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himmat01 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1392 Location: DEL

Hi guys, I have a small query. I booked tickets on AI for DEL-SIN sector. While booking, I forgot to add my my middle name, "SINGH" and booked only as HIMMAT RATHORE which I normally do on domestic flights.

When I checked up with my friends, they informed me that the name on the ticket must exactly match the name on the ticket. Again checked up with AI through mail and call centre. Got a similar reply and was also told that the names cannot be modified and I will need to cancel my booking and make a fresh booking. I will end up paying Rs. 5300.00 plus the fare difference.

Are the airlines really so particular about this? Should I try to contact the airport office? Will that help?
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Nimish · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 4:40 pm Post subject:

^ I think they can add a comment in the PNR to minimize any confusion. Anyway, having a middle name missing on the ticket should not be too big a deal IMO, but I'm not very sure.

Places where you can get pulled up:

1. CISF at the DEL airport gate - however you say you do this on domestic, so hopefully won't be an issue on intl
2. AI check-in - least of the issues IMO - esp. if you get someone from booking to add a note to your PNR
3. Singapore immigration - I think they are used to the long and confusing Indian names (esp. the Tamilian/ Andhra names with 4-5 initials), and they should be cool.

Similar on the way back, though you'll miss the TLC from the CISF Smile

.
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Spiderguy252 · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 4:55 pm Post subject:

himmat01 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1392 Location: DEL

AI has replied that both the names must match. Normally, I do international bookings through an agent but I think I have goofed up big time here. A loss of Rs. 5000.00 * 3 plus fare difference.

I am trying to minimise the loss. Cancellation charge cannot be avoided. The fare difference is least on SQ. May as well treat the wife and daughter to the A380. They can try the Dreamliner on domestic flights. Smile

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abhigopal · Member Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 172

Usually first and last name should match. More so last name.

Devesh · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 6:19 pm Post subject:

Himmat, just spoke to my cousin who is a travel agent and son of a former Commercial Director of IC.

He told me just call the airline and tell them to put a remark in your reservation saying full name in passport is RATHORE/HIMMAT SINGH.

Get a print out of the PNR with the remark.

IF and it is a big IF, the CISF at the gate questions you, politely tell them, there is no provision for the middle name in the PNR, and that the remarks show the full name as per the passport. No point arguing and inflaming the situation.
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Devesh
Bangalore Aviation

Nimish · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 6:21 pm Post subject:

Devesh · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 6:59 pm Post subject:

jbalonso777 · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 7:31 pm Post subject:

I goofed up similarly on EVA Air. Didn't give Dad's middle name. Nothing happened Smile

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himmat01 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1392 Location: DEL

Thanks everybody for the inputs. I did not want to take any risks and have switched over to SQ. Not yet informed my wife and daughter. It will be a surprise for them.

The smile on their faces will be worth much more than the additional cost.
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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

avbuff · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 5031

As per SOP, as long as the last name and first name match it is absolutely fine. The presence of a middle name in the PNR is not mandatory. Just the last name and first name should be identical

himmat01 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1392 Location: DEL

^^^Thank Ojas. I really wish the airline staff were as informed as you.
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sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

rutvij · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:56 am Post subject:

Booked quite a few tickets on e-Commerce websites. Never put in my middle name. Never had any issue.

Match should be on First Name and Last Name, unless you have a name such as Vijaykumar or Sureshkumar where kumar is part of the first name itself. Lot of people from North India add Kumar or Singh in the first name, but don't use it consistently everywhere.

himmat01 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1392 Location: DEL

Just realised that AI had credited the refund amount by end of day unlike 9W and 6E.
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Nimish · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 2:06 pm Post subject:

Booked a ticket this morning on an OTA (Via.com) and noticed they don't even have a field for the middle name. Only first and last name needed.
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himmat01 · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1392 Location: DEL