What if someone has a similar handle to what I'd like to use?

We do a quick check of all new handle requests and if the one you seek is too close to an existing user we will generally ask you to select something less similar. A new user called Randy Peterson would not be approved for example as it may be confused with Randy Petersen. Similarly, Detroit 1K or Detroit_1K would likely not be approved if we already have a Detroit1K registered etc. If any member advises us a new handle appears too similar to an existing one, we will ask the two members to try and amicably work out a solution and advise us of that, before becoming involved.

Can I change my FlyerTalk handle?

The short answer is NO. In general the handle you registered with is the one you are known by during your time in this Community. However, if for instance you started two years back as FargoFlyer and are now based in Tampa, we will allow you as a ONE TIME courtesy to change your handle. To do so you must email a FlyerTalk admin with three username options and a valid reason for wanting to change your handle. You will be asked to keep your old username in your title line for a period of time, depending on the amount of posts that you already have. This will ensure that we avoid any confusion in the community and that your reputation is carried over to your new handle. This is only available to members with fewer than 500 posts and is strictly a ONE TIME offer to members, so please think carefully before asking! (Though the Community Director and Admin will carefully consider other reasons, they're pretty conservative about the issue.)

1. Usernames Link to this Rule: http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#usernames

To post on FlyerTalk, you must register for an account and select a username. The following rules apply to usernames:

• Usernames cannot be a URL or an email address.
  
  
• They must contain only characters of the Roman alphabet and/or Arabic numerals.
  
  
• They are subject to all the other rules of FlyerTalk (e.g. those that forbid the furthering of illegal or fraudulent activities, the use of profanity, vulgarity, hatred, abusiveness and harassment). In other words, appropriateness is required.
  
  
• For privacy purposes, it is strongly recommended that you not use your real name in your username.
  
  
• If your username is long, please incorporate spaces so that it does not distort the column width, or it may be changed by an administrator.
  
  
• Travel industry professionals who are registering an account in order to post in an official capacity on behalf of their employer or company can be identified across FlyerTalk by their green-colored username. In order to obtain such an official designation, please contact the Community Director.
  
  
• You may not use multiple usernames and doing so will subject you to suspension of all usernames you have registered. The only exception to this rule is approved travel industry professionals, who may also have a personal username in addition to their official company username. Contact the Community Director for such approval.
  
  
• Should you have second thoughts regarding your choice of a username, one-time changes can be arranged by contacting the Community Director.