Transportation Security Administration Secure Flight Program

Updated 7/20/09

Deadline Approaches - Update Profiles Now!

What Is Secure Flight Final Rule?

This is a program developed by the TSA on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission whereby responsibility for matching airline passengers against government watch lists is transferred from the airlines to the TSA. Under this rule all airline reservations must contain additional identifying information about each passenger.

What Information Is Required?

How Does This Affect Frequent Flyer Status?

The airlines are working on ways to deal with slight name mismatches (i.e. middle initial vs middle name). However, as this is a work in progress, it is recommended that if your frequent flyer account is in a name other than what exactly matches your government-issued ID, it be changed to ensure no loss of points. Instructions on how to do this have changed several times and are likely to change again as the volume of requests increases. You are encouraged to call the number for each frequent flyer program (available on each carrier's website or on your statement or wallet card) for the most up-to-date information. In the meantime, Travel-On will continue to enter all frequent flyer numbers into the reservations. Some airlines notify us of name mismatches and some do not. For airlines that do provide the notification, we will contact the traveler. You are encouraged to keep your boarding passes to help claim any missing miles after the name change is complete.

Is This Voluntary or Mandatory?

TSA uses the word voluntary; however, it is more like a forced volunteerism. Travelers who do not provide the requested information at the time of booking will not be permitted to check in online or via an airport kiosk, but must join the line to speak with a ticket agent. Providing the information at that time will likely result in additional security screenings and delays. Refusal to provide the information at all may result in additional security screenings, delays, and/or denial of boarding.

Will All Airlines Require This Information Beginning On the Same Date?

Yes and no. The first airline – which has not been named - will launch on August 15 and the others will follow on a staggered schedule over the following weeks. Since the schedule of when each airline will launch this program has not been made public, and probably will not be made public, travel agencies are all operating as though the start date is August 15 for all carriers.

What About Tickets Already Issued That Don't Have DOB or Gender?

Travel-On has run reports identifying all ticketed domestic reservations for travel August 15th or later and is in the process of reviewing and updating these reservations. The agents will check the profile for updated information, add it to the reservation, and make any required name changes. If the profile has not been updated, the agents will contact the traveler for the required information. Help us help you make this process as quick and effortless as possible – take steps now to update your profiles.

Will Travelers Be Able to Use Unused Ticket Credits If the Name Is Different?

Yes, the airlines will permit minor name corrections at the time of the exchange.

What About Tickets Already Issued That Are In the Wrong Name?

Allowances have been made for some minor variations in the beginning (i.e. middle initial instead of middle name). In the event the name change is a more involved (i.e. a new married name), the airlines will allow a name change to comply with these new regulations without a cost. Travel-On has begun the process of comparing existing tickets against updated profile information and contacting travelers as necessary to ensure that the names are correct.

What If My Name Is Very Long?

If your full name is longer than the airlines' reservation system allows it will simply truncate.

Will I Be Notified If the TSA Does Not Approve Me to Fly?

No. If approved you will be able to check in online or use an airport kiosk. If you are not approved, you will not be able to do so and will need to stand in line to see a ticket agent. Information about the specific messaging received online or via the kiosk is not available at this time, but is expected to be something generic, such as, “Your request could not be processed – please call United.” Travelers have been compared against government watch lists since 2002. If you have not had a problem to date, it is extremely unlikely that you will have one now.

I Have Previously Been Mistaken For Someone On a Watch List and Cleared – What Do I Do?

Your “redress” or “known traveler” number can be added to your profile and will be transmitted to the airline along with your full name, DOB, and gender.

Will My DOB Print On My Itinerary?

No, for security reasons, the DOB will not print on the itinerary or boarding pass, and will be masked within the reservation system and profile.

Can I Use One Name for Domestic and Another for International?

No, each profile and frequent flyer account is linked to only one name. Passengers who never travel internationally can use their driver's license name for all travel. Passengers who only internationally or both domestically and internationally should use their passport name for all travel. 

The Secure Flight Program start date and procedures are fluid and continue to change. This information is accurate as of 7/20/09. We will continue to keep you informed of any major changes as they occur.