In the early days of FF programs (like 1980's and maybe very early 1990's) they did not name match the number in some cases. However programatically it is easy for a computer to match the name and number, and some systems will block the number going in if it does not match the name. I don't think you would be executed or hauled off to prison for doing this, but at the same time I don't think you would get the mileage credit in your Delta account. But weird things do sometimes happen as listed above. I would also take in to account your friend/co worker. If there is a discrepancy found on check in they may question this person, and they will probably let them go in the end, but it might shake up especially a non frequent flyer especially if they had a problem outside their own country. If your friend gets DL credit for this set of flights, and does something like switch long distance carriers, they might nearly have enough miles for a domestic trip which they could use or gift to someone else. For people that do not fly a lot, they really (perhaps more than we could imagine) appreciate even a coach domestic award. There are a lot of people that fly like evry 5 years and if you gave them a flight it could really make their day/week, etc.

[This message has been edited by jetsetter (edited Mar 06, 2004).]