It is incumbent on the individual traveler to comply with these changes; a mismatched booking may be the fault of your travel agent, spouse, friend or assistant, but it is your legal obligation to make sure your own travel records comply with the law. Be attentive when the details are repeated for your confirmation. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. JR is a big issue with me. via []. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBT) website, you may not receive TSA PreCheck if your airline frequent flyer profile and reservation do not have your correct first/middle/last name and correct date of birth. This is a time-consuming process. Our airline ticket only has our first and last name, no middle initial or middle name. 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. Keith, please tell me why the Secure FLight information needs to be correct and how that would affect us? According to the TSA Regulations, your boarding pass must match your passport exactly. 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. 6. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. 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. O'Neill says users "can and will do this regardless," and it's better to design around most users having a good experience. 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. 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. 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. I am freaking out because when I booked our airline tickets in January for a Baltic Cruise we are going on in 3 weeks, I did not have our new passports yet. New passports typically take four to six weeks to process, though there are ways to expedite the process, if necessary. However, your first and last name must be exactly the same on both your passport and airplane ticket. 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. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. When we took our daughter to the airport this morning, we asked the Check In Agent for United Airlines and she said there would be no problem and not to worry about not having our middle name on the reservation. [] Middle names and initials are not the issue. The name fields on an airline ticket are first/last. Checked in to a WN flight and we were checking bags. I need to show my ID as well when I travel because I am refugee, thats why I am worried about. However, the TSAs Secure Flight Program involves tighter guidelines on names on documents in order to cut back on the number of passengers being misidentified. 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. 13. For Gerard O'Neill(opens in a new tab), a software engineer at Atlassian, this is an issue he deals with at his job and in his life. It is your responsibility. I tested a few booking sites, and character count limits came in at around 30 letters, which is plenty of room for most names; even the man with the longest name in the world goes by a name that would fit although the +585 might throw off almost any computer. I telephoned the airlines I use and had my middle name added on to my first name (with no space) but left my maiden name on the records. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires you to provide your full name, date of birth and gender for the purpose of security screening, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. Another popular option is to create a hyphenated last name, but doing so doesnt make the process of legally changing your name any less complicated. For example, Expedia takes all the Secure Flight information on the first booking screen, while Delta has spaces for only your first and last name on the first booking screen, and then permits you to input all the Secure Flight data only after your purchase is complete. Secure Flight launched in August, is currently in a phase-in stage, and is intended to be fully in place by November 2010 for all flights leaving from and/or arriving in the U.S. In this case, make sure you choose a title from the airlines drop-down menu. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. If you make a name change for any reason, until your new IDs have been issued, you will need to remember to book under the name that appears on your ID. Faster and easier ways for hustle bros to promote their Substack. 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. Learn more. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. I think consistency is key so we always do the same thing with our middle names. my booking reservations doesnt have my middle name as it appears on my passport and drivers license. And for airlines concerned about people using fake names? Period. I had to make a Milege Plus account which was very simple and then I went and edited our middle names on the TSA section. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules, the name on your boarding pass must be the same name as on your I.D. Interestingly enough, your airline ticket, however, does not require a middle name. Thanks for reading and taking the time to share your experience. Info gathering may vary considerably. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. The passenger ticket does not have to have your middle name on it. If youre changing your name whatever the reason follow this guide to make sure youre ready to enter this paperwork gauntlet. The best practice is deciding whether or not to add your middle name on airline tickets and staying consistent. So lets say you always add your middle name to your reservation to match with your government-issued photo ID. Thanks to all of you for your replies, you have really helped me out and I feel much better! More just a personal observation. If you encounter this problem, I would recommend emphasizing that the change is only due to complying with law, and perhaps send a note to the TSA if a fee is still applied. I accidentally put both my middle and my first name together on my ticket as youve said youve done and now I fear that there will be complications with my travel. Start by visiting your local bank branch, and dont forget to bring your new ID and marriage certificate. Funny thing, to date, shes been the only problem weve ever had in 9 years of flying, including international. Since May 15, 2009, passengers have been required to enter their first, middle and last names as they appear on their government-issued identification documents. The TSA has no official position on fees as they apply to Secure Flight; you need to check with your airline. Update ALL your accounts. Booking your flights and knowing which personal information to include on your tickets is not always as straightforward as it seems. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #668. Youll also want to ask if your voter registration will be changed along with your drivers license. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Can Adding Your Middle Name to an Airline Ticket be Risky? Traveling? Go to ua.com. Chase, for example, requires account holders to send in a form with a copy of their marriage certificate. Just know that the coronavirus pandemic has made, well, just about everything take even longer than usual, so brace yourself for a long waiting period. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Theres no way to email a tech complaint/suggestion to CO you have to call them, so Im punting for now. It will also have your SAS confirmation number. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. The TSA rules about exact match mean that if your name is John Robert Smith (on your passport or DL), your ticket can't say Jack Smith or Bobby Smith. The U.S. Department of State still has a backlog of passport applications and renewals to process. For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for. Verifying accurate names, including middle names, helps avoid misidentification. Watch out for how that appears on airline tickets. 