Expert: Roberto Gomes - 10/10/2005

Question
I am an actor by profession and therefore as I have a "stage name" I have that name also included on page 6 of my UK passport;it is written "Professionally known as..." Several years ago whenever I worked abroad the company  would always issue the airline ticket in my professional name and there was never a problem. I would just like to know if that would be still be possible today?

Thanking you in anticipation.

Anton Alexander

Answer
Dear Anton,

Sorry for the delay, since I was traveling and away from my computer.

A stage name, or a screen name for actors and movie stars, is a pseudonym used by the performers. People may take a stage name because their real name is considered unattractive, dull, amusing for the wrong reasons, or projects the wrong image; or because they wish to remain anonymous in relation to another sphere of work.

Since a pseudonym (Greek: false name) is a fictitious name used by an individual as an alternative to their legal name, can not be used for legal purposes and identification. With all cross-checks that UK and US Immigration have today you probably will have problems.

So when making air and hotel reservations, the airport, hotel, car rental companies and immigration representatives will compare your real name with tickets and vouchers and search for appropriated information based on your real name. Also the credit card used to pay for such expenses will have your real name.

It has other advantage. It will protect your privacy. Imagine that you will be seating side by side with  passengers named David Robert Hayward Stenton Jones and Reginald Kenneth Dwight, who turns to be David Bowie and Elton John respectivelly.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes