Delta ticketing name issue
 

I have recently started using my full middle name on my tickets to match my trusted traveler Global Entry name. For an upcoming flight I had to use a TA and when I checked the ticket on-line it shows my middle name as part of my first name. I tried to correct it on-line but was unable to do so. Since I am Delta Platinum I called the 800 premium number and the Delta agent I spoke to laughed and said it was a common occurrence and that since it was a TA issued ticket Delta could not change the name but that the TA would have to double space between my first and middle names when reissuing the ticket. The TA said she did so but when I checked on-line it still shows my first and middle names as one name.
So at this juncture I have two questions. 1. Will this type of name snafu effect my chances for PreCheck even though my trusted traveler number is on my reservation? 2. If so, any suggestions as to how to have this name issue corrected on my ticket? Many thanks.

The name on the reservation is NOT what matters for PreCheck. What you need Delta to update is the Secure Flight Data Name fields. This is different from the reservation name. DL can change the Secure Flight Data name fields no problem. You just need to make sure they understand you're not asking to change the name on the reservation. Most agents will understand what/why you're doing this. Whatever is in the Secure Flight Data name field must match what is in the system for your GE. Of course they also need your KTN to be entered, and a correct DOB and sex type.

To find this information pull up your Itin on Delta.com Scroll down there will be a link that says Passenger Information. Click on it. Scroll down a little farther and you'll see Secure Flight Data. This is what needs to match 100% for PreCheck. You have to call DL to alter the name in this field, but unlike the reservation name this can easily be done.

My tickets are always issued under a reservation with only first and last name. However in the Secure Flight Data fields I have First Middle and Last all entered since my GE uses all three.

First many, many thanks for the fast response. I checked again on-line and my name is correct in the Secured Flight Passenger Data Field as is my DOB, sex type and Trusted Traveler No. So it looks like I am okay

You can't change the Secure Flight Data within 72 hours of departure, although apparently if the ticket is purchased within 72 hours, you can enter the information.

Also, in your case, since the GE card normally has the name the same as the passport, be careful about your middle name on international tickets where you may be required to have the passport match the ticket.

Since I am also flying on Air New Zealand I will double check that reservation. Thanks.

FYI Air New Zealand won't give you PreCheck access. Currently it's most all US carriers, plus Air Canada. While they still need the same information, when a flight is on them you won't get PreCheck for it.

That I know. My only concern vis-à-vis Air New Zealand was that I did not want any issues checking in if my ticket name did not exactly match my passport name

You can change it, but you have to call in to change it, no changes can be done online.

As for the name and passport, all DL and most airline care about is that the first and last names match. If a middle name is on the passport but not BP or is on BP but not passport DL will still allow you to travel. What they won't allow is someone to travel with first/last name different then when it on the passport. If for example you get married and take your spouses last name. You however don't update your passport. You must be ticketed as the name in the passport. If you go to court and change your first name, but dont change your passport, then you must ticket under the name on the passport. A number of airlines don't even print middle names. My middle name is on my passport, but my DL reservations are all only first/last name.

I said "you can't" meaning that you can't do it yourself online. In some cases, you can call to make a request and a phone agent will make changes but AFAIK this requires that DL resubmit the info to TSA (within 72 hours), so they're reluctant to make changes IME. Also, when it's done by phone, I worry that mistakes could be made that result in SSSS or other trouble.

Similarly, I didn't say that every airline will fuss about the middle name on an international ticket but some could, or some foreign airport security or passport control officials could cause a bit of difficulty. It's better to just have the documents match from the beginning if possible to be sure.

Everytime I book with Delta Vacations this happens to me, both my reservation and my Secure Flight Data in my main Delta profile pull my middle name out of the 'middle name' field and append it to my first name even though it was correct prior to my DV trip.

I've called and had DL fix it before but this last time the phone agent didn't know how to do it so I gave up after trying to explain it to her five times what was wrong.

Have flown several times since and no problem yet with PC appearing (I have GE) so not sure how much of an issue it is but YMMV as always...