Understanding the No Last Name Policy of Airlines: A Comprehensive Guide

Many travellers face confusion when booking airline tickets if they do not have a last name (Surname /Family name) on their passport. This issue is common in certain cultures where individuals may have only a single-word name. Airlines follow strict protocols, and errors in booking can lead to travel disruptions. Understanding what to write in last name if there is no last name and how different airlines handle this situation is crucial to ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Why Do Airlines Require a Last Name(Surname)?

Most airline booking systems and international immigration authorities require both a given name and a last name. This requirement is due to:

• Security and Identification: Passenger details must match official documents.
  
• Standardised Database Entries: Many airline systems cannot process a single-word name.
  
• Visa and Immigration Requirements: Some countries mandate a first and last name for entry.

For travellers who have no last name in passport, it is essential to enter the correct details based on airline guidelines to avoid ticketing or immigration issues.

What to Write in Last Name If There Is No Last Name?

If there is no last name in passport, different airlines have different methods for handling such cases. The most common approaches include:

● FNU (First Name Unknown): Used when a person has only a given name, and the system requires a last name.

● LNU (Last Name Unknown): Used when a last name/Surname /Family name is missing in the document.

● Duplicating the Given Name: Some airlines require entering the same name in both fields.

● Leaving It Blank: A few airlines allow the last name field to be left empty, though this is rare.

● Checking with the Airline: Some airlines require direct confirmation before issuing a ticket.

No Last Name Flight Booking: Airline Policies

Below is a detailed table showing how various airlines handle cases where a passenger has no last name in passport.

International Airlines No Last Name Policy

Airline Name	First Name		Last Name		Remarks
Aeroflot Airlines	Given Name		(Leave Empty)
Aeroflot Airlines	Title		Given Name
Air Arabia	Given Name		Father's Name
Air Arabia	Given Name		Title
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi	Given Name		Father's Name
Air Astana	Given Name		(Leave Empty)
Air Astana	Title		Given Name
Air Canada	Given Name		LNU		FNU in First Name if Given Name Empty
Air China	Given Name		(Leave Empty)
Air China	Title		Given Name
Air France	FNU		Given Name
Air India	Given Name		Given Name		FNU in First Name for US/Canada, UNKNOWN for Australia
Air Mauritius	Title		Given Name
Air New Zealand	Given Name		(Leave Empty)
Air New Zealand	Title		Given Name
Air Peace	Check with Airlines		Check with Airlines		Check with Airlines
Air Pegasus	Given Name		Given Name
Air Seychelles	Given Name		LNU
Air Tanzania	Check with Airlines		Check with Airlines		Check with Airlines
AirAsia	Given Name		Given Name
AirAsia X	Given Name		Given Name
Al Nippon Airways	Given Name		(Leave Empty)
Alitalia ITA Airways	FNU		Given Name
American Airlines	FNU		Last Name
American Airlines	FNU		Given Name
APG Airlines	First Name		Last Name
Asiana Airlines	Given Name		LNU
Astraeus	Check with Airlines		Check with Airlines		Check with Airlines
Austrian Airlines	Given Name		LNU		FNU in First Name if Given Name Empty
Azul Brazilian Airlines	Check with Airlines