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Original poster

URGENT HELP PLEASE - flying tomorrow but Covid pass is in married name, passport and ticket in maiden name

68 replies

NewNormalLife · 28/03/2022 00:01

I didnt realise this would be such an issue. I thought I'd read somewhere that I could take my marriage certificate with me, but when I tried to upload my covid pass earlier it was rejected and now I've read that you'd have to allow 2 weeks to have name changed on nhs records and a new covid pass. I'm panicking majorly.

this process has been so stressful, ensuring we don't get covid, doing the test the night before, and uploading everything. I'm 7 months pregnant and the stress is really affecting me..

can anyone tell me any positive stories of being able to use marriage certificate flying on Virgin to America.

Thanks

OP posts:
Kidsaregrim · 28/03/2022 07:06

I had this with easy jet, no one batted an eyelid and no one checked our documents when leaving Gatwick, just asked if we had them! I also did not have travel status on my nhs app just the domestic one, I called and they said it would be 8 days, it was changed in a few hours

EmoIsntDead · 28/03/2022 07:37

Take your marriage license with you

Barkingmadhouse · 28/03/2022 07:41

As much as others have had no issue, it sounds like they have been on holiday locally (Europe). The US is completely different and they are VERY strict. Even if you can get on the virgin flight, I would not be surprised if you had issues at border control

Porridgeislife · 28/03/2022 07:42

@Barkingmadhouse I was flying to the US in the last month when BA said I was absolutely fine to use my marriage certificate to link my Covid pass & passport, so that is not the case.

Porridgeislife · 28/03/2022 07:43

Also, the US have no interest in your Covid docs at border control.

GetOffTheTableMabel · 28/03/2022 07:48

I have this problem but for other reasons. I have a long complicated 3 word surname on my passport and, obviously airline tickets are booked to match that. My NHS record includes the first word of the surname but not the two second names. I keep meaning to get it changed.
My husband is in the same situation.
We have taken numerous flights in the last couple of years - almost always with BA (and haven’t used Virgin). I can never check-in online, although weirdly my husband often can. I have never had a problem at the airport checking in with paper copies of my tests and locator forms.

GetOffTheTableMabel · 28/03/2022 07:49

*My NHS record having an incomplete version of my surname means that my vaccine passport doesn’t meet the computer requirements.

Original poster
NewNormalLife · 28/03/2022 08:45

The US customs website says they will accept a marriage certificate if your visa has the wrong name, so perhaps they would also be less strict about a covid pass too?

people seem to have had positive experiences with BA but I messaged virgin again today and they said computer says no again.

in any event, I've been to my gp and they've updated my name so now the 'gp records part of my nhs app says my maiden name, but the covid pass hasn't updated yet.

my flight is this evening. its going to be a stressful wait until then/checkout this afternoon

OP posts:
mumofthree22 · 28/03/2022 09:02

@NewNormalLife I believe that you need to uninstall your current NHS app and reinstall it to show updated name

Snoken · 28/03/2022 09:31

Sorry, not entirely relevant to this but have you checked that you are allowed to fly? I flew Virgin Atlantic a couple of years ago and a woman was denied flying at check-in because she was 29 weeks pregnant, and would have been 30 weeks pregnant coming back.

Original poster
NewNormalLife · 28/03/2022 09:45

@Snoken yes I have a letter from my midwife confirming I'm fit to fly and within the limits of virgin's policy. Something else I've had to stress about getting though.

OP posts:
Original poster
NewNormalLife · 28/03/2022 09:47

@mumofthree22 unfortunately that hasn't worked :(

I think I'm just going to have to wing it at the airport and get a new flight by myself if it updates tomorrow

OP posts:
Seainasive · 28/03/2022 09:49

I’ve done this a few times now with different airlines. It’s never been a problem.

TheTeenageYears · 28/03/2022 09:49

@NewNormalLife

thanks for your responses. I couldn't get through to virgin on the phone but my husband sent them a dm on twitter and they replied saying it was a very strict requirement and I will likely be refused permission to board the plane. however 3 days ago virgin gave another person on twitter different advice.

if my gp did change my records this morning, does anyone know how long it will take to update on the covid pass?

My daughters either updated the same day or the next day. I can't be absolutely sure which.
Frazzled2207 · 28/03/2022 09:50

Sounds stressful I hope you get it sorted
I imagine even if it is a case of “computer says no” it will almost certainly be allright on the night
Crossing my fingers for you pleased the gp was helpful

pearljamm · 28/03/2022 10:14

I changed my name in the morning first thing and it had updated by mid afternoon so you still have time for it to come through!

lljkk · 28/03/2022 10:20

What Sodullincomparison & Kidsaregrim said.

I flew in OP's conditions -- nobody looked that closely, so never an issue! I brought my marriage certificate anyway. Didn't need it.

December 2021, American Airlines MIA.

I later asked GP to reinstate my maiden name, it's possible that's done on the actual GP records (who knows? who can get an appointment??) but the covid pass still has my married name & I figure always will.

meatyryvita · 28/03/2022 10:21

I showed my ID to my doctors and my name was changed on my NHS pass within a few hours.

lljkk · 28/03/2022 10:23

I tell a lie! Covid pass wasn't updated for weeks, but now has maiden name, well, I'll be... that's good to know.

still, fact is I flew / have flown with multiple names, passport different name from some other key documents. Driving license is in my married name, too. So far never an obstacle to car hire etc.

Thewindwhispers · 28/03/2022 10:31

No expert but pre-covid I’ve travelled with some docs in one name and some in another and the marriage certificate was all anyone wanted to see. It’s quite a common issue on honeymoons.

Iamclearlyamug · 28/03/2022 11:34

[quote NewNormalLife]@Iamclearlyamug where did you fly to? and what airline?[/quote]
@NewNormalLife flew to Spain and back with EasyJet

TerribleCustomerCervix · 28/03/2022 11:38

I flew to Paris three weeks ago- my passport has my maiden name double barrelled with DH’s, but vaccine passport was in maiden only.

No one noticed at either airport on either journey- they were too busy looking for the QR code to scan.

Original poster
NewNormalLife · 28/03/2022 12:52

Thank you all for your help. The app finally did update, and virgin have verified it. I'm sooo relieved. need to relax now.

OP posts:
Frazzled2207 · 28/03/2022 12:59

Ooh pleased to hear. I think you probably would have been ok anyway but it’s the type of stress you just don’t need.
Have a lovely time

RuthW · 28/03/2022 13:04

Contact your gp and get your medical notes changed to your maiden name.