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I've recently booked some flights using my 'nickname' instead of my full birth name that appears on my passport (Rob verse Robert). I've since contacted two airlines (RyanAir and Aer Lingus) and both told me I needed to correct the booking mistake. The Aer Lingus rep mentioned that the specific destination was particularly strict and that I would need to sort this out. Both airlines were happy to fix this for me, free of charge, but I'm left wondering 'Why does it matter?'

I was told 'security'. But I don't understand how this increases security. I've also been told airlines do it simply to find another reason to tack on a 'name change fee' but, in my experience, airlines make it quick, easy and free to update the name.

So, is there any real reason for this? I can't imagine any scenario where it serves any purpose.

Flimzy
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Rob P.
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1 Answers1

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I don't have any evidence for it but I suspect it might be necessary to satisfy APIS requirements. If you can provide a nickname, you could conceivably evade automatic checks against no-fly lists and similar databases.

Also, many people (e.g. from places like Indonesia) go by names that are completely different from what's on their passport. As @pnuts remarked in a comment, making sure hundreds of airlines and thousands of gate handling personnel all over the world share the same understanding of what's a nickname and what's not seems extremely difficult so it makes sense to enact a rigid rule that does not leave any discretion to airline reps.

So this is really about security (or “security theater”).

Relaxed
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