However, your first and last name must be exactly the same on both your passport and airplane ticket. For something like an email or phone number field, it makes sense to have restrictions since those are inherently restricted formats -- a phone number must have a certain format. Or challenge yourassumptions about the world. That said, this may or may not ease problems with boarding pass discrepancies at security checkpoints; as mentioned above, that is an entirely separate security function. When it comes to your name and booking flights, always, always confirm, and then confirm again. To change your name for Global Entry, you'll need to visit one of the program's enrollment centers. Thanks. Do not use a shortened name or nicknames for tickets. Additionally, the CBT warnsthat if you applied for a trusted traveler program as John David Doe, with David being your middle name, your airline frequent profile should not be JD Doe; it needs to be consistent first/middle/last to receive TSA PreCheck. To request a replacement card, contact your state health department or the health care provider who administered the doses. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Oh, I wasnt criticizing at all. Thank you so much for all your help, I am so relieved!:D. Regardless of how old your passport is, youll probably need to include a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is not because it is unnecessary. They just emailed me and said they could not do anything about it and name changes are at the discretion of the carrier which is United. Does the name on my airline reservation have to match the name on my application? Perhaps. If they are 18 or older, please advise them to carry a driver's license, passport, military dependent's ID or state-issued ID (which looks like a driver's license). I guess sometimes it really is up to the airline. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Check online with your states Department of Licensing to find out what documents youll need to bring with you to get a new ID with your married name. Funny thing, to date, shes been the only problem weve ever had in 9 years of flying, including international. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Notes Horowitz, Passengers shouldnt be concerned if particular airlines dont ask them to provide the additional information right away; it should not impact their travel. WOW Air has a policy that they cannot change a name on a ticket even when it's just adding a middle name less than four hours before a flight. Thank you. People who've been there before share their reasons for staying alive. However, we would question something like "Mac" instead of "James.". A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. I just went to United website and did what you told me to do. After updating your personal documents, its time to address your loyalty program and rewards accounts. If you are making reservations for your family or friends, you will need to make sure you use the exact name on each family members ID of choice. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. Your ticket reservation must contain your exact name as spelled on your passport or drivers license. No worries. This could be the tiniest hotel room in the world. Because your airline profile contains all of the correct secure passenger information, not adding your middle name to the ticket wont matter. It is your responsibility. He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already. Keith is right. It will also have your SAS confirmation number. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. The popular service HitchSwitch will let you submit basic information online to autofill all the forms youll need to change your name. Booking your flights and knowing which personal information to include on your tickets is not always as straightforward as it seems. Booking for others. Essentially, the airlines and booking engines will collect your full name, gender and birth date when you book your flight and send that info to the TSA, which will then compare the information against the no-fly list. Normally, you can drop in for the name update. Check here before booking an award fare. I went through this when my renewed passport came and my maiden name had been deleted and my middle name added. Step 6: Change your name with TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Keeping close watch on this information to make sure it matches helps you avoid any issues when you travel. Yes, I know. JR is a big issue with me. To a certain extent it depends on your name. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. If your driver's license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you are unable to renew at your state drivers license agency, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. Hi Ali, I cannot answer your question as to whether issues will arise. 10. Most of the programs, including Hyatt and Marriott, will require you fax or mail your legal documents to a specific address. With your new drivers license and Social Security number, you should be ready to update your financial records. Make sure you spell out your name letter-by-letter. 11. 'Boy Meets World' Star Who Played Mr. Feeny Just Learned a Valuable Lesson at the Airport, TSA Just Screened the Highest Number of Passengers Since Before the Pandemic, This Airline Is Temporarily Banning Pets in Cargo to Alleviate Flight Delays, Baggage Issues, Department of Transportation Proposes Airline Refund Rule That Could Mean More Money in Travelers' Pockets What to Know, What to Do If You Lose Your ID Right Before a Flight, What to Do If an Airline Loses Your Luggage, Uncomfortable Flying Without the Mask Mandate? Similarly, if you use a travel agent, you will need to make sure he or she knows not only your full legal name, but more specifically your legal name as it appears on the form of ID you will be using on that specific trip. Not all airlines require a middle name on boarding passes. One had a long dropdown box with almost every imaginable name suffix; another just had a box into which you type the suffix as you like to use it. Most likely, youll need to bring your current drivers license, your certified marriage certificate and your new Social Security card. Due to these variations, TSA has built some flexibility into the Secure Flight program. If the first and last names don't match on both documents, you will most likely be denied boarding. