Can I Fly Using My Maiden Name After Getting Married?

When you are planning your honeymoon, it’s natural to want to book under your new married name. However, there are some important logistics to understand before you whimsically book your honeymoon plane tickets under your new name. Couples sometimes find themselves in quite a predicament when attempting to jet away on their romantic honeymoon because of ticket name issues, which can be a stressful way to start the monumental getaway with your new spouse.

Can I Fly Using My Maiden Name After Getting Married?

Generally, you will want to use your maiden name on plane tickets after getting married. In fact, you’ll likely use your maiden name for months after you legally get married. This is because the name change process takes time, and you should never book an airline ticket under your married name until you have the following updated documents:

• License
• Passport

Airlines are particularly strict about ticket names. If you show up in wedded bliss right after your wedding with a plane ticket in your married name and a license/passport in your maiden name, the airline will likely charge you a hefty fee to change the name on your ticket or refuse to let you board.

What if I Already Booked My Plane Ticket Under My Married Name?

If you have already booked your plane ticket under your married name and are looking for solutions, here are the best options:

1. Contact the Airline: The best way to fix a ticket under the wrong name is to contact the airline directly. They may be able to change the name either for a fee or perhaps as a favor. If you booked the ticket through a third party website like Kayak, Expedia, etc., it will be harder to fix the error and you will likely have to pay a fee.
2. Cancel the Flights and Rebook: Since COVID, some airlines allow free cancellation of tickets. If you are flying with an airline that allows this, like United Airlines, check the current ticket prices. If they are similar to what you paid, it will be easiest to simply cancel the flight and rebook it under the name that matches your IDs.
3. Bring Your Marriage License to the Airport: If you are flying out soon and just realized your ticket does not match the correct name, bring your marriage license to the airport with you. Sometimes security will allow you through if you have documentation showing both your married name and your maiden name.

The Legal Perspective: Name Change Process & Flights

Before diving into the specifics of air travel, it’s important to understand the legal process of changing your name after marriage. In many countries, changing your last name after marriage is not automatic — you need to go through an official process to update your identification documents, including your passport, driver’s license, and social security card (if you’re in the U.S.). This process typically takes anywhere from a few months to a year. If you have a passport with your maiden name, you will have to allow time to apply for a passport, send in name change documents, and wait for the new booklet to arrive. The U.S. Passport Office typically recommends allow 8 to 12 weeks to get your new documentation.

Until you’ve completed this process, your maiden name remains your legal name. This means that all of your identification documents will still bear your maiden name, and you are legally allowed to use it for any official purposes, including travel.

Flying With Your Maiden Name: What You Need to Know

1. Identification Must Match Your Ticket

The most important rule when flying is that the name on your airline ticket must match the name on your government-issued ID exactly. This is a non-negotiable requirement for security purposes. If your ticket is booked under your maiden name and your ID still shows your maiden name, you’re good to go. However, if your ID has already been updated to reflect your married name, you’ll need to ensure that your ticket matches this new name.

2. Timing Your Name Change Is Key

The timing of your name change can significantly impact your travel plans. If you’re planning a honeymoon or any other trip soon after your wedding, it’s usually best to book your tickets under your maiden name and delay updating your identification documents until after your trip. This approach avoids any discrepancies between your ticket and ID.

Once you’ve completed your travel, you can then proceed with updating your documents to your married name. This is particularly important if you have multiple trips planned within a short period of time.

3. Passport Considerations

If you’re traveling internationally, your passport is the most critical document to consider. Like with domestic flights, the name on your passport must match the name on your airline ticket. If your passport is still in your maiden name and your ticket matches, you should have no issues.

However, if you’ve updated your passport to your married name, but your ticket is in your maiden name, you may run into problems at the airport. In this case, you would need to contact the airline to see if they can update the name on your ticket (though this may come with a fee), or you may need to rebook the ticket altogether.

4. Frequent Flyer Accounts

If you have a frequent flyer account with an airline, it’s important to update your name with the airline once you’ve officially changed it. This ensures that you continue to accrue miles and enjoy any benefits associated with your account without any interruptions. However, you can keep your account in your maiden name until after any upcoming trips booked under that name.

Special Considerations for Honeymoons

For many newlyweds, the honeymoon is the first trip they take after getting married. If your honeymoon is scheduled right after the wedding, it’s generally advisable to book your tickets in your maiden name and wait to change your name legally until after you return. This eliminates the risk of name mismatches and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip.

If you’ve already started the name change process before your honeymoon and have updated your identification documents, you’ll need to ensure that your airline ticket matches your new name. In cases where you need to change the name on your ticket, be sure to contact the airline as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute stress.

What Happens If There’s a Mismatch?

If you arrive at the airport and your ticket doesn’t match the name on your ID, you may not be allowed to board your flight. This can lead to missed flights, additional fees for rebooking, and significant frustration.

To avoid this, double-check the name on your ticket as soon as you book it. If there’s a mistake, contact the airline immediately. Some airlines may allow you to correct minor errors or update your name if you’ve recently married, but policies vary, and fees may apply.

Final Tips for Smooth Travel

• Keep Copies of Your Marriage Certificate: If you’re in the process of changing your name, it can be helpful to carry a copy of your marriage certificate when traveling. While it may not be required, it can serve as proof of your name change if any issues arise.
• Be Aware of Processing Times: If you decide to update your passport or other IDs to your married name before a trip, be mindful of the processing times. Passport renewals and name changes can take several weeks, so plan accordingly. If you plan to change your name before you get married, start the process at least 6 months in advance.
• Book Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for name-related issues. This can provide peace of mind in case you encounter any problems with your travel documents.