Understanding Ryanair Name Change Fee Policy: What You Need to Know Before Booking
Discover everything about Ryanair Name Change Fee Policy.
When it comes to budget travel in Europe, Ryanair is often one of the top choices for flyers seeking affordable airfare. Known for its competitive ticket prices and wide range of European destinations, Ryanair has become synonymous with low-cost travel. However, the savings come with strict rules and add-on fees that travelers must carefully navigate. One policy that often catches passengers off guard is the Ryanair name change fee policy.
In this article, we’ll break down the name change fee policy of Ryanair, including what it covers, how much it can cost you, and how to avoid unnecessary fees. Whether you're booking a trip for yourself or on behalf of someone else, understanding this policy can save you time, stress, and money.
What is the Ryanair Name Change Fee Policy?
The Ryanair name change fee policy applies when you need to change the name on a ticket after booking. Unlike some full-service airlines that allow minor name corrections for free, Ryanair charges passengers a fee for both corrections and full name changes, depending on the circumstances.
It’s important to note that Ryanair tickets are non-transferable, meaning you can't simply give your ticket to another person. A name change essentially means you are updating the name of the traveler on the reservation, which Ryanair considers a significant change — and it charges accordingly.
Name Correction vs. Name Change
The Ryanair name change fee policy distinguishes between minor corrections and full name changes:
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Minor Name Corrections: These include small spelling mistakes (e.g., “Jonh” instead of “John”) or missing middle names. If caught early, these are often free or low-cost to correct, especially within the 48-hour grace period after booking.
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Full Name Changes: These apply when you're changing the entire name or transferring the ticket to another person. For example, changing “Anna Smith” to “Laura Johnson” would require a full name change and incur the standard Ryanair name change fee.
Understanding the difference can help you avoid being charged for what may be a simple error.
How Much Does a Ryanair Name Change Cost?
The cost associated with the Ryanair name change fee policy depends on when and how you make the change:
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Online (more than 28 days before departure): Up to €115 per passenger, per flight.
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Online (within 28 days of departure): Up to €115, but availability for changes may be more restricted.
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Via call center or airport desk: Up to €160, significantly more expensive than doing it online.
As you can see, the costs add up quickly, especially if you are changing multiple bookings or flights. Ryanair encourages passengers to make any necessary changes through their MyRyanair account to avoid additional charges.
How to Avoid Name Change Fees
The best way to avoid charges under the Ryanair name change fee policy is by being careful during the booking process. Here are some practical tips:
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Double-check the spelling of names before confirming your booking. Cross-reference with official documents like passports or ID cards.
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Use the 48-hour grace period: Ryanair allows passengers to make minor name corrections for free within 48 hours of booking, provided the correction doesn’t drastically change the identity of the passenger.
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Book your own ticket: When possible, avoid having someone else book your ticket, as they might accidentally enter your name incorrectly.
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Avoid ticket transfers: Since Ryanair tickets are non-transferable, never purchase tickets second-hand or from unofficial sources.
By following these steps, you can sidestep unnecessary expenses and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Why Is the Policy So Strict?
Ryanair’s strict name change fee policy reflects its broader business model: offering low base fares and charging for extras. Since the airline profits from ancillary services, fees like these are part of their strategy to keep ticket prices low while generating revenue from optional services.
While this model works for many passengers, it requires travelers to be meticulous during the booking process. What seems like a small mistake — such as a missing letter or wrong surname — can result in high fees or even boarding denial if not corrected.
What to Do If You Need to Change a Name
If you realize that a name needs to be changed, act as soon as possible. Log into your MyRyanair account and review the booking. If you're within the 48-hour grace window, you may be able to make corrections for free. Otherwise, you'll see the fee listed before confirming the change.
For more complex changes or if you're unsure whether the issue qualifies as a correction or full change, contacting Ryanair’s customer service may help — but keep in mind that phone or airport-based changes usually incur higher costs.
Conclusion
Understanding the Ryanair name change fee policy is essential for anyone planning to fly with the airline. While Ryanair offers fantastic value on airfares, policies like these can quickly turn a cheap ticket into an expensive one if you’re not careful.
By paying close attention during the booking process, using the 48-hour correction window, and knowing the difference between minor corrections and full name changes, you can avoid extra fees and travel with peace of mind.
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