Name mismatch and "code 5"
#1
Original Poster


Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: HSV
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K, Marriott lifetime Ti, USMC
Posts: 507
Name mismatch and "code 5"
About two months ago, I booked TOL-DTW-AMS-BCN and back. At the time of booking, the NW agent asked if the name on my passport matched the name on my WP account. I said no, because I don't use my given first name-- "Paul" is my middle name. The agent advised me to update my WP account to match my passport name, so I did. I didn't have any trouble with passport control or customs on my trip, which is always good.
On the other hand, I didn't get mileage credit for the trip, nor for a quick SAN-LAX-DTW I booked and flew right before I went to BCN. I used TTU to submit a mileage credit request, and now the flights show up as "code 5". I sent another TTU and was told that the name on my WP account and the name on my WP *profile* don't match, so now I have to change the name on my account to match the name on my profile and ask, again, for the miles to be credited. This seems like quite a bit of extra hassle, so consider this a heads-up if you're in a similar situation.
On the other hand, I didn't get mileage credit for the trip, nor for a quick SAN-LAX-DTW I booked and flew right before I went to BCN. I used TTU to submit a mileage credit request, and now the flights show up as "code 5". I sent another TTU and was told that the name on my WP account and the name on my WP *profile* don't match, so now I have to change the name on my account to match the name on my profile and ask, again, for the miles to be credited. This seems like quite a bit of extra hassle, so consider this a heads-up if you're in a similar situation.
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Location: MSP - NW Gold - PC Plat - Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 2,478
I am amazed that you were asked a question like that. Mine is different and I sure as heck won't let them know that. It is just an initial, but it is different.
#3




Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: NW Plat, SPG Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 116
About two months ago, I booked TOL-DTW-AMS-BCN and back. At the time of booking, the NW agent asked if the name on my passport matched the name on my WP account. I said no, because I don't use my given first name-- "Paul" is my middle name. The agent advised me to update my WP account to match my passport name, so I did. I didn't have any trouble with passport control or customs on my trip, which is always good.
I've *never* had a problem with any immigrations control officers. Look at it this way.... my passport, as I believe all passports do, has first-middle-last name listed. Most people buy their airline tickets and have their FFB numbers listed first-last. Immigrations officers look at the passport and ignore the middle name. The one or two two times they raised an eyebrow, I simply said "I use my middle name", they "get it", and wave me on. Its just a matter of what name they ignore on the passport.
Sorry you have to go through all this hassle on this one agent's advice.

