Hi All,

Read through many previous threads and think I have a handle on this, but want to confirm.

I booked a complex trip for me and my fiance (at the time, now wife). This includes a few partner award bookings (which seems to be an annoyance when changing names).

My wife decided to change her name asap. All of the flights booked are in her maiden name. But her new passport is in her new name (and now linked to Global Entry/TSA Precheck). However, she still has her passport with her maiden name. We don't fly until May, so have plenty of time to address issues.

However, I'm thinking we should be good? She should be able to use her new license/new passport for any TSA requirements, but also will have her old passport with her maiden name to provide to the airlines, which will match the booked ticket. We also will bring a copy of the marriage certificate in case we have any unexpected situations.

Am I missing anything here? I reached out to airlines thinking it'd be easy to change the last name, but clearly that ain't the case.

Well that makes me feel better. Cheers.

I have a slightly different take: Since the name on the ticket does not match the name registered with GE, you would not see the Precheck indication on any boarding pass and you might not be able to use the GE kiosk. I think she would have no problems flying on the outbound (if you bring the old passport), but I don't know how the other country's outbound passport checks work if you present a passport that is not valid to match the name on the boarding pass.

Yeah, I'm not convinced this is the correct answer. Are you and your wife in the US traveling on a US passport? Because the TSA rules are pretty strict for international travel, the names on the passport and the ticket MUST match.

Good point on possibly not being able to use Global Entry. Didn't really think of it being linked to the flight, but it definitely is.

We are both in the US on US passports. But as I mentioned, she has both passports now. I figured she could use either for TSA (they are both still active), and just show the airline the one with her maiden name.

Now I'm getting worried again!

Suppose the Global Entry thing isn't a huge deal, will just take a bit longer...

Same passport number or different passport numbers? According to sources online the only way to get a second valid passport is because one is stamped with a stamp that would prevent you from entering another country, OR one passport is off getting a visa while you need the second to travel. You don't seem to fall under one of those, so are you sure you have two valid passports?

Have your wife download the Mobile Pass app. It is almost as fast as global entry the last three times I've used it.

You are correct. Just looked and the # is different, and the original/maiden name passport is poked with a couple holes like an old driver's license.

The plot thickens.

Is this now a "call every single points program or partner airline and try to get it changed" situation?

Yeah, that means the passport has been invalidated, and can't be used for identification or travel. This is going to be a huge YMMV situation that could be a big issue if trying to travel internationally.

According to this site (not official US passport site): https://www.us-passport-service-guid...rtificate.html


As you said it's a complicated ticket on multiple carriers which means there's multiple opportunities for someone for someone along the way to decide to be problem. I would start calling around and see if you can get the name changed on her ticket or if they will let her fly as is.

Does your wife have any still valid government issued identification that she can still use with her maiden name? A driver's license, concealed carry permit, etc. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-...dentification? If yes she can use that to get through TSA.

However, the issue is going to be boarding the flights. Within the USA she might be able to get away with a passport with new name and ticket with old name along with a marriage license. However, it may be more of an issue coming back when in a foreign country.

My suggestion is start contacting the airlines and see what they will do. I would be prepared to go to the airport as the name change will probably require them to see the marriage license.

FWIW My wife has flown with flights in married name but passport in old name, driver's license in new name with the marriage license.

Good luck.

You guys are all super helpful, and I appreciate it. Some updates -

1. Called Alaska Air (Cathay flight award through them) because I'm freaking out even though it's months away. Was real worried about this, as she has the transpacific in first with no other award availability on BA/Quantas. I held for a few seconds, and they came back and said they'd have it changed and we'd receive confirmation in 3 days. Cross my fingers, but that sounds pretty good.

2. As far as a valid gov't issued ID, she does still have her Global Entry card with her maiden name on it, which is listed on that link you provided. Seems weird since she has already changed her Global Entry name, but I guess that's just in the online system? If it's listed there, maybe she can in fact use that? I'm most concerned if one of these airlines says they need to rebook, which will then open up a can of worms as to whether the availability will show up again (mostly worried about an Etihad apt booking on the way home).

Anyways, thanks again, and I'm happy to listen to more advice!

Had a married name change on a driver's licence. Same numbers and other data including a pic of me. That was not enough to prove it they said.

Bumping this up for similar question. Getting married in September.

Have the second part of our honeymoon booked for next April on a DL award. Completely blanked out and booked in fiancee's maiden name.

Of course re-booking would be a big increase in mileage cost. Since we still have her maiden name passport, could we either wait to officially have the name changed until after April 2019 or wait to change the passport itself until after that date?

She could just continue to use her maiden name for all legal matters, such as passport, driver's license, banking, etc. In the USA, there's no obligation/requirement to change the name upon marriage.

Totally agree with this. I live in the US and never changed my name through two marriages (divorced once, then widowed). While your fiancee may choose to change her name on official documents, there's no requirement that she do it within a specific time frame- or at all. What's most important is consistency among documents. I've never figured out how women use one last name professionally and another socially, especially if they travel for business. When you have a Driver's License, passport, FF accounts, credit cards, employment records, etc. I have no idea how you can use your own name on some and your married name on others and not run into problems.