Real Story: "Cristina" vs "Christina"
"One letter. That's all it was — my ticket said Cristina, my passport said Christina. The gate agent said I couldn't board. My ,200 honeymoon flight to Bali was about to leave without me. I called AirOnPrice in tears. They called the airline supervisor directly, explained TSA's name matching rules, and I was on that plane 20 minutes later. One letter almost cost me my honeymoon."
— Christina M., Seattle WA | Result: Boarded Successfully
What the TSA Actually Says About Name Mismatches
According to TSA's Secure Flight program, your ticket name must "reasonably match" your ID — not be 100% identical. Minor discrepancies are usually acceptable. The problem? Gate agents often don't know this.
Usually Allowed (No Problem)
Likely Denied Boarding
When to Fix It
BEFORE the airport: Most airlines allow free name corrections for minor typos up to 24 hours before departure. Call 1-844-656-7300 to fix it now — don't risk the gate.
Emergency Steps If Denied at the Gate
- Stay calm — arguing makes agents less helpful
- Ask for a supervisor — they have override authority
- Show supporting documents — marriage certificate, legal name change papers
- Call 1-844-656-7300 — we can call the airline's internal line while you're at the gate
- Request the "minor name discrepancy" exception — it exists in most carrier policies
?? Last Updated: December 2025
Real Risk Alert
TSA's Secure Flight program requires your ticket name to exactly match your government ID. Travelers are denied boarding every single day for name mismatches.
What Counts as a "Misspelled" Name?
- ? Usually OK: John vs Jon, Sarah vs Sara (1 letter)
- ?? Risky: Elizabeth vs Beth, Robert vs Bob (nicknames)
- ? Will Be Denied: Wrong last name, reversed first/last, middle name issues
TSA's Exact Match Requirement
Since 9/11, TSA requires ticket names to match IDs. The system flags:
- Different spelling than passport
- Maiden name vs married name
- Missing middle name or initial
- Cultural name variations
? Good News: Fixable!
Most name corrections can be done same-day, even hours before your flight. Call 1 (844) 656-7300 now.