So my boss booked a ticket for me once under his nickname for me, which didn't match up at all with my given name. I brought with me some papers and supporting evidence from my employer at the time including a certified letter saying the ticket was booked for me under the nickname.

I arrived early at the airport and needed a manager's approval. The approval took no time at all, but getting the manager was a pain (the supervisor was an idiot).

Basically what it came down to in my case was that my Visa to get into China was fine. The visa was under the name that matched my passport so it was fine. Other than that, the airline was happy to fly me. They just didn't want to have to pay the fine or fly me back. Come to think of it, I have never once had a customs official look at my airline ticket.