Ryanair Name Change Fee: Full Guide To Costs, Rules And Tips

When it comes to Ryanair name change fee, passengers are often caught off guard by the airline’s strict policies and substantial charges. At Ryanair, ensuring that your booking details match your travel documents is crucial. If you need to make corrections or full name changes, understanding the associated rules and costs can help avoid stress and financial surprises. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Ryanair’s name change policy, including fees, how to make changes, and how to save money.

Understanding Ryanair Name Change Policy

Ryanair enforces a firm name change policy that applies to all its routes and fare types. The airline does not allow name changes for free, even if the error is minor. Unlike other low-cost carriers, Ryanair considers the full name to be essential for security and ticketing purposes, which means:

• Misspellings, typos, or incomplete names must be corrected before flying.

• A completely different passenger cannot use a ticket that has someone else’s name on it.

• Ryanair name change fee applies even for minor edits unless corrected within a short grace period.

How to Change a Name on a Ryanair Booking

If you realize that a name is incorrect on your Ryanair ticket, act quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Log Into MyRyanair Account

Navigate to Ryanair’s website and sign into your MyRyanair account using your email and password.

2. Select Your Upcoming Trip

Under “My Bookings,” locate the trip that requires the name change and click on Manage Booking.

3. Choose ‘Correct Name’ or ‘Change Name’

Ryanair offers two options:

• Correct a minor typo (up to 3 characters for free within 48 hours of booking).

• Change a full name (fee applies).

4. Pay the Ryanair Name Change Fee

If a full name change is needed, you will be prompted to pay the applicable Ryanair name change fee. Proceed to payment and complete the process.

5. Confirmation

You’ll receive an updated itinerary with the corrected passenger name.

Minor Corrections vs. Full Name Change

Ryanair distinguishes between minor name corrections and complete name changes. This difference affects how much you’ll pay:

• Minor Corrections (FREE within 48 hours):

  • Fixing typos (up to 3 letters)

  • Switching first and last names

  • Adding a middle name

• Full Name Change (Fee applies):

  • Replacing one passenger with another

  • Changing surnames or adding entirely different names

To benefit from free corrections, act within 48 hours of booking. After this, the Ryanair name change fee will be enforced strictly.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Some situations may offer flexibility:

• Marriage or Legal Name Change: You may be asked to provide legal documents (e.g., marriage certificate) to process changes with reduced or waived fees.

• Travel Insurance: If your insurance policy covers administrative travel changes, you might be able to claim reimbursement for the Ryanair name change fee.

How to Avoid or Reduce the Ryanair Name Change Fee

Paying €115–€160 for a name change can be painful, but these tips may help you save money:

1. Use the 48-Hour Grace Period

Always double-check your booking immediately after confirmation. Use the 48-hour window for free corrections of minor errors.

2. Contact Ryanair Early

If you spot an error after the grace period, contact Ryanair as soon as possible. The earlier you act, the more likely you’ll get a favorable outcome or a reduced fee.

3. Book with Care

Double-verify passport details, spelling, and full legal names when booking. Prevention is the best way to avoid the Ryanair name change fee.

4. Purchase Flexi Plus Fare

If you anticipate changes, consider booking a Flexi Plus ticket. Although more expensive upfront, it includes flexibility for changes and could save you money long term.

What Happens If You Don’t Correct the Name?

Attempting to board a Ryanair flight with a mismatched name and ID will result in denial of boarding. Ryanair staff will not permit passengers to travel if:

• The name on the ticket doesn’t exactly match the passport or national ID.

• A different person tries to board under someone else’s booking.

To avoid being stranded at the airport and incurring extra expenses, correct your booking as soon as possible—even if it means paying the Ryanair name change fee.

Can You Transfer Your Ryanair Ticket to Someone Else?

Technically, yes—by using the full name change option. However, Ryanair does not allow free transfers, and the cost of changing the passenger's name is usually higher than simply rebooking the flight for the new person. This is intentional, as the airline wants to deter reselling or transferring discounted tickets.

If you’re considering this, check the current flight prices. It may be cheaper to book a fresh ticket than pay the Ryanair name change fee.

Conclusion

The Ryanair name change fee is one of the most expensive administrative charges in the airline industry. Understanding the rules, acting quickly, and being cautious during the booking process are the best strategies to avoid these fees. Ryanair’s policy is clear—names must match exactly, and changes cost money unless handled within the 48-hour grace period. Plan smart and stay informed to minimize costs and avoid travel disruptions.

FAQs About Ryanair Name Change Fee

Q1: Is the name change fee refundable?

No, Ryanair does not refund the name change fee under any circumstance, unless it was charged in error.

Q2: Can I change just my middle name or omit it?

Yes, middle names are typically not required. You can add or remove them, especially during the 48-hour grace period.

Q3: Can I fix an error at the airport?

Yes, but it will be much more expensive, and changes at the airport are subject to strict timing. Online or phone changes are recommended.