Like a fair number of people, I use my middle name instead of my first. My parents determined that, and it's fine with me. But it may not be fine with the TSA, right?

Now WN and AA are after me for a precise legal name, citing "Secure Flight," as United was some time ago (I travel internationally with them).

But I have no intention of changing my middle name + last name combination with credit card companies, hotels, etc. And therein might lie a problem, perhaps, when it comes time to charge a purchase with an airline, or transfer points to/from a hotel program? I think some programs require that names match exactly.

Who has had a problem in this regard?

And is it really necessary to use your first name instead of your middle name in the "Secure Flight" program?