Security at airports and on aircraft has been stepped up in the aftermath of Sept 11th - and most people know the importance of having the correct ID when it comes to the check in. But how important is the name on the ticket?

The McMahon’s work with a local Romanian Orphanage charity in the Newry area, raising funds and taking aid out to deprived areas. Money is tight, so they booked the cheapest flights available to Romania. But that cheap ticket has turned out to be a very dear buy.

The original passenger can’t travel, so his brother in law has offered to go in his place. The name’s the same, it’s just a change of initial. But charity or no charity, British Airways is sticking to the letter of the law, and says they can’t change the ticket. We asked British Airways if they would make an exception made in this case, as Mrs McMahon pointed out, this is a humanitarian trip, not a junket to Ibiza! British Airways said NO!

They told us it was an advance purchase fare and carries certain restrictions. One of those restrictions is that the ticket is non - transferable, a fact which is made clear in the terms and conditions of carriage.

British Airways say "Passengers can book fully flexible tickets which do allow changes to be made without incurring additional costs but of course these are more expensive reflecting the flexibility."

If you want to know more about the rule and regulations and your rights as a passenger contact the Air Transport User’s Council (website address in the related links window at the top right of the the page).