I am checking in for a flight to Vienna in two days (flying Austrian Airlines).
When I go to check in, it says that my booking name doesn’t match my passport name, which has my middle name. I never use my middle name for anything, so it didn’t even occur to me when I booked.
I called Lufthansa Group and was told there’s a $199 change fee for each passenger (there are 3 of us, and I did not enter any of our middle names during booking).
What should I do? It gives me the option to proceed with the mismatched names and check in. Alternatively, I could omit my middle name when entering the passport details. I’m worried we won’t be let on our flight. Should I even try to check in online, or will that mess everything up?
When I was in Korea flying from Seoul to Jeju Island, I did not have my middle name on the domestic ticket. My middle name is listed on my passport. They did not allow me to fly until I corrected the ticket at the desk (which they kindly did at that time — 2021). Be aware that this information could vary depending on your location, so prepare accordingly with enough time.
@River
That’s because including middle names in Korean and Chinese names is essential for air travel in those countries. It’s very common for Western (and even Japanese) names to have the middle name omitted on airline tickets.
@River
Countries without middle names sometimes have less flexible computer systems, but for international airlines, it’s likely fine. I’m surprised it was an issue in Korea unless it was a domestic-only airline.
If you get to the airport and they don’t let you fly, what then? It’s best to call them now and make those changes, as they can tell you what is required.