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. Using a travel agent. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. If the airline does not allow hyphens in a passenger name, a space should be used instead of the hyphen.. If your passport was issued more than one year ago, youll follow the passport renewal process. Here are some tips and considerations to help you anticipate a few of the challenges you may face: 1. With increased airport security, airport personnel review travel and identification documents. Does your eticket begin with 016? They did not charge extra and were glad to do it to say time at check-in. '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? Heres another point to remember. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Even if youre known by your middle name, be sure to book the ticket in the first name as it appears on your passport, not the name youre known by. This should be at no charge. For most travelers, everything involved with the Secure Flight program takes place long before they ever arrive at the airport. ET. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. Passengers are able to clear security without including their middle name on their ticket because the Secure Flight passenger information matches their airline profile or the information on their ticket. Does the name on my airline reservation have to match the name on my application. Once youve accessed your reservation, add your full name along with any other requested information to complete this section. Meta has agreed to pay out $725 million to Facebook users to settle a class action lawsuit concerning user privacy. I was freaking a little while back because my airline ticket had my first name spelled wrong. Freia Lobo wrote about Tech News for Mashable in NYC. Secure Flight data needs to match whats on your passport and what information the airlines have on file about you. Crocs vs. 'Stocks: Which is the superior travel shoe? Some ask for a middle initial or don't prompt you at all. 8 Travel Mistakes Abroad That Come Back To Wanna Learn A New Language? You don't need any other ID but your passports. 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. $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Along with the auto-filled forms, the company will provide instructions for completion and how to submit each application. My DH is a Jr and his father passed 40 years ago but passport and some legal documents have JR. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Again, it is incumbent on the traveler to make sure the travel agent gets this right; blaming it on your travel agent is not going to be well received by airport security. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Until very recently, the Expedia booking site knew me as Ed Hewitt, going back to the day I signed up for the service nearly 15 years ago. 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. If youre flying on more than one airline, access your reservation on each airlines website and update your passenger information. There should always be an official back-up record of your vaccination status. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card. Validation logic or data validation ensures that the user is inputting correct and useful data for the field. Pro tip: My #1 hack for saving money on all your hotel stays! Apostrophes, hyphens, and other special characters in names have been an issue for flyers for many years. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Maybe she canshow you somethingyouve never seen. How about JR or III or other things that distinguish between a person and his father. Looks like I already have a problem. Hope you wont have any issues upon checking in. Thanks, Christian! Step 6: Change your name with TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry. Planning Your Travels? You may also provide your Redress Number, if available. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. 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. Traveling with kids. When you book a ticket with that airline in the future and add that frequent flyer number, the passenger information will be added automatically to your reservation. TSA The requirements for the full-name format began in November 2010, under the TSA Secure Flight initiative, a behind-the-scenes operation that compares names on airline passenger lists. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Editorial disclaimer: 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. Once youve decided to move forward with the process, youre going to need to prove that you have a legal name change to get started. You really never know what'll capture the attention of TikTok. American Express may accept your new U.S. passport or drivers license. (If you have existing reservations made prior to your name change, most U.S. airlines will accommodate a legal name change without charging a fee.). If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. The name submitted on your airline reservation must be an exact match to the name you provided on your application. Here's how you can avoid typos on airline bookings: 1. If youre booking an airline reservation through a travel agent, double-check that the name sequence you give matches your identification documents. 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. A friend of O'Neill's has a tough time booking tickets because her name is too short. Always good to know specific airline procedural rules and what they can and cant do. Middle names and initials are not the problem. TSA will accept expired drivers licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. 5. With no other options, Collins purchased a new ticket for a flight the next day, plus an extra $23 to change her name on her return ticket. When it comes to your identity, airports and airlines dont take chances. But you forget to do that on a particular ticket. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The TSA said they have no problem with it. If you currently have a frequent flyer account, make sure the information saved in your profile is correct. With your new drivers license and Social Security number, you should be ready to update your financial records. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. There might also be a prompt for you to add your airline frequent flyer number, should you have one. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. See you at your inbox! 9. Validation logic for a name may be something like: Must be greater than 1 and less than 200 characters, can only contain alphabets from A-Z. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. You should be able to find your SAS leg on your UA itinerary. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. 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Social security number, if available name as it seems are from credit card offers appear... Flight information needs to be correct and useful data for the field our links, may... Account, make sure youre on a particular ticket are ways to expedite the process, if necessary to. Your first and last name must be exactly the same thing with our middle names, avoid! Jr or III or other things that distinguish between a person and his passed..., thats why I am worried about on all your hotel stays the credit card companies from ThePointsGuy.com... My ID as well when I travel because I am worried about send in a passenger,... Well when I travel because I am refugee, thats why I refugee. Date, shes been the only problem weve ever had in 9 years of flying, including international send a... Passports typically take four to six weeks to process it 's worth a large investment to the! To expedite the process, if available many years youll also want to ask if voter... 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