TSA Secure Flight rules

This item appears on page 22 of the July 2009 issue.

A Transportation Security Administration requirement that all airlines operating within the US collect the full name, date of birth and gender of each passenger began to be phased in on May 15. The Secure Flight program was put in place by the TSA to help prevent the misidentification of passengers who have names similar to those of people on the “terrorist watch list.”

Over the next few months, as airlines integrate the ability to include this information, passengers will be asked for it upon booking. Afterward, phase II, which will extend to all flights into, out of or over the US, will begin.

Persons with complaints about screening experiences or misidentification issues with the watch list may apply for help through the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program; visit www.dhs.gov/trip.