Simple passport mistake could put honeymoons at risk

Reviewed by: Helen Rolph
Home, Travel & Pet Insurance Expert

Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer

Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team

This content follows our Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: June 2026
Read time: 3 min

Newlyweds heading abroad this summer are being warned not to make a common passport mistake that could put their honeymoon plans at risk.

Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are reminding couples that flight details and passports must match exactly, meaning anyone booking a honeymoon under their new married name before updating their passport could face issues at the airport.*

Many newly married couples are eager to begin using their new surname straight away, but changing the name on a passport could take several weeks, and delays are possible during peak travel periods. If a honeymoon is booked under a married name while the passport still shows a maiden name, travellers could be denied boarding.

The insurance experts say the costly consequences could include missed flights, cancelled trips and expensive last-minute amendments, which is why they are urging couples to double-check all travel documents before booking.

Travellers can still go on holiday using their maiden name as long as the name on the booking matches the name on their passport.**

Couples who want to travel under their married name can apply for a new passport up to three months before the wedding, but the updated passport cannot be used until after the ceremony has taken place.*

Holidaymakers are also being urged to ensure hotel bookings, travel insurance policies and any other travel reservations are made in the exact name shown on their passport to avoid potential issues during their trip.

Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “We’re urging all newlyweds to make sure their documents are fully aligned before they travel.

“Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, so it’s understandable with so many items on the checklist, some details could be easily overlooked.

“Many couples book a honeymoon months or years in advance so they may assume using their married name makes sense, it’s only when the wedding draws closer that most people start to double check all the details and realise there’s an issue.

“Airlines and border authorities are very strict when it comes to passenger information, and even small discrepancies can result in denied boarding or delays at the airport.

“Travel insurance is unlikely to cover issues caused by incorrect passenger information, so it’s always best to double check and leave plenty of time if any details need updated such as a new name or a significantly changed appearance.

“It’s important to note that new passports will also have a different number so it may be sensible to hold off booking any trips until the new passport has arrived or be prepared to travel under the maiden name, and wait until after the honeymoon to have key documents updated.”

Quotezone helps over 4 million people every year compare and find savings on bills and essentials, including travel insurance, both UK and abroad.

References:
*https://www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information
**https://www.nameswitch.co.uk/guide/honeymooning-in-your-married-name/

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