When booking flights, it’s easy to make mistakes, and something as simple as a misspelled name on your Ryanair booking could result in unexpected complications or additional fees. Ryanair, known for its low-cost fares, also has strict rules when it comes to the names printed on tickets.
Understanding how Ryanair handles name changes, how much they charge, and when you might be able to avoid a fee is essential for anyone planning to travel with them. In this detailed guide, we explore Ryanair’s name change fees, their policies, and valuable tips to help you navigate these processes smoothly and save money.
What Is Ryanair’s Name Change Policy?
Ryanair has a firm policy requiring the name on a flight booking to match exactly with the passenger’s government-issued ID, such as a passport or national identity card. Even minor discrepancies can prevent a traveler from boarding, which is why it is critical to ensure accuracy during the booking process.
If you realise there is a mistake after booking, Ryanair offers a window of opportunity where minor corrections can be made without a fee. However, significant name changes or transferring a ticket to another person attract considerable charges. The airline distinguishes between minor spelling corrections and full name changes, each treated differently in terms of fees and procedures.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Name with Ryanair?
Ryanair’s name change fees are structured based on the method and timing of the change. Here’s a table summarising the current costs:
| Service Type | Fee (Per Passenger, Per One-Way Flight) |
| Online Minor Name Edit | £45 |
| Contacting Ryanair or at Airport | £60 |
| Full Name Change (Self-Serve) | £115 |
| Full Name Change (Agent-Assisted) | £160 |
The cheapest way to make minor adjustments is by using Ryanair’s self-service online tools. However, if you opt to call customer service or handle the change at the airport, the costs rise significantly. These high fees emphasise the importance of entering names carefully at the time of booking.
Can You Correct a Minor Spelling Mistake on a Ryanair Ticket?
Ryanair recognises that minor typing errors happen. Therefore, they allow free corrections of small spelling mistakes if the error is reported within 48 hours of the original booking. This is particularly useful if the mistake involves just a few letters being misplaced or omitted.
To correct such errors, passengers must log into their myRyanair account, find the booking under “Manage This Booking”, and select the option to edit passenger details. If the mistake is more substantial or noticed after the 48-hour window, the standard name change fees will apply. It’s always advisable to review your booking immediately after confirmation to catch and correct errors within this grace period.
What Is the Difference Between a Name Correction and a Full Name Change at Ryanair?
Understanding the difference between a minor correction and a full name change is vital to avoid unnecessary charges. A minor correction involves simple typographical errors, such as fixing a single misspelled letter or swapping two letters, and typically doesn’t require documentation unless disputed.
On the other hand, a full name change involves altering the booking from one individual to another or changing multiple components of a name, such as replacing both the first and last names.
| Criteria | Minor Correction | Full Name Change |
| Example | Typo correction like “Jhon” to “John” | Changing “John Smith” to “Jane Doe” |
| Timeframe | Within 48 hours usually free | Anytime, but costly |
| Documentation Needed | Rarely | Often if claiming free change due to marriage/divorce |
| Cost | Often free or £45 after window | £115–£160 depending on service |
Being aware of this distinction ensures that passengers take timely action to avoid elevated fees.
How Can You Change a Name on a Ryanair Booking Online?
Changing a name on a Ryanair booking is quick and most affordable when done online. Ryanair’s platform is designed to make minor edits simple and accessible to passengers without needing expensive assistance.
Steps to Change a Name Online
- Log into your myRyanair account.
- Navigate to “My Trips” or “My Bookings”.
- Select the flight booking you need to change.
- Click on “Manage This Booking”.
- Choose the option “Change a Name”.
- Edit the passenger’s details as needed.
- Review and check the applicable charges.
- Proceed to the payment page and complete the payment.
- Receive an updated itinerary via email confirming the name change.
Acting Quickly for Free Corrections
If a mistake is noticed within 24 hours of booking, passengers may qualify for a free correction, especially for minor errors. However, after 48 hours, Ryanair’s standard name change fees apply. Acting promptly ensures avoiding additional charges and travel disruptions.
Are There Ways to Avoid Ryanair’s Name Change Fee?
Avoiding Ryanair’s name change fee largely depends on a passenger’s attention to detail immediately after booking. By acting quickly and using the right methods, travellers can often avoid unnecessary charges.
Review Your Booking Confirmation Immediately
Carefully reviewing the confirmation email as soon as the booking is complete allows travellers to catch and correct any mistakes within the free 48-hour correction window. Early action can prevent the need for costly edits later.
