isabeloh

Back in April 2009 I booked my envoy award tickets for PHL-MAD for Feb 2010 online. As soon as the transaction went through, I noticed that my middle initial was duplicated (IsabelMM vs IsabelM) despite it being correct in my DM account. This is the only error and it didn't happen to my husband's ticket.

I IMMEDIATELY picked up the phone and called customer service, gave them my confirmation number, and was told not to worry about it, it "happens sometimes online" but wasn't a big deal and it didn't need to be changed. I promptly forgot about it.

Now, of course, airport security's changed a bit in the past week or so and my trip's getting closer. It's such a small error but the last thing I want is to be denied boarding next month. I've emailed customer service about it but I received an auto-response that I'll get a response in 4-5 business days.

So, clearly, I have 4-5 days to totally obsess. I tried a dummy ticket purchase today and noticed that the middle initial is no longer pre-populated, instead it has a tip to 'enter middle initial as shown on photo ID' in that slot.

So..... Is this a big deal or am I making a mountain out of a molehill? Any talking off the ledge is appreciated. We only get to travel once a year and I don't want to screw it up. Thanks.

GoodOmens

I've had my last name misspelled on a ticket a few weeks ago and at the advice of customer service (not to worry), nothing happened. It was a small misspelling (an extra letter) and security didn't make a peep on going through. As long as the misspelling is a letter or two you shouldn't have a issue.

If it really bugs you, call back and speak to a supervisor. I believe (but couldn't find proof) that spelling errors are allowed to be corrected without fees. If someone chimes in differently let me know and I'll edit this.

treznor

Seriously doubt it will be a problem.

newbiztraveler

Ever since my corporate travel agent required us to enter middle names for the new TSA requirement, the same thing has happened to me every week. The first name on the ticket is combined with the middle name. I've heard that there is no space for a middle name, so they just lump them together.

I haven't had any problems with this and I've flown many times with my name jumbled as you describe.

dtremit

As it's an M I seriously doubt you'll have a problem. United, for example, grafts MR onto the end of my name on every ticket, so I end up as DANIELRMR. My guess is you somehow ended up as ISABELMMS and the S got cut off.

shyam99

I have been using my middle name & last name on all my bookings, not including the first name, and no issues to date.

libuser

DMV messed my name and it is wrong on my ID vs the passes. Never had a problem to date. Nothing to worry about. If it is within a few letters you should be fine.

CMK10

I had my first name mispelled (Charlers instead of Charles) on a ticket in 2008 and nothing happened. I wouldn't be too worried.

isabeloh

Thanks for all of the reassuring replies, I really appreciate it.

intheairagain

I had my first and last names reversed on a ticket and sailed right threw without a question...

isabeloh

I'd already been reassured by you folks, but thought I should share the nice reply I finally got back tonight.... I assume she meant international and not domestic?

***************

Thank you for visiting usairways.com.

We have documented the reservation with the passenger's correct name
spelling. For domestic tickets, we do not reissue the tickets for
simple spelling errors. You may check in for travel as you normally
would. Please contact us at 800-428-4322 for any further assistance and
we would be happy to assist you.

You should not have a problem and if the airport does not like it they
will reissue the ticket with only the one M.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reply
or call our Internet Support Desk at (800) 327-7810. We know that you
have many choices and we thank you for choosing US Airways.

Sincerely,

Penny Williams
Internet Support Specialist
US Airways

treznor

If you do that make sure the name is the same on your Dividend Miles account and the name you book with. My Dividend Miles account used to be my middle and last name (as that's what I typically go by) but my tickets were booked under my first and last name (as that's how my travel agent at work does it automatically). Flew for years like that until I started flying partners and international a lot and started having problems with my miles crediting. After updating my name on my Dividend Miles account no more problems...

kshanew

even Intl will likely be OK - I've flown 2 TATL flights in the last few days with my first and middle names merged with no trouble. My traveling companion on one of those had additional characters appended to her first name and also had no trouble...