FREAKING OUT right now! Airline ticket name doesn't match passport!

[mombrontrent]

We are due to fly out in just 4 days. We are Canadians flying out of Buffalo to Orlando using Southwest. I swear I booked my ticket in my maiden name as that is what my passport says but apparently I didn't! I just saw my "confirmation e-mail" from Southwest and happened by chance (good luck?) to notice my name on the ticket is in my married name so therefor does not match my passport.

I called Southwest and they said the only option was to cancel and rebook the ticket at a MUCH higher rate or bring a copy of my marriage certificate (which is from 2002 btw) and TSA should let me through. I am so stressed out right now. Does anyone think it will be a problem just bringing my marriage certificate? Help!

 

[CPT Tripss]

Do you have any government issued ID with your married name? Bring it and your marriage docs. Get to the airport early!

 

[mombrontrent]

Do you have any government issued ID with your married name? Bring it and your marriage docs. Get to the airport early!

My drivers licence is also in my maiden name but my Ontario Health Card with picture is in my married name, not sure if this is a "valid" piece of ID in the USA.

 

[bumbershoot]

Bring it all including the marriage certificate.

 

[Brer Chump]

Can you get a new DL before departure? I would do that since the TSA accepts Canadian Drivers Licenses as IDs.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids

 

[mombrontrent]

Can you get a new DL before departure? I would do that since the TSA accepts Canadian Drivers Licenses as IDs.
No, I really don't have time since I am working, plus they would only issue a temporary paper licence which would not include a picture or anything.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids

Bring it all including the marriage certificate.

I will, thanks. My DH is convinced it should be no problem, but I am still stressed out. I'll be a mess the next 3 days until I board the plane. I couldn't sleep last night at all

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You should be okay. TSA will let you through even if you forget your ID (see the link posted); you'll just face extra scrutiny.

I suggest that you get a new passport in your married name when you get back from your trip.

 

[Meech Loves Mickey]

I had the name on my passport changed shortly after I got married and all they did was put a typed notice on a page WAY in the back that has your new name. I've traveled several different places with that passport and I will say that not one security agent ever looked at the page where the name change was. The only looked at the page with my picture (which still had my maiden name). So I would not worry too much about the name difference. You definitely should bring supporting documentation with you (i.e. marriage certificate, Drivers License, etc.) but I wouldn't stress about it. You will be fine.

 

[mombrontrent]

Thank-you and I hope you are right. But it just to bad that before this happened I was so excited for our trip and now I am just stressed. Hopefully all will be ok.

 

[DebbieB]

The fact that you are flying from Buffalo makes it a domestic flight rather than international, you should be fine.

 

[canadiankim]

I would bring all the I.D. that you have but I don't think the health card is a recognised form of ID. I would even take a utility bill but I think you should be fine. Like the others have said just give yourself plenty of time for extra questions. Good luck

 

[nkereina]

I'm in Buffalo and fly out of that airport frequently. My name has been misspelled before and it never even has been questioned. Not saying you should rely on that, but having the appropriate documentation with you will be good. You should only need the passport at the border when crossing into the States, so for TSA you could use your license or another government issued photo ID that has the right name and you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[dancin Disney style]

I live in Canada too and a friend of mine had a similar problem last year. The ticket was printed as J. B. Smith but her ID is Jane Barbara Smith. She didn't notice the difference until checking in at the airport. She had to have her kids at home fax every document they could find with her name as J.B. They sent things like utility bills and her health card. No one at the airport was concerned as she stated that she had documents at home. Once they had copied it was fine.

So what I'm saying is that as long as you have all your documentation you should be OK. Don't get stressed....you have your passport to cross the border. That's a much bigger deal.

 

[mombrontrent]

I live in Canada too and a friend of mine had a similar problem last year. The ticket was printed as J. B. Smith but her ID is Jane Barbara Smith. She didn't notice the difference until checking in at the airport. She had to have her kids at home fax every document they could find with her name as J.B. They sent things like utility bills and her health card. No one at the airport was concerned as she stated that she had documents at home. Once they had copied it was fine.

So what I'm saying is that as long as you have all your documentation you should be OK. Don't get stressed....you have your passport to cross the border. That's a much bigger deal.

Thank-you! I have been feeling a little better about it but still a little nervous. Tomorrow is the big day. I will update this thread and let everyone know how it turned out.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The TSA will let you on. I have gotten on without any id at all (I don't recommend this, but if you are out of town and lose your wallet stuff happens) They might just be a PIA but you will get on. Just allow a little extra time.

 

[mombrontrent]

The TSA will let you on. I have gotten on without any id at all (I don't recommend this, but if you are out of town and lose your wallet stuff happens) They might just be a PIA but you will get on. Just allow a little extra time.

Thank-you, I am going to try to remain calm

 

[bumbershoot]

The TSA will let you on. I have gotten on without any id at all (I don't recommend this, but if you are out of town and lose your wallet stuff happens) They might just be a PIA but you will get on. Just allow a little extra time.

My father flies without ID on purpose. Hasn't been stopped from getting on a flight yet. (I keep hoping he'll be stopped just so he decides to grow up and get an ID again (this is not a disparagement anyone but him) but he thinks he's a rebel...)