Can I still get on board a plane if my ticket is issued in my maiden name and my passport is in my married name?

by Lisa
(St. Augustine, FL)

Question: When I made my reservations with Price Line, my passport was still under my maiden name (that was in March/April). I had to cancel since my husband got sick. I want to use my credit with Price Line again since my husband is better now. I have since renewed by passport with my married name since it expired in June. I haven't received it yet, but I should be getting it shortly. I planned on going to Jamaica in September. Now Price Line says I can't get on the plane with my new passport with my married name since the ticket is in my maiden name. First they said they could do it for $150, then it was for $30...now they say I can't do it at all. Is this true? My trip is paid for and I have already lost some money since I had to cancel. Can you please help me by answering my question? Thank you so much.

PS Can I bring my marriage license that shows my maiden name on it?

Answer: Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer. TSA's Secure Flight Program requires both the name in your passport and the one on your ticket be an exact match. However, many people find themselves in your situation. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of blog posts and forum threads that discuss airline ticket and passport with different names. From all that we have gathered, here are our conclusions.

1. It is quite difficult, if not impossible, to get the name changed on your ticket. If you do happen to find someone willing to assume responsibility and change your name, you will probably be charged a considerable fee.

2. The vast majority of people end up traveling without changing one name to match the other.

3. We have never read of anyone who was denied boarding because they had one name on the ticket and another in the passort, especially in the case of maiden and married names.

Following are some recommendations.

1. Contact the airline directly and attempt to change the name on your ticket. If you are told that it is not possible or that you will be charged a fee, ask if the representative can just make a note to the fact that your ticket was purchased in your maiden name but your passport has your married name in it.

2. Along with your current passport, take your old passport that has your maiden name in it, evidence of the legal name change (e.g., marriage certificate and your driver's license. Take your old and new driver's license with you if you have both. If you have not updated your driver's license, then don't. This way you will have an ID with your maiden name (driver's license) and another with your married name (passport). TSA's website states that the purpose of the Secure Flight Program is "to ensure your identification and boarding pass are authentic and validate you are who you say you are." I think that they can do that if you provide the document listed here.

3. Arrive early at the airport. Give plenty of time to work out any problems that may arise due to this issue. If you follow the first two recommendations, there problem won't be any but it's best to be prepared.