Provide Documentation for Legal Name Changes
If the name change is due to legal reasons such as marriage, divorce, or a court order, Ryanair allows free updates. However, travellers must supply proper documentation, like a marriage certificate, to qualify for this exception.
Use Ryanair’s Online Self-Service Portal
Making changes through Ryanair’s website or mobile app is significantly cheaper and more convenient than calling customer service or handling corrections at the airport. The online portal not only saves money but also speeds up the process.
What Happens If You Don’t Correct a Name Error Before Travelling?
Failing to correct a name error before the date of travel can lead to severe consequences. If the passenger’s name on the ticket does not precisely match their ID, Ryanair may deny boarding without offering a refund.
In such cases, passengers are faced with the option of paying a last-minute change fee, which is often higher and more stressful, or booking an entirely new ticket if flights are still available. Both options are costly and disruptive, making early error detection critical for a smooth travel experience.
Can You Transfer a Ryanair Ticket to Another Person?
Ryanair permits the transfer of a booking to another individual by completing a full name change and paying the applicable fee. However, transferring a booking is only possible if none of the flights on the itinerary have been used. If even one segment of the trip has been flown, name changes for the remaining flights are prohibited.
Given that name change fees can be very high, travellers should always compare the cost of transferring the ticket versus simply booking a new one, as the latter may sometimes be cheaper.
When Is the Best Time to Request a Name Change with Ryanair?
Timing plays a crucial role in managing name changes economically with Ryanair. Acting within 24 hours of booking can often allow minor errors to be corrected for free. If not corrected within the first 48 hours, passengers should still attempt to manage changes through the online portal to avoid paying higher agent-assisted fees.
| Timing | Impact |
| Within 24 hours | Potential free correction |
| Within 48 hours | Minor corrections allowed |
| After 48 hours | Fees between £45 and £160 apply |
| Close to travel | Risk of denied boarding if unresolved |
Planning and swift action are essential for mitigating unnecessary costs.
What Should You Do If You Need Help with a Ryanair Name Change?
Technical issues such as failed payments or error alerts during the name change process are not uncommon. If a change does not complete successfully, passengers are advised to retry using a different payment method. In some cases, contacting Ryanair’s live chat support via the website can expedite the resolution.
For those already checked in for a flight, the name change process becomes slightly more complicated, as passengers must first request to be “unchecked” before making any amendments. Always ensure you receive an updated email itinerary reflecting the corrected details after completing the process.
How Can You Save Money on Ryanair Name Changes?
Travellers who take proactive steps can often avoid unnecessary costs when dealing with Ryanair’s strict name change policies.
- Double-check all entered names carefully before confirming payment during booking.
- Act quickly within Ryanair’s free 48-hour correction window to fix minor errors without paying fees.
- Use the Ryanair online self-service portal for any corrections, as it is cheaper than contacting customer service or visiting the airport.
- Keep documentation ready if your name change is due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, to potentially qualify for a free update.
- Stay informed about Ryanair’s name change policies, so you know your rights and avoid unnecessary charges.
Conclusion
Ryanair’s policies regarding name changes may appear strict, but they are manageable with the right knowledge and prompt action. Taking the time to check booking details carefully, using available online tools, and understanding the specific circumstances that allow for free corrections can save passengers both money and stress. As travel plans often involve multiple moving parts, mastering how to efficiently handle name changes with Ryanair ensures a smoother journey from booking to boarding.
FAQs About Ryanair Name Change Fee
How long does a Ryanair name change take to process?
Most name changes made online are processed immediately, allowing travelers to receive an updated itinerary in minutes.
Can I change the name on my Ryanair ticket after check-in?
Yes, but you must first contact Ryanair to request to be “unchecked” from your flight before any changes can be made.
What documents are needed for a Ryanair name correction?
A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is typically required for free legal name changes.
Is it cheaper to cancel and rebook rather than pay a name change fee with Ryanair?
Often, yes. In some cases, rebooking a new ticket is more affordable than paying up to £160 in name change fees.
Can I make a name change at the Ryanair airport desk?
You can, but it is more expensive (£60 per one-way flight) compared to online name changes.
What happens if my name is slightly different from my passport on a Ryanair ticket?
Minor spelling errors can be corrected within 48 hours free of charge; otherwise, fees will apply.
Does travel insurance cover name change fees on Ryanair flights?
Some travel insurance policies cover administrative errors, but terms and coverage amounts vary widely between providers.
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