TSA has joined up with the Ad Council to increase public education about their Secure Flight Program. 

Beginning late this summer 2009, TSA will be taking over from the airlines the job of checking passengers names against their terrorist watch list.  The purpose is to reduce the misindentifications of passengers who have a name similar to someone on the government watch list.  Travelers will need to book their ariline tickets using their full name as depicted on their government ID they use while traveling.

What this means for you When booking your flight as of August 15, 2009:

• You will be asked to provide your name as it appears on your passport or drivers license (any ID you plan on using to travel with)
• Airlines will begin to have a space on their reservation page for your date of birth and gender (this is slated to begin sometime in October of 2009)
• Get your names in order!  Make sure the name on your frequent flyer miles, credit card and ID match your ticket.

• If you have concerns about your identification, you have 2 middle names, or use initials, do you have a hypenated name or is your flight booked under your maiden name because you have not adopted your married name or you have changed your name since a divorce and now it doesn't match your ID....contact TSA if you have questions.

Currently most airlines websites are not set up for the birthdate or gender yet.  The best rule is fill out what is asked for.  The news coming from the airlines and TSA is that most of the websites should be up and current with this needed information by October 2009.  Until then, TSA will be checking names against their lists only.  Keep watching for further events.  www.tsa.gov is a great site to check prior to your travels.  All the latest information for travelers is there to help them streamline the security check point process.

We hope this helps you travel safely and wisely!  Blue skies and tailwinds!

Bev & Chris