Starwood Preferred Guest - Starwood Lurkers, Need clarification regarding miles transfer..

Hoping you guys can clarify something for me...

Am trying to transfer SPG Points to airline miles(particularly using the Nights & Flights option) and was told by the rep. that the names on both account have to match exactly..and told to update the name on the ptofile which have to fax/email a copy of passport.

BUT..
Say my full name is John Boo Doe

SPG account is John B. Doe
and
Airline Account is John Boo Doe

Isn't this exact enough?
OR does it have to be EXACTLY same?

Should I go ahead with the name change for either one of the account or go ahead with the transfer as it is???
It seems a bit anal-retentive.... :p

Different airlines have different requirements. Some airlines (like British Air) have no match requirement at all. However, it's been reported that other airlines are not as forgiving. It's safest to have an exact match, particularly if you don't want to spend time chasing your points.

...It's safest to have an exact match, particularly if you don't want to spend time chasing your points.

I could not have given any better advice.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Just transfer the points - I can't imagine it not going through. Whats the worst that can happen anyways?

To further comment, SPG has a shorter version of my first name but the airlines have the full one (similar to, for example, Mike and Michael). Transfers went through without any issues to AA, DL, EK, NW, CX, NH and probably a few others.

Just transfer the points - I can't imagine it not going through. Whats the worst that can happen anyways?
Worst that can happen? The SPG points get removed and no airline miles show up. Typically you can get that sorted out, but it could take a couple weeks or more.

Thanks everyone. I will change the name to avoid any problems..
Hate hate chasing for things to post :)