New Rules for Names on Airline Tickets

In the last few weeks, more information has been coming out about the new rules from the TSA- Transportation Security Administration- about their new Secure Flight rules.

As of Aug 15, 2009, they will begin implementing more procedures to "pre-screen" airline passengers, flying within the US, by requiring more information about each passenger. This information will include middle names, dates of birth, gender and itinerary to name a few. By Oct 31, 2009, this will start to be implemented on passengers taking international flights.

This has been causing some confusion about what should be on airline tickets purchased now. Should you include your middle name if your passport or photo ID only has your first and last name, or first name, middle initial and last name.

This is the link for more info from the TSA's website:
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/travelers.shtm

I had a chat with Kim at the travel agent's desk at US Airways. They too are confused since their reservation system has no way of inputting middle names. She told me that for tickets purchased now, for travel after the date of the TSA implementation, there will have to be a grace period for travelers and airlines since they have no means of collecting and storing this additional information.
Her recommendation now is just to use the exact name as is on the passport.

For instance, if your passport name reads: Mary Susan Smith, your airline ticket will be printed Smith/MarySusanMS. If your middle initial is on the passport, your ticket will be printed Smit/MarySMS.

Confusing- Yes. But this will hopefully be unobtrusive and will make the skies safer for all.

In the meantime, when you are booking your next vacation, please tell me what the exact name is on your passport.