Idiot question from an old-timer who should know better.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Here's the dealio -- I have to fly to Toronto next month for a conference. After the conference is over, I'm taking the train down to New York for a wedding, then continuing on to Connecticut to see my parents. I'll be flying back to California from Connecticut. I know that now I need to use my passport to enter Canada -- no problem. It's in my previous name, and since it has 4 years+ validity left on it I am in no tearing hurry to replace it. However, I would prefer to book travel in my current name as the second leg of the trip (CT-CA) is completely domestic so I can just use my DL to board the flight.

Is it at all feasible to book the ticket in my current name (i.e. the one on my DL) and then show my passport with my DL and marriage certificate at check-in? It's American Airlines, if that helps at all. It's dirt cheap to book it all as one ticket so it's not an option to buy two one-ways and book in different names. Or should I just lump it and book it all in the passport name, and then use the passport for the domestic travel bit?

HALP

[Otto 83]

I'd say - for best results (least possible amount of any kind of hassle) - book travel (especially international travel) in the name on your passport. I know - you already know this - but its what I would do (if it applied) FWIW.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Here's the dealio -- I have to fly to Toronto next month for a conference. After the conference is over, I'm taking the train down to New York for a wedding, then continuing on to Connecticut to see my parents. I'll be flying back to California from Connecticut. I know that now I need to use my passport to enter Canada -- no problem. It's in my previous name, and since it has 4 years+ validity left on it I am in no tearing hurry to replace it. However, I would prefer to book travel in my current name as the second leg of the trip (CT-CA) is completely domestic so I can just use my DL to board the flight.

Is it at all feasible to book the ticket in my current name (i.e. the one on my DL) and then show my passport with my DL and marriage certificate at check-in? It's American Airlines, if that helps at all. It's dirt cheap to book it all as one ticket so it's not an option to buy two one-ways and book in different names. Or should I just lump it and book it all in the passport name, and then use the passport for the domestic travel bit?

HALP

I would think that if you showed your marriage license that shows your previous and current names along with your passport that it would be ok. My wife did that 2 weeks ago when she flew into Canada.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Hmmmm. Interesting about the recent entry into Canada using this method. Ta guys!

[Nik+Heather 121]

I had a different problem regarding booking names.

I haven't gotten to changing my name with all of the airline loyalty programs so when flying those airlines and wanting to collect miles, I have to book in my maiden name. So, next weekend I'll be taking a domestic trip in my old name () and flying with my passport which is still in my maiden name.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Same issue here Heather -- forgot to mention it, but my AA frequent flyer name is my married name since I only ever fly them domestic. That's really why I want to use my married name, more than having to faff about with a passport at the Windsor Locks airport in CT.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

The die has been cast -- I booked it as Maven Smith-Jones as opposed to Maven Smith. We'll see how it goes. Ta again, muchly.

[Darnell 8,478]

faff about with a passport at the Windsor Locks airport in CT.

Sorry, faffing is required. Yer doing international travel - for the least amount o hassle - book in passport name, carry passport, green card AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (If indeed, marriage certificate shows the married name).

Edited May 10, 2010 by Darnell

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Sorry, faffing is required. Yer doing international travel - for the least amount o hassle - book in passport name, carry passport, green card AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (If indeed, marriage certificate shows the married name).

I am not faffing about at Windsor Locks though -- I will be flying to beautiful downtown Burbank, which last time I checked was in America. It's the LAX-Toronto flight where I shall most happily flash the passport plus marriage certificate.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

For inland flights all you need is your DL. You pick the name it matches it.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

For inland flights all you need is your DL. You pick the name it matches it.

Uh, yes. I do know this. The problem was that there is one ticket with two discrete legs -- one international (LAX-YYZ), one domestic (BDL-BUR). The credentials necessary for the first leg (passport) are not the same as for the second (DL), which would be fine had I the same name on both documents for the purposes of matching name to ticket. As this is not the case, I was left with the question of which name to choose, given that anecdotal evidence (including Rob's account of his wife's very recent journey back to Canada originating from what I assume to be the same airport I will depart from, LAX) appears to suggest that a woman in my situation might show her marriage certificate to support her claim to have legally changed her name. Accordingly, I have chosen to do just this.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

UPDATE! As if you were interested. I went to the desk to check in with my passport in my former name Smith and the ticket in the name Smith-Jones. I hadn't been able to find my marriage certificate so I was winging it (pardon the pun). I asked if they wanted to see my driver's licence to show the name Smith-Jones is mine legally and the agent said, "Oh no, we have you in our system as Smith and Smith-Jones. You're fine."

Victory is mine!

[Darnell 8,478]

Yay ! No Body cavity Searches !!!!

GoGoGadget AirlinePriorCustomerDatabase !

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Oddly enough, I asked this question Monday checking in at Heathrow. I always quiz the security guys, and Custom and Border Protection guys when I fly internationally. To CBP: What's on that computer of yours? What does it tell you about me? Does it tell you I have filed a petition for a fiance?

I was out of questions Monday, but when the guy (at Heathrow) started asking if my husband had done his ESTA (no he has a green card), we started chatting about that and how many show up without it. He also mentioned everything has to match exactly. So I asked what if a female has married but her passport is still in her maiden name. He said that happens all day long, over and over. And he confirmed the marriage certificate should be presented. The line was getting long so I didn't get into "Well what happens if you don't bring your marriage certificate. How else can you get through this line."

Nice to know there was a record of your previous entry so you have two names on file Maven. I didn't bother to change my name when I married because I thought it would be too much trouble.