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Precautions for using English names under the real-name system for train and air tickets

policy2026/06/05
I. Real-name Ticketing Rules


China Railway and civil aviation implement a real-name ticketing and travel (boarding) system.


Foreign passengers must use name information that is exactly the same as their valid identification documents when purchasing train or airline tickets.


For foreign citizens, the English name on their passport should typically be used for ticket purchases, along with the corresponding passport number for identity registration.


Errors in the name, ID number, or ID type may result in failure to collect tickets, check in, pass security checks, or board trains or flights.


II. How to Correctly Fill in Your English Name


1. Purchasing Train Tickets


When purchasing tickets through railway ticketing platforms, station windows, or authorized agencies:


  • The name must be exactly the same as the information on your passport;


  • Use your passport as the ID document type;


  • Enter the surname and given name according to system requirements;


  • Do not add or remove letters, nor adjust the order of the name.


After completing the purchase, verify the electronic order information.


2. Purchasing Airline Tickets


Both international and domestic Chinese flights require names to be entered exactly as they appear on your passport.


General principles:


  • The spelling of the name must match your passport;


  • Do not substitute an English name with its Chinese translation;


  • Do not use nicknames, abbreviations, or shortened forms;


  • Do not arbitrarily add spaces or punctuation marks.


If the airline’s system automatically adjusts the format, it usually does not affect boarding, but the core spelling of the name should remain consistent.


III. Pre-Departure Checks


It is recommended to complete the following checks before departure:


Step 1: Verify Passport Information


Confirm:


  • The name is spelled correctly;


  • The passport number is correct;


  • The passport is still valid.


Step 2: Verify Order Information


Check:


  • Whether the name matches your passport;


  • Whether the nationality is correct;


  • Whether the ID type is listed as a passport;


  • Whether the ID number is entered completely.


Step 3: Arrange for Early Information Corrections


If errors are found, contact as soon as possible:


  • Railway ticketing platforms;


  • Airlines;


  • Airline ticket agencies;


  • Station ticket windows.


Some issues can be corrected, while others may require canceling the ticket and repurchasing.


IV. Practical Recommendations


1. Keep All Document Information Consistent


When booking flights, train tickets, hotels, and applying for visas, it is recommended to uniformly use the passport name format.


Avoid situations where:


  • Different platforms use different spellings;


  • Chinese and English names are mixed;


  • The order of the name varies inconsistently.


2. Carry the Original Passport


When traveling by train or plane, carry the original passport used for ticket purchases.


Photocopies, photos, or electronic screenshots generally cannot replace the original for identity verification.


3. Pay Attention to Long Names


Some foreign names are long, and the ticketing system may automatically abbreviate or omit certain characters.


If the system display shows significant differences from your passport, promptly contact customer service to confirm whether it meets boarding or travel requirements.


V. Frequently Asked Questions


1. Can I use my Chinese name to buy train or airline tickets?


If there is no corresponding Chinese name on your passport, you should generally use the English name from your passport for ticket purchases.


2. Can I use a residence permit instead of a passport?


In some cases, valid documents such as the Foreigner’s Permanent Residence ID Card can be used, but the ticket information must match the actual travel document.


3. What if the name order is reversed?


Contact the relevant platform as soon as possible. In some cases, this may affect real-name verification.


VI. Risk Warnings


  • Mismatched names and passports may prevent you from traveling by train or plane;


  • Incorrectly entered ID numbers may cause real-name verification to fail;


  • Modifying information close to departure may incur additional fees;


  • Some discounted tickets do not allow name changes.