Hi all, i've read almost every post I can find on this issue but I am still concerned.

My first name is Terrence on my passport and I have booked the tickets in the name of Terry. As expected KLM are not interested as I booked it via Travelocity.

I have spoken to Travelocity who say I must buy another ticket, they will refund the original ticket minus a �45 admin fee. Furthermore it will take 16 weeks to refund my original ticket due to the funds being paid to the airline

Surely this is rediculous? I probably wouldn't be that fussed about making hte name change, however I am flying to Beijing then onto Hong Kong with an internal flight (Dragon Air). Seeing i'm going to China I really want my documentation to be perfect as you can imagine.

Any thoughts?


EDIT: I've also just seen this from Dragonair
Travel document check at Hong Kong International Airport
Last Updated: 13 October 2008

For immigration and security purpose, starting from 3 November 2008, passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport should take note that there will be a travel document check at entry into the departure immigration halls to ensure that passenger’s name printed on boarding pass is, in full, the same as printed on passport.

Should you require assistance at the airport, please proceed to our check-in counters.

I know of a number of people who had problems with incorrect first names (though I have personally had a number of 'lucky' escapes when my travel agent made a mistake, single letter only) or with married vs maiden names. Most were in the end allowed to board but this was on European flights or flights to 'non sensitive' destinations, i.e not the US.

Just a guess but the special caution for China may be related to the way Chinese names are spelled in the Roman alphabet.

In the end it will depend on whether someone is diligent and spots it, but this is probably not a risk worth taking.

Try calling KLM reservatons in the UK, they may be able to amend the e-ticket rather than issue a new one.

Just for info, the FAQ at the KL website state:

They won't - because the ticket was booked through a travel agent. If you booked through a travel agent you won't even get through to a human being with KLM, unless you lie to the call gate:

"If you booked through a travel agent press 3"

"Please contact your travel agent. Goodbye".

The question of name changes/corrections on airline tickets seems to be one about which a lot of people have stories to tell:

http://www.travel-rants.com/2007/06/...change-debate/

Assuming the OP has a British passport one solution (suggested by my other half) might be to get the passport endorsed with the alternative version of his name. I am told that this is something that can be done with British passports.

Thanks a lot for the replies...

I've looked into this and Travelocity and their 'helpful' indian based call centre are hindering me. I have an email from them basically saying that they can refund the ticket, issue me another one at exactly the same price minus �45 admin fee. I'm happy to do this. However speaking to them on the phone today they say i'll have to buy the new ticket at the current rate (This is twice what i paid for it two days ago!) bringing the tickets from �670 to �1300!!

So should travelocity be unhelpful still....this is my thought process. I'm unwilling to pay double so think I would take a chance. This is where I see potential hurdles..

When checking in in the UK, staff issue my tickets and will confirm flyer/passport. I think they shouldn't see an issue as most people would know that Terry is short for Terrence. That'll get me to Beijing. Then I presume immigration will just look at passports/visas so there would be no issue with the misspelt ticket there. Obviously I may get the same hurdles on the way back.

I've looked into an alteration on the passport doesn't seem possible too. And yeah you're right, KLM don't like to answer the phone to peasents like myself.

I'm afraid that is the way it is going to be.

your ticket rules might prevent it from being canceled and you can only use the funds from the canceleation to buy a new one at the current rate

I had a similar issue last month where I actually booked the wrong month and had to change the ticket and this was within 15 minutes of ticketing

I had "wrong" first name on many flights. Never was a problem. At one or two occasions they ask. I explained it was the popular way of saying my name, which is true.

I agree, if last name is correct en it says Terry instead of Terrence, I would take the gamble.

If you have a European Passport, call the passport office and ask if they can ask your "calling" name to your "given" names. Many will add that, and it will be a lot cheaper and easier for you in the future.

What everyone else said. With respect to the 16 weeks for a refund, I'd say that's about normal. It should be illegal but unfortunately it isn't.