I am about to travel to Bangkok from LAX on Friday. I actually won the trip to Thailand and its been a bit crazy getting everything together in time for my spring break, but finally I have all the details. However, I noticed a problem today and I am not quite sure what to do.

The booking was completely handled by a travel agency/booking agency in Thailand, and all the information transferred by me was handled by correspondance with the company's U.S. representative who acted as the intermediary between me and the contacts in Thailand.

Anyway, when they asked me to provide my name and my girlfriend's I spelled her first name as Josie. That's her name and is what is on her Arizona Driver's License. However, I just found out her passport has her name written as Josephine. All her other information is the same (middle and last name).

My question: Is this a major problem? I didn't handle the ticket transactions so I'm not sure if I could call Thai Airways and fix it by Friday, and I am almost positive they are non-refundable (economy restricted).

Will they let her onboard? I've never flown internationally and not sure just how strict they are when it comes to things like the first name and abbreviations, and I've been looking for an answer all night to no avail. Any help or input would be GREATLY appreciated! This whole process has been exhausting and I would really hate to have the trip ruined due to this tiny mistake.

International passport/ticket identity mismatch could pose a problem. I would call the organizers of the trip immediately and ask them to reticket it. If they are unhelpful, absolutely call the airline. The last thing that you want to do is show up at the airport and be turned away...

This could be a major problem and I would get it rectified ASAP. Most airlines, if not all, will not allow passengers to travel where the name does not match. They may make allowances for slight differences (I travelled with a friend once and I mis-spelt her name when making the booking i added an "h" where there wasn't one and BA were able to make a note saying that the name had been mis-spelt on the booking and she was able to travel) however in your instance the name is completely different and will most certainly need a ticket re-issue.

Here's another that echo that it will be a problem. Some agents in the US may let it slide but immigration in BKK will definitely give you a problem. The organizer will probably tell you to contact the airline but try him/her first anyway.

drew

I always travel with a different name on my ticket vs. on my passport (similar to Josie and Josephine). The only time that I have a problem is checking in with the airline in the US. It has been resolved, a couple of times, by accepting a SSSS (secondary screening). Online check in is also a good alternative if available. I have never had a problem outside of the US. Welcome to FT and have a great trip!