The Transportation Security Administration has begun it’s implementation of their new Secure Flight Plan. They have begun the process of changing the requirements of traveler’s identification documents. Airlines are now required to present the TSA with more specific proof of identity for all passengers. The reason these changes are being made are so that the U.S. government may “pre-screen” travelers against the National No-Fly list at east 72 hours before boarding an airplane.

So what are these changes exactly? Well, beginning Friday, May 15, 2009 all airlines will be required to provide a full name of each passenger that matches identity documentation with reservation information. What this means for travelers is your name on your flight reservation and itinerary must match your proof of identity exactly when it is presented at check-in.  If your state issued driver’s license, for example, includes your middle name or middle initial, your flight reservation must also have included your middle name or middle initial. If you are a person who qualifies for frequent flyer points, your frequent flyer number must match your reservation name to receive your credit. It may be advisable to all who use these programs to contact the airline and have your account name changed to match your i.d. prior to your flight date. This change applies to all reservations made on or after May 15, 2009. If you’ve made a reservation prior to this date you will not be subject to this new rule.

Beginning August 15, 2009, airlines will also be required to provide the TSA with your birth date as well as gender for all domestic flights.

October 15, 2009, airlines will be required to provide the TSA with your birth date and gender for all international flights, both coming to and going from the U.S.

The TSA reports that these new changes “satisfy a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, and congressional requirements from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and the 9/11 Commission Act signed into law in 2007.”

Refusing to provide this information may cause added security screening, a delay at check-in, or worse, denied boarding. Call your travel agent and make sure your information has all been provided, updated, and matches. Also, call your frequent flyer program and update your information. It is probably in our best interest as travelers to handle these things in advance, even if you don’t have travel plans in the near future.

This multi-phase Secure Flight implementation is intended to be streamlined and completed by early 2010. Between now and then, be advised to plan ahead for delays at check-in and security as many passengers may not be aware of the changes. As always, travel safely, plan ahead, and try to enjoy yourself!

For more information on the Secure Flight Plan please visit  the TSA page on the subject.

For more information on the TSA please visit  their main website.

If you would like to update your visa or passport information please visit us at Swift Passport Services!

Tags: Implementation, Secure Flight, Transportation Security Administration, TSA

This entry was posted on Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 7:27 pm and is filed under Travel Advisories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.