I have a question about airlines and ticketing errors.

[Wapsie B]

I am going to Seattle next month and taking a friend along. When I made the reservation through Orbitz I put down the name I know them by. However, afterwards we were talking about it and my friend's legal name is different but only by two letters. I have been told there is no way I can correct my mistake and put her legal name on the ticket now. I am having a real difficult time understanding why I can't do this. I realize when going through the security and boarding process the name on the ticket has to match the name on their legal documents. But why can't I correct this error now? This is beyond me.

I wrote to Orbitz customer service and called their phone line as well. I just wrote back a reply similar to this post asking to talk to a person higher up the food chain there. sigh............

[GOPisEvil]

1. I would contact the airline directly instead of dealing with Orbitz.

[Wapsie B]

2. Yeah that's my next step.

From what Orbitz told me NW Airlines won't even think of dealing with such a thing and will cancel my tickets back home if I'd even try.

[Haole Girl]

3. TSA is getting very picky about this

They've sent a bulletin to travel agencies this week, in fact, telling them if they use the middle initial (only) instead of spelling out the entire middle name of a passenger, the passenger might be denied boarding.

My suggestion: Call Orbitz back, first. Ask to speak with a supervisor. Tell them you have heard, from the airlines, there is a way they CAN reissue the ticket-- even if a fee is required.

IF, and only if, you have exhausted your options with Orbitz, try calling the airline directly. At first they will tell you, "It is a travel agent ticket, there is nothing we can do about it." And I'm telling you, that is 90% of the time correct. But ask to speak with a supervisor anyway. Sometimes, there are ways to reissue a travel agency ticket with extra fees.

Good luck. It's really unfortunate that the TSA is being so particular. I know it is supposed to be for everyone's safety, but it is a real headache with certain typos, etc.

Let me know how it turns out, ok?

:hi:

[Wapsie B]

4. I was waiting around for your expertise on this matter.

I knew you'd have knowledge that a layperson like me wouldn't have. If worst came to worst could I just cancel my return flight and purchase a new set of tickets for home? I will certainly let you know how it turns out. Thank you. :)

:hi:

[Haole Girl]

11. Well...

as far as not using the ticket now, I'm not sure that is a good solution. The ticket will always have to match the name.

Up until recently, TSA was not so particular about just two letters being different.

Hope it works out! :hi:

[Wapsie B]

14. Yes I know it would be more expensive buying two new one-way tickets

with the correct name. But I don't want it to come to that.

:hi:

[Haole Girl]

15. Question:

Is this the return portion of a round trip ticket?

If so, there is no way to change it once part of it is flown.

[Wapsie B]

16. Yes it's the return portion.

Crap.

[Haole Girl]

17. So, your friend got through security ok on the outbound?

:shrug:

[Wapsie B]

18. We haven't left yet. Not until early June.

The trip is not underway until that time.

[Haole Girl]

19. If the ticket is an entirely unused ticket (round trip or one way)...

you might be able to change the name with a reissue. If any part of it is flown, you cannot. Hope this helps. :hug:

[Wapsie B]

20. How would I go about getting a reissue?

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

21. Depends on the airline and fare rules

I'm going to send you a PM. :hi:

[Wapsie B]

22. Thank you!

:hi:

[Left Is Write]

5. Wait...we need to spell out our middle names now?

I have a ticket for travel next month that uses only my middle initial.

[Wapsie B]

7. Sounds like you better get this resolved pronto.

[Haole Girl]

8. Let me clarify...

this is in the case where a passport has the middle name spelled out. It mostly comes into play with international flights. It's going to be a real pain. I hope the travel agent I spoke with today was exaggerating. The airlines didn't get the bulletin yet.

[Left Is Write]

12. Oh, okay. No, this is domestic travel.

[GOPisEvil]

6. What if I do not use a middle name or initial?

I normally do not.

[Haole Girl]

9. Please see above. nt

[GOPisEvil]

10. Oh ok. Thanks!

Whew - not going abroad any time soon.

[NYC_SKP]

13. I'd go to that airline's ticket counter.

I've had similar problems with tickets issued in the wrong name.

Never had luck over the phone, it's hard to do anything over the phone and even after the call until a new ticket is issued one doesn't feel secure.

If it wasn't to far to the airport I'd take care of it at the counter, if all else fails.

:patriot: