Malaysia Airlines & AirAsia Name Entry Rules Updated: What You Must Know Before Booking

For Malaysian travellers planning their next getaway, there’s an important update to be aware of before confirming that flight booking. Both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have recently updated their name entry requirements to better align with the official formats shown in Malaysian passports. If your name includes “bin,” “binti,” or “anak,” this change directly affects how you’ll need to enter your personal details when booking flights online.

This update comes as both airlines aim to reduce common check-in problems caused by mismatched or improperly formatted names. According to BFM News, the new name entry rules are designed to prevent confusion and ensure a smoother check-in process, especially for travellers with traditional Malay naming conventions or names that don’t neatly fit into international first/last name fields.

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Malaysia Airlines: Follow the new format

Image credit: Malaysia Airlines | Official Website

Malaysia Airlines has taken a clear step forward by updating the way passengers should fill in their names during the booking process. The airline now requires that names containing "bin", "binti", or "anak" be entered in the "Last Name/Surname" field. Meanwhile, the person’s given name (or what most people might consider their first name) should be entered under the "First & Middle Name" field.

For example, if someone’s full name is Ahmad bin Ali, the correct way to enter it when booking a Malaysia Airlines ticket would be to place “Ahmad” in the First & Middle Name section, and “bin Ali” in the Last Name/Surname field. This change is meant to reflect how names appear in the Malaysian passport and is expected to help passengers avoid discrepancies during immigration or airport check-in.

The airline has also clarified that existing bookings will not be affected by this change. So if you already have a flight booked, you won’t need to worry about retroactively updating your name — this only applies to new reservations going forward.

AirAsia: Adopting a flexible, inclusive system

Image credit: AirAsia | Official Website

AirAsia is also making adjustments to its name entry system, although with a slightly different approach. The low-cost airline has moved to a “Given Name” and “Family Name/Surname” format, which is a bit more adaptable to the diverse cultural backgrounds of its passengers. This new format is intended to cater to Malaysians and Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese naming styles.

The goal here is to ensure that names are entered consistently and accurately across the board — a small but important detail that can help avoid identity mismatches at check-in or during security checks. By offering a more flexible structure, AirAsia hopes to simplify the booking process for all passengers, no matter their cultural background.

As with Malaysia Airlines, the key takeaway for travellers is to follow the name format exactly as shown on their passports. Any differences, even small ones, can potentially lead to delays or additional charges for name corrections — something every traveller would want to avoid.

Why this matters for every traveller

While it might seem like a minor update, these new name entry rules are actually a big deal for frequent flyers. Malaysian travellers with traditional names or unique formats may have previously faced challenges at the airport, from check-in delays to being flagged at immigration. This update provides clear guidance and helps reduce those complications.

In practical terms, this means that travellers will spend less time clarifying name issues at the counter and more time enjoying a stress-free boarding experience. It’s especially relevant for those heading overseas during peak travel seasons, as well as for those performing religious pilgrimages like Hajj or Umrah, where name consistency across documents is crucial.

What should travellers do now?

Before booking your next flight, take a moment to review your passport and double-check the name format. Make sure to include "bin", "binti", or "anak" in the appropriate field, and refer to the airlines’ official name entry guides if you’re unsure.

Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia both provide clear step-by-step instructions:

👉 [Malaysia Airlines Name Entry Guide]

👉 [AirAsia Name Entry Guide]

These guidelines will help you avoid mistakes that could delay your check-in or require expensive corrections later on.

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✈️ Final travel tip

A smooth journey starts with getting the basics right — and that includes how your name is entered in a flight booking. These new guidelines may feel like a small detail, but they can save travellers a lot of hassle at the airport. Whether you're jetting off for leisure, business, or pilgrimage, make sure your name matches your passport exactly.

With these updates now in place, Malaysian travellers can look forward to more streamlined check-ins and fewer surprises at the boarding gate. So double-check those name fields before booking — and enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind!