Secure Flight Program Changing Booking Process
TSA to Begin Asking for Full Name, Gender, and Date of Birth
Jun 8, 2009
The Secure Flight program is targeted to go into effect Aug. 15. It will require passengers to provide their full name, gender, and date of birth to airlines during the ticketing process. The airlines then will pass on the information to the TSA, which will compare the information to the terrorism watch list.
Passengers are being asked to provide their name as it appears on their government-issued identification that they are using during their trip, such as a driver's license or passport. People are not being asked to ensure that their name matches on all pieces of identification, just that the name they provide to the airlines matches the name on the identification they are using during their trip.
A 'Behind-the-Scenes' Process at TSA
TSA promises that Secure Flight will not affect the process of passing through security at the airport. People will not be denied access to their flight if the name on their identification doesn't exactly match with the information TSA has from the airline.
"Secure Flight is a behind-the-scenes process that TSA and airlines collaborate on to compare the information you provide against government watch lists," the agency's website notes. "The additional data elements that you may be asked to provide, such as date of birth and gender, serve to better differentiate you from individuals on the government watch list. Secure Flight will not impact the security checkpoint experience. While Secure Flight and travel document checking are both critical security functions, they serve different purposes at different points in the security process."
Secure Flight Implementation in Phases
The airlines will not all change over to the new system at the same time. The TSA reports each carrier will be making necessary changes to booking systems over the coming months.
"Passengers shouldn't be concerned if particular airlines don't ask them to provide the additional information right away," the TSA says. "It should not impact their travel. Each airline will request this information as their capability to capture it is integrated into their individual systems."
Informing the Public of New TSA Program
The TSA began a public relations program Memorial Day weekend to beging making air travelers aware of the coming changes.
"TSA is partnering with airlines and the Ad Council to educate passengers about the Secure Flight program that makes travel safer and easier for millions of Americans," said TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. "Secure Flight will also help reduce the misidentification of passengers who have names similar to individuals on government watch lists, clearing more than 99 percent of passengers for travel."
