Booking a flight is exciting, but what if you notice a mistake in your name or need to update it for another reason? Maybe you’ve noticed a typo, or you’ve legally changed your name. Whatever the situation, it’s essential to ensure that your name on your Ryanair flight booking matches your identification. Fortunately, Ryanair’s Name Change policy provides options for correcting or modifying your name, though there are some limitations.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing your name on a Ryanair booking, including the types of name changes allowed, the steps involved, and any fees you might encounter.
Understanding the Ryanair Name Change Policy
Before diving into the process, it’s important to know what Ryanair allows and doesn’t allow under their Name Change policy. Generally, Ryanair permits minor name corrections, but there are strict rules when it comes to full name changes.
What Ryanair Allows:
- Minor Name Corrections: Small mistakes such as spelling errors, missing letters, or a swapped order of first and last names can typically be corrected without any major issues.
- Legal Name Changes: If you’ve undergone a legal name change (due to marriage, divorce, or other personal reasons), Ryanair may allow the change, but you’ll need to contact customer service directly and provide appropriate documentation.
What Ryanair Does Not Allow:
- Full Name Changes: Ryanair does not allow a complete name change (for example, changing both your first and last name). If you need to completely change your name, you will likely need to cancel your existing booking and rebook a new ticket.
Now that you understand the basics of Ryanair’s Name Change policy, let’s look at how to actually change your name on a flight booking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your Name on a Ryanair Flight Booking
Changing your name on a Ryanair booking is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Step 1: Check Your Booking Details
The first thing you should do is review your booking carefully to confirm the exact name error. Whether it’s a typo or a missing middle name, identify the specific issue. Remember that Ryanair typically allows minor corrections—if the change is more significant (like a complete name swap), it may require contacting customer service.
Step 2: Visit the Ryanair Website
To begin the name change process, head to Ryanair’s website and log into your account. If you don’t have an account, you can still manage your booking by entering your booking reference and last name on the homepage.
Step 3: Navigate to “Manage Booking”
Once you’re logged in, locate and click on the “Manage Booking” option. This is where you’ll be able to modify various details of your flight, including your name.
Step 4: Select “Change Name”
After accessing your booking, you should see an option to “Change Name” or “Edit Booking”. This will allow you to make minor changes to the name on your ticket, such as fixing a typo, swapping name order, or adding a missing middle name.
Step 5: Make the Necessary Name Correction
On the Change Name page, you can correct the errors in your booking. Carefully update the fields and ensure the name on your ticket matches your identification. Double-check for accuracy before submitting the change.
Step 6: Pay the Name Change Fee
While Ryanair does offer name corrections in many cases, they do charge a fee for these modifications. The cost depends on factors such as the timing of the change and the specific route, but it’s typically a small fee compared to the cost of purchasing a new ticket. Make sure to review the fee before proceeding.
Step 7: Confirm the Changes
Once you’ve made the necessary corrections and paid the fee, you should receive a new confirmation email from Ryanair with your updated booking details. Be sure to double-check that your name has been corrected and that all other details are accurate.
Step 8: Proceed to Check-In
Once your name change has been confirmed, you can proceed with the online check-in process. Online check-in typically opens 48 hours before your flight, and you’ll need to ensure that your boarding pass reflects the correct name.
Step 9: Travel with Confidence
Now that your name is correctly listed on your Ryanair flight booking, you can travel confidently knowing that your ticket matches your identification. Keep a copy of your updated booking confirmation and make sure your passport or ID matches the information on your ticket when you check in at the airport.
Additional Considerations When Changing Your Name
When Can’t You Change the Name?
While Ryanair allows minor corrections, there are some instances where you may not be able to change your name:
- After Check-In: Once you’ve checked in online, name changes are generally not permitted.
- Full Name Changes: If you need to change both your first and last name completely, Ryanair does not allow this. In such cases, you may need to cancel your booking and rebook a new ticket.
- Proximity to Flight: If your flight is just a few hours away, it may be difficult to get the name change processed in time.
Changing Your Name Due to a Legal Name Change
If you’ve undergone a legal name change (for example, after marriage or divorce), you can contact Ryanair’s customer service directly to request a name update. You’ll need to provide legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change certificate. Depending on the specifics of your case, Ryanair may allow the update, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Check Your Passport/ID
Before making any name changes to your Ryanair booking, ensure that your passport or ID matches the new name. Airlines require the name on your ticket to match exactly with your travel documents, and any discrepancies could cause issues when you attempt to board your flight.
Common Name Change Scenarios and Solutions
1. Spelling Error in Name
If there is a simple typo in your name, such as a letter missing or a swapped letter, you can easily correct this online through the Manage Booking section.
2. Changing Your Last Name After Marriage
If you’re changing your last name after marriage, you’ll likely need to contact Ryanair customer service to provide your marriage certificate and request a name change.
3. Name Swap (First and Last Name Order)
If your first and last names were swapped during booking, this can be corrected online through Manage Booking as long as it’s a minor change.
Conclusion
Changing your name on a Ryanair flight booking is relatively simple, especially if you’re dealing with a minor correction. If you’ve noticed a typo, or if your name has changed due to marriage or another reason, Ryanair’s Name Change policy provides flexibility for handling such situations. However, Ryanair does not allow full name changes, and requests for such changes often require canceling and rebooking your flight.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring all your details are accurate before check-in, you can easily make any necessary name corrections to your Ryanair booking and travel smoothly. Remember, always contact Ryanair’s customer service if you’re unsure about what changes are allowed, and be sure to allow ample time before your flight to avoid complications.
Safe travels