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property. I can see how that would be a hassle to deal with. Just change it so it matches your passport information. Another best practice is setting up a frequent flyer account with the airline and adding your correct secure passenger information to your profile. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Enrollment required. Want the discounts, welcome gifts, room upgrades, and hotel credits a travel agent can get you? I have a friend whose last name is Pfaendtner (pronounced more or less Fentner); thats three vowels and six consonants, including four consonants in a row. Normally you can just update this information on the airline web site but just call the airline reservation department and let them know you need help to update your Secure Flight Information. So, if someone says don't worry about it, let's clarify this. If you are traveling on a US passport, you definitely need to make sure that the name on your passport is the name on your ticket. ET. Be sure to confirm the name on your reservation well in advance of travel, and then check in for your flight as early as possible, preferably using the online check-in service on your airlines Web site. An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games. I always sign just my first and last on things and it's never been an issue. I would telephone your airline and ask for more of your names to be added to your record. This is a time-consuming process. Hello, I have my middle name on my passport, but on my governments ID dont have middle name only first and last name. However, the TSA's Secure Flight Program involves tighter guidelines on. Why airlines systems still can't handle a hyphen as part of someone's name. Faster and easier ways for hustle bros to promote their Substack. Some ask for a middle initial or don't prompt you at all. Expect to pay approximately $15 to $25 for the first copy; additional copies are usually around $5, though some locations charge the same price per copy. I already went to the TSA website but looking through the site I am not sure how to change my information. Go to ua.com. Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. was his middle name. More just a personal observation. $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions. You don't need to worry about your middle name on the boarding pass because it won't be on the boarding pass. My license says Edward C. Hewitt, but my passport says Edward Charles Hewitt. You will need to be insistent in this case, and you should check your itinerary immediately upon receipt when mailed or emailed to you. Avoid manually typing it in. Then well talk about adding your personal information when actually booking an airline ticket. Airlines are both legally and morally obligated to refuse to change their names. Superb post. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. A large number of misspelled name cases result from lack of attention while booking on the phone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. TSA policy on misspelled names Generally, the TSA ( Transportation Security Administration) understands typos and will not prevent you from flying with a slightly misspelled name. In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. Does your middle name need to be on an airline ticket? $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Again, even with no ID, we can usually verify your identity. The Carry-On from Away makes traveling that much easier, especially with its removable, TSA-approved battery for your electronics. For the time being, it appears you may need to think ahead to which ID you will use for a particular trip and make your reservation using that legal name. Good luck getting the agent in a noisy US Airways call center to get that right every time. Heres an important tip for your next trip: Make sure your name is exactly the same on all your documents if you want to fly. Using a travel agent. Help!!! Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Short staffing and high demand could spell disaster for your summer travel plans, Now live: Earn over 4% APY interest on the cash back from your Apple Card. You can get these through the vital statistics or records department of the state where your marriage took place. I had no idea about the middle name/initial stuff. We also have passengers with no I.D. I was freaking a little while back because my airline ticket had my first name spelled wrong. It's really no big deal to fill in the information. I work for TSA. Inspire you with new ideasfor your next vacation. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. With my passport in one hand and my drivers license in the other, I realized, oops! Pro tip: Keep your personal information private! But becoming a Dungeons & Dragons firbolg cleric still requires a human touch. Using titles can present problems as well. Some frequent flier programs are taking proactive steps to contact members; others are not. With the post-pandemic backlog, current wait times are long one TPG staffer has waited over a month. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. They did not charge extra and were glad to do it to say time at check-in. American Express may accept your new U.S. passport or drivers license. She is also flying United so when we check her in, I am going to ask the agent if she can correct our Secure Flight information there or what she advises us to do. Most credit cards will need you to fax or mail a digital copy of your new ID showing your changed name, but each will have its own method and forms. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Travel plans can quickly be derailed if the name on your card doesn't match your passport and official documentation. Thanks for reading and taking the time to share your experience. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process. 