What about just changing his surname on his passport?

No he's not Ginger. I'm married to his mum who's surname is hyphenated with mine. My stepson has kept his mum's maiden name. The travel agent messed up but we overlooked it so are partly to blame

Not sure how you could just change his surname on his passport as it is such an official document and I would have thought his name would have to be legally changed by deed poll which would cost too. I'd try to escalate it with both the travel agent and emirates if not you've not really got much choice unfortunately.

What a cheek I would put it in writing to the travel agent make a offical conplaint

scream and shout, thats taking the biscuit (slim you wouldnt be laughing if it was you lol) You need to get advice before you pay out. Good luck let us know how you get on.

I had a problem with Emirates incorrectly missing out one letter of my surname 2 months ago. They said it didnt matter when I phoned them, but their terms and conditions clearly state that the tickets name must match the passports so I persevered and after a few emails they changed the name on the tickets at no charge. I did however make my booking directly with EK and it wasn't via a travel agent.

It's not the travel agents fault, and they are simply passing on the charges associated with the type of ticket and change fee. It may sound harsh but it's your mistake and the agent shouldn't be held accountable.

There is no need to pay a cancellation fee though, simply do not travel on the ticket and book another on the same flight - even through another agent if necessary. They don't have to know you aren't travelling.

It is correct that EK will be unable to do anything with the agent booked ticket.

Best option is to go personally to the Duty Officer of Emirates Airlines, in the Airport Office, with the ticket & if possible with the passenger concerned, all passports of travellers. The D/O usually listens to reason and it is within his prerogative to fix your problem, I feel.

Always providing that you don't mind leaving it until you get to the airport and risking an 'unreasonable' duty officer.

Not just before you travel, but like, now - today.

Vasu8: Not sure how well you know the UK and cost of travel but trip to BHX from Nottingham and back is likely to cost more than the price of the change