Traveling to the United States after marriage: Can I use my maiden name for the ESTA and flight ticket?

Hi, I got my ESTA document 15 days ago. I got married this weekend. Can I book my flight ticket under my maiden name -so it matches my ESTA and passport, which won’t be updated for a trip in August? Thanks for your replies!

Hello,

Yes, the name on flight tickets must always match the name shown on your passport.

Hello,

Your married name is just a name used by convention, with no legal standing for official documents. In fact, your husband could just as easily decide to take your name for social use. Don’t change anything—just use your sole and true family name on passports and flight tickets.

Michel

Enter exactly the name(s) listed on the passport.

Passport: Dupont née Martin ESTA: Dupont née Martin Ticket: Dupont née Martin

I did it this way for my wife, who kept her first husband’s name

Hello, I got my ESTA document 15 days ago. I got married this weekend. Can I book my flight ticket under my maiden name -so it matches my ESTA and passport, which won’t be changed for a trip in August? Thanks for your replies.

You only have and will only ever have one name your whole life—yours, the one you were born with. In other words, your "maiden name." Everything else is just convention. By the way, I’d advise keeping that name no matter what—it makes life much simpler. I’ll admit I’ve never understood this "need" or "habit" of taking your husband’s name.

Hello, It’s no longer just a custom: this "tradition dating back to the 19th century was enshrined in our Civil Code: Art. 225-1 Either spouse may use the other spouse's name as a customary practice...... Note that this "enshrinement" still came with a significant nuance, as this right is extended to each spouse. We’ve come a long way from the time when this practice was due to the fact that women had no legal capacity.