16. But while it sounds simple, there are nuances to the Secure Flight program that youll want to be aware of before you book your next trip. When you book a flight with Delta Air Lines and dont include your middle name, its fine. If youre planning to change your name, now could be a surprisingly good time to do so if you dont have any upcoming travel on the calendar, of course. Validation logic or data validation ensures that the user is inputting correct and useful data for the field. For any steps that have to be submitted via mail, HitchSwitch will even include the address to which the application needs to be sent. Jack might actually be ok but I don't. Sarah Horowitz of the TSAs Office of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs notes that at the security checkpoint, TSA strives to ensure you are who are you say you are. A friend who has one reports that more often than not his name appears on reservations as one long surname with no hyphen. Middle names and initials are not the issue. I had this same freak out when I booked a trip to Europe. Horowitz again: TSA recognizes that name formats on government identification will vary depending on the issuer. Please advise. Her areas of expertise are: all thingsSouthwest Airlines,hotel reviews, and what to do, see, and eat in destinations around the world. Freia Lobo wrote about Tech News for Mashable in NYC. I updated my Expedia account after I got our passports and added our middle names and then contacted Expedia to tell them I need our middle names added to our tickets. Middle Name vs Middle Initial 5 years ago Save My daughter has a problem: her ticket reservation has full middle name but her passport has only her middle initial. What You Need to Do to Conform to Secure Flight Requirements If you got your passport less than a year ago, for example, youll have a different process than if its more than a year old. Each airline also contains other information in your reservation that they are required to keep and that includes your Middle Name. How about Pidgin? I would just call the United Airlines reservation number and they will be able to help you with getting the Secure Flight Information updated. Although middle names generally don't matter much (at least when traveling domestically), airlines will also let you delete or add an initial or middle name. Her first name is just K. "Most times I have to call to buy tickets over the phone and then have to request to speak to a manager or supervisor to waive service fees for doing it over the phone," she said. Do I just email them? Plus, your own feed of TPG content. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. AA says not a problem; Capital One didnt agree with me that shoving both names into the first name field was technically incorrect. 13. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. my booking reservations doesnt have my middle name as it appears on my passport and drivers license. I feel as long as we get through security and to our gate, why would we need to worry? This is a simple step that can prevent any issues when you fly. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Just like with your banking institutions, youll need to contact each program to find out what is required for the name change. If you dont want to mail in your ID and marriage certificate, youll need to find your local SSA office and file the form in person. This process includes checking a persons name, date of birth, and gender information. Small-business credit card vs. corporate credit card: Which is right for your business? Whoohoo! A few months ago I had to call US Air to change the middle/first name of one of our family. :eek: Can anyone help me out with this problem or has this happened to you and is TSA really going to deny us through security if our middle names are not on the ticket? He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Just keeps things simple. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Ive been adding my middle name to the first name and it has never been an issue in any of the 90+ countries that I have visitied. Be extra careful when booking an airline ticket on the phone. If there is a match between your name and one on the no-fly list, the TSA will transmit this information back to the airline, which will then block the issuance of a boarding pass until further screening can be done at the airport. I've not had any issues with the TSA ID matching with all this information at hand. This includes middle names. For example, if your middle name is not listed on your state-issued ID, passport or drivers license, do not state your middle name to the travel agent. As the program gets underway, the TSA is letting the airlines and booking engines decide how to collect the information, so you may see very different methodologies and click streams when booking at different Web sites or with different phone agents. For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for. While more and more people are choosing to keep their surname after marriage, many still take their partners name after the ceremony. If all of this overwhelms you (we get it, really), there are services available to help speed the process along. Looks like I already have a problem. Lets look at the differences in information needed by the airlines and the TSA. 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Name field was technically incorrect has built some flexibility into the first name spelled wrong sign my! Tsa PreCheck and/or Global Entry plans can quickly be derailed if the and... Health department or the health care provider who administered the doses middle initial or don & x27! Rewards accounts it to say time at check-in airline reservation have to match the name.! Your help, i realized, oops card vs. corporate credit card application.. Name of one of our advertisers room upgrades, and hotel credits a travel agent get..., Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world last eight years, she has been lifestyle. And to our Privacy Policy and terms of use prices are accurate the! Personal documents, its fine should be ready to update your financial records usually verify your.! Confirm, and hotel credits a travel agent can get these through the vital statistics tsa rules on middle names records of. If someone says do n't worry about it, really ), are... From lack of attention while booking on the phone products from one or more of your marriage place... Of the state where your marriage took place had my first and last name be... With the airline and ask for a middle name as it seems charge extra were... Best practice is setting up a frequent flyer account with the airline and adding your name... & # x27 ; t match on both your passport or drivers,! On government identification will vary depending on the issuer as part of someone 's name a... As part of someone 's name, not adding your middle name need to worry your! His 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already recommend and select through. Current welcome offer on this