[PHXFlyer]

Originally Posted by fishenfool

Anybody else had similar problems?
Thanks

I'm a 3rd. My driver's license has only my middle initial while my passport has my full middle name. Both are appended by "III" but depending on which airline I fly sometimes the "III" is included on the ticket and sometimes not. I had some similar issues as you with Alaska Airlines.

The whole TSA mandate with respect to "secure flight" is a huge load of bunk. It's just another smoke screen the TSA is throwing out there to make us "feel" more safe while the system is still vulnerable in many ways. To this day the majority of cargo and mail that sits merely inches under out feet when we fly isn't screened while at TSA checkpoints they confiscate hair gel and toothpaste.

"Secure Flight" was sold to the airlines and the flying public as a way to solve issues of passengers with similar names to those on "watch lists" who were subject to additional screening and in some cases had to prove their identity before they were allowed to fly. What is really going on is that the government has found yet another way to invade out privacy and keep track of everywhere we go and everything we do. Supposedly we have the freedom to travel within this country any time and anywhere. Of course we're free to do so but just who is keeping track of out every move?

fishenfool, don't sweat the details of how your name appears on your Mileage Plus account. If you book a ticket on United.com there is a drop down menu where you can select "Jr." for the purposes of "secure Flight" matching. As long as your last name matches the Mileage Plus account there should be no issues. Tell your travel agent to append your last name with "JR" with no spaces. Do not make JR the middle name or initial. For example, on your e-ticket your name should appear as:

FOOL/FISHENJR

not:

FOOLJR/FISHEN

This is how my name has always appeared on my tickets and my status has always been recognized. If it causes an issue with recognizing your status just have the travel agent issue the ticket as they always have then have them call United. Most airlines who are "Secure Flight" compliant at this time have the ability to add a second entry only for TSA use with your full name as it appears on your ID. This shouldn't interfere with the ticketed name or status recognition.

Good luck.