Name mismatch between passport & tickets — will you be stopped?
Yes, if there is a significant name mismatch between your passport and your airline ticket, you are highly likely to be stopped at the airport and denied boarding until the error is corrected. Your booked ticket name must match exactly with the name on your passport (and visa, if applicable) as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules in India and international standards.
What Kinds of Name Mismatches Are a Problem?
| Type of Mismatch | Boarding Denial Risk | Usual Airline Policy | Cost to Fix | When to Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single letter typo | Low (if small) | Air India: ≤3 chars free if requested ≥72 hrs before travel | ₹0‒1,500 | At counter or before boarding |
| Name order reversed/swapped fields | Medium-High | Most airlines require rebooking | ₹2,000‒5,000 | Immediately after booking |
| Full name vs. abbreviation/initial | High (India/UAE) | Often denied; not always correctable at airport | ₹0‒3,000 | Before web check-in if possible |
| Different name entirely | 100% Denied | No correction permitted | Full cost/rebooking | Must cancel/rebook |
| Married/maiden name variation | Medium | May need marriage certificate/legal proof | Usually free | Before travel with documents |
| Single name (no surname) | High (esp. UAE/US) | Air India: Enter as FNU/LNU; strict rules for UAE/Canada | ₹1,500‒2,500 | Before reaching airport |
Key Rules and Practical Impact
- Immigration and Security: For international flights, your ticket, passport, and visa names must be identical. Any significant mismatch can lead to denied boarding or immigration rejection.
- Minor spelling errors (1-3 letters): Most airlines, including Air India, typically allow minor corrections (up to 3 characters) for free or a small fee if you act more than 72 hours before departure.
- First/Last Name field issues (swapped, missing surname): These are often grounds for denial. Some countries (like UAE, US, Canada) have strict two-name requirements. India now also enforces correct “Surname/Given Name” formatting for travel documents. Single-name passport holders must use FNU (First Name Unknown) conventions for certain destinations.
- Initial vs full name: In India, initials on the ticket instead of the full name on the passport may result in denial. Always enter your name exactly as on the passport, without abbreviations or omissions.
- No last-minute corrections: DGCA rules prohibit name changes after 24 hours of booking on Indian airlines. For errors, contact your airline immediately; rebooking is sometimes the only solution.
- Visa/ID documents: Some destinations require that your airline ticket matches both your passport and any visa/ID documentation exactly, especially for international journeys.
What To Do If There’s A Mismatch
- Contact your airline as soon as you notice any error. Corrections may be free for small changes if requested early. For major errors, you may need to cancel and repurchase your ticket.
- Do not attempt to travel with a major name discrepancy. You will almost certainly be stopped at check-in, security, or immigration.
- Always enter your name on tickets exactly as on your passport (and visa).
Having even a small name mismatch, especially with international travel, can disrupt your journey and cost time and money. Double-check all travel documents before booking and before departure
