Originally Posted by
GUWonder
Most commonly people still manage to fly on ticketed bookings with supposedly reverse name order. The check-in agent may have to pull up your record with the alphanumeric record locator and manual entry of the opposite name from what comes up in the passport swipe, but it generally works fine. The passport data can still be stored and transmitted however it should even when then ticketed name order is supposedly reversed.
Lots of people with roots in various parts of Asia and Africa have traditions of family name being the first name and then personal name being the last name. While some agents may make an issue of it and ask someone else what to do, I've seen lots of people fly in such situations without problems beyond the check-in mini-delay.
This isn't a guarantee that the past will repeat itself as it most commonly has, but even now it's generally not a trip stopper.
Thanks for your detailed reply. I've also asked some cx flight attendants. Some say it should be fine but it depends on the ground staff and airport. The reason I'm concerned is that they may be strict in Paris because of the recent attack. I'm not sure if it affects it. Honestly, I think the switch is not a big deal as the name completely matches the passport in a wrong order. I am just worried I won't be able to get to fly or not able to change the name in check in.