December 20th, 2008
TSA’s Secure Flight Passenger Screening Program
In approximately the next 30 days, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) will enact the first level of the Secure Flight passenger screening program in an effort to reduce the number of false matches against persons in the federal government’s watch lists.
Under this program, airlines and travel agents will be responsible for entering data into each reservation. That data will be sent to the TSA, who will approve or deny each person for travel. If approved, a boarding pass will issue. If denied, the customer will have to submit to additional screening and could be denied boarding.
The data that all travelers will need to provide is:
- Last Name as it appears on the government issued photo ID
- First Name as it appears on the government issued photo ID
- Middle Name – Now required if it appears on the photo ID
- Date of Birth – Formats to enter this information is forthcoming
- Gender – Male or Female must be entered
Just a heads up as you will soon notice that travel providers will be collecting more information from you in order to finalize your reservation.
**Tip: If you are someone who travels with your middle name, such as Blake Betz when your ID states Ann Blake Betz - now would be a good time to update your airline frequent flier accounts to ensure all your miles are received.