Originally Posted by
Explore
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?
With secure flight you need to provide your name as it appears on the ID you will be using at the airport when you take your flight.
My passport has my full name, so I need to provide my full name, as it appears on my passport, when I travel abroad or use the passport for ID.
My drivers license is LASTNAME, FIRST, MI .. so for domestic flights I just provide my first and last names as it appears on my drivers license.
The bottom line - what does your drivers license and passport have? Name will need to match the document you use for the secure flight information submission.
Edit to add:
I've also found TSO's are starting to get strict matching the name as it appears on your ticket to your ID. The ticket name field is different entry than the secure flight field - but I'd suggest your first and last names match your ID to prevent any problems.