Hello fellow travelers,
I recently got married and changed my last name. However, I have yet to change my passport to my new married name. If I were to book an international flight today, and then began the process of changing my passport to my new married name, will I encounter any problems with the airline? I assume I would then have to contact the airline after recieving my new passport to update my ticket information, but I’m wondering if I would be charged for that?(I am looking to book a flight for July of 2019)
Thanks in advance!
Kristy
Posted by
CA
2141 posts
If you have plenty of time to get a new passport, why not book your international flight in your new name?
You can always fly with a passport under your maiden name too unless it is out dated. Just make sure the name you book your flight matches your passport.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Don't expect airlines to allow any name change on your ticket. You need to get that right the first time. If the new name is just amended in the back of the passport, then both names would be there, but if it's time for a whole new passport, they wouldn't.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
It cost at least $250 to get the name on the ticket changed. Airlines charge for everything. If the two names don’t match exactly, you will be denied boarding.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
You can go online and read how to change the name on your passport. A new passport will be issued after you provide them with a certified marriage license and do some paperwork.
Posted by
681 posts
I did this a few years ago and it didn't take too long. Getting a new passport was the simplest. Have you booked your flight? My daughter was denied boarding because her name did not match up. She just simply forgot. Good luck
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17427 posts
Summary: if you want to book the flight tickets today, you have two choices:
—- Assuming your current passport is valid well past July of next year (6 months of validity past your travel dates is advised), you can book the tickets in your former name, exactly as it is written on your passport, and fly with your current passport. No changes required and you will have no problems with the airline. You are simply delaying the process of obtaining a passport in your new name, and there is no law or regulation against that.
—- If you would rather renew your passport before the trip so it reflects your married name, book your flight ticket in your married name, exactly as it will appear on your new passport. Postpone entering your Advance Passenger Information (API) on the tickets until you receive your new passport (or you can enter the current number and amend it later). Then apply for your passport in your new name. My husband just renewed his and it too all of twelve days (but no name change was involved).
You can amend the API on an existing ticket (passport number, expiry date) without charge, but there will be a large fee (generally around $150 or more) to change your name on a ticket after purchase. So that is to be avoided.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you everyone!
Lola-your response was so helpful, I really appreciate it!
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
Not sure which airlines people are flying that they believe still allow name changes, but:
AIRLINES DO NOT ALLOW NAME CHANGES!!
Using the excuse of "security" you will be forced to purchase a new ticket and forfeit the old one if the name doesn't match for an international flight.
Go ahead and purchase your tickets now if you find ones at a price you like. Just be absolutely sure the name you provide is exactly what will be on your passport at the time you fly. No nicknames, no shortened names, no names that you go by but aren't on any document you carry, only exactly what will be on your passport.
Congratulations.