Passport question

[Dad2Buzz]

Hello all,

I hope you can help me - we are travelling to Florida from the UK in a few months (wife + kids).

The problem is my wife's passport is still in her maiden name, I have booked everything in her maiden name (flights, accomm, tickets etc.). We have travelled a few times in Europe with no problems, but it just dawned on me that the US customs might be a bit more strict, which has made me panic.

She has changed every other form of ID to her married name - is their any chance that US customs will need to see anything in addition to her ticket and passport?

Also, will there be any issues with applying for her ESTA in her maiden name, even though technically the person with this name no longer exists other than a passport?

If anybody has an further advice they think we might need I would really appreciate it. Thanks

(P.S- I have searched the forums for information, but any relevant threads are very old now).

 

[Vickyrowe]

After my wedding in 2011 I flew to Florida under my maiden name , everything was booked in my maiden name as I was the lead passenger, although none of my other documents had come back in my married name yet. I could only see it as being a problem if your DW intends to drive a rental car and needs to show her passport as ID as well as her driving licence , Could you possibly take a copy of your marriage certificate with you to help with any confusion?

 

[Dad2Buzz]

Hi, thanks for the reply. No chance she will drive abroad (too scared lol).

 

[Vickyrowe]

Hi, thanks for the reply. No chance she will drive abroad (too scared lol).

Me too LOL , I'm bad enough in this country , let alone on the other side of the road.

 

[LeaversOnTour]

I travelled to the US using my maiden name about 3 times before I changed my passport, had an ESTA in my maiden name and flight ticket. But the hotels etc were all booked in my married name.

Never had any problems. They will only look at the form and the passport, which cross references the ESTA. As long as they are correct you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[BudgieMama]

I travelled to New York in my maiden name this summer, and am booked for Florida next August in my maiden name too...

I was worried there would be a problem with using my credit card at my hotel, but I explained when we checked in my passport was in my maiden name so my room was in my maiden name (we booked it all through BA), but my card in my married name (and had my husband with same surname next to me). The receptionist told me not to worry- they are used to it.

Just make sure the passport/ticket/ESTA match.

Personally, I chose to book my Disney reservation in my maiden name, so it all tied up, as my passport is my only ID (I don't drive).

 

[Dad2Buzz]

Great, thanks everybody

Puts me at ease a bit. She has a valid passport after all.

 

[SilentK]

I went to Florida 2 - 12 December with passport in my maiden name. Have fun.

 

[Dad2Buzz]

I went to Florida 2 - 12 December with passport in my maiden name. Have fun.

Thank you