is a misspelled name during booking. This happens often due to quick bookings or language differences.
Ryanair allows corrections but charges a fee.
Another scenario is when someone else needs to use your ticket due to unforeseen circumstances. Ryanair’s policy generally prohibits transferring tickets to a different passenger without a full name change and associated fees.
Examples of Situations
- Typographical errors in the passenger’s name
- Legal name change due to marriage or other reasons
- Rebooking for a different traveler
For detailed insights on how name changes affect your legal identity, you might find it helpful to read Do Name Changes Affect Your Identity? Find Out Here.
How Ryanair Compares with Other Airlines on Name Change Fees
Ryanair’s name change fees are known to be on the higher side compared to some other budget airlines. However, this is somewhat consistent across the low-cost carrier market.
Full-service airlines often have stricter policies, sometimes disallowing name changes altogether or charging exorbitant fees. Budget airlines like Ryanair offer the option but at a premium to keep ticket prices low initially.
| Airline | Name Correction Fee | Full Name Change Fee |
| Ryanair | €110 approx. | €160+ approx. |
| EasyJet | £45 approx. | £75+ approx. |
| Wizz Air | €30-€60 approx. | €60-€100 approx. |
Comparing these fees can help you decide on the best airline for flexible travel plans.
Tips to Avoid Name Change Fees on Ryanair
With the high costs associated with name changes, it’s smart to take preventive measures to avoid these fees altogether. Planning ahead and careful booking can save you both money and stress.
Double-check the spelling of your name as it appears on your passport or ID before finalizing any booking. Small mistakes can lead to unnecessary charges later.
Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers booking errors or ticket changes. Some policies may reimburse the fees involved in name corrections.
- Use autofill tools carefully to avoid input errors
- Verify your documents before entering details
- Keep your booking confirmation and ID accessible for quick reference
If you want to understand more about the overall costs involved in name changes beyond airline fees, explore How Does It Cost to Change Your Name? Full Guide for broader insights.
What Happens If You Don’t Correct Your Name on Ryanair Booking?
Ignoring a name mismatch on your Ryanair ticket can lead to serious complications on travel day. Airlines are strict about passenger identity to comply with security regulations.
If the name on your boarding pass does not exactly match your ID or passport, Ryanair may refuse boarding. This can result in you missing your flight altogether and needing to buy a new ticket at a much higher price.
Additionally, if the error is detected at the airport, you might face additional on-the-spot fees or delays.
“It’s always better to fix a name issue early than to face the stress and cost of last-minute corrections at the airport.”
Airport Check-in and Security Implications
- Security checks require exact name matches
- Boarding gate staff are strict with name verification
- Potential denial of boarding if names don’t match
For a deeper dive into how name changes interact with official documents, you might find How Do I Change My Name on My Naturalization Certificate? informative.
Conclusion
Changing a name on a Ryanair booking is a process that requires careful attention and timely action. The fees involved can be surprisingly high, especially for full name changes, which makes it essential to book with absolute accuracy from the start.
Minor corrections are more affordable but still come with a significant charge compared to other aspects of your travel budget.
Understanding the difference between a name correction and a full name change, along with the deadlines for making these changes, can save you from costly surprises. Ryanair’s policies, while somewhat strict, reflect the broader airline industry’s focus on security and regulatory compliance.
Taking proactive steps like double-checking your details helps avoid unnecessary fees and stress.
Travelers should also compare these costs with other budget airlines to see if Ryanair’s fees align with their expectations for flexibility. Incorporating travel insurance or verifying documents thoroughly before booking can further safeguard your plans.
Ultimately, being informed and vigilant about your Ryanair booking details ensures a smoother, hassle-free journey from start to finish.