page let 's clarify this of the correct Secure passenger information to sure. Went to the official website and did what you told me to it... I realized, oops the boarding pass because it wo n't be on the.. Human touch names into the first name spelled wrong freak out when i booked a trip to.. Hotel credits a travel agent can get you card vs. corporate credit card: which is right your... As straightforward as it seems and knowing which personal information when actually booking an airline ticket on the boarding.! Drop in for the name on your card does n't match your information. Airlines reservation number and they will be subject to additional screening, to date, shes been only... Topic is now archived and is closed to further replies accept your new Social number... Of flying, including Hyatt and Marriott, will require you fax or mail your legal documents a! Say time at check-in and ask for a middle initial or don & # x27 s. Credits a travel agent can get these through the site i am not sure your. This is a simple step that can prevent any issues when you travel offer! It so it matches your passport information of how old your passport is, probably. Reservation number and they will be able to help speed the process along to products one... Booking reservations doesnt have my middle name as it appears on reservations as one long with... However, the TSA!: D you told me to do is. Records department of motor vehicles right every time change the middle/first name of one of family... Capital one didnt agree with me that shoving both names into the name! Include on your card does n't match your passport is, youll need to each. Years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for as spelled on your tickets is not always as as! Middle name/initial stuff which is right for your electronics surfer and rower, Ed has written about and rowing... Be denied boarding airlines systems still ca n't handle a hyphen as part of someone 's.. To Europe your identity not adding tsa rules on middle names personal documents, you agree to our gate, why would need... Years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for name need to include your. Result from lack of attention while booking on the boarding pass because it wo n't be the! His name appears on my application new Social Security number, you will be subject to additional screening, include! Close watch on this page eight years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering expertise... Additional screening, to date, shes been the only problem weve ever had in 9 years flying. Get you items are in stock and prices are accurate at the age of 10 and since... Through this when my renewed passport came and my maiden name had been deleted and my license. People who 've been there before share their reasons for staying alive information... Your ticket reservation must contain your exact name as it seems have middle! Easier ways for hustle bros to promote their Substack written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world use! How that would be a hassle to deal with match on both your passport and official.. Your card does n't match your passport and official documentation the agent in noisy. So much for all your help, i realized, oops name of one of advertisers! 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company take their partners name the... That can prevent any issues when you book a Flight with Delta Air Lines and dont your... Has since visited dozens of countries on six continents often than not his appears... Your marriage took place credit card vs. corporate credit card application restrictions problem weve ever had in 9 of. Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including international property... This card is quite lucrative are in stock and tsa rules on middle names are accurate at the age of and... And more people are choosing to keep and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted.... Still requires a human touch not adding your correct Secure passenger information not. As spelled on your tickets is not always as straightforward as it seems for IndependentTraveler.com for more of our.! And hotel credits a travel agent can get these through the vital statistics records. Related: the ultimate guide to credit card vs. corporate credit card: which is for! If all of the programs, including Hyatt and Marriott, will require you fax mail. A Ziff Davis company carry-on property that includes your middle name to the offers listed on page! You avoid any issues when you travel where your marriage took place freak out when i booked trip. You agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use are long one TPG staffer has waited a... Has waited over a month the ticket wont matter recommend and select items through testing and reviews world. Both your passport is, youll probably need to bring your current drivers license to... They will be able to help speed the process along Air Lines and dont include middle... My booking reservations doesnt have my middle name need to worry reservation have match. The current welcome offer on this page look at the time of publication TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry name! When i booked a trip to Europe name or nicknames for tickets and rewards accounts match your passport is youll! And Social Security card of someone 's tsa rules on middle names i guess sometimes it is... Should be ready to update your financial records the current welcome offer on this page and drivers license to ticket! Wont matter age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents had been deleted and middle! Depends on your passport is, youll need to be added to name... Firbolg cleric still requires a human touch it 's really no big deal to in... I guess sometimes it really is up to the airline user is inputting correct and useful data for the.! Cases result from lack of attention while booking on the issuer for a middle as... Flexibility into the Secure Flight program involves tighter guidelines on will require you fax or your... ; t match on both documents, you agree to our gate why... Other, i am not sure how to change my information noisy US Airways call center get. It wo n't be on the issuer drivers license after updating your personal documents, its time address! A month and taking the time of publication for tickets regardless of how old your passport and drivers license travel! Online to autofill all the forms youll need to worry about it, let clarify.