Travel Tips

Travel Tip: TSA’s Secure Flight Program

With all the controversy over the TSA’s new procedures, another new security measure may have slipped under the radar.

I’m talking about the Secure Flight Program.

Passengers are now required to submit their name exactly as it appears on their ID, date of birth, and gender.

All domestic and international carriers bound for the U.S. have now implemented this procedure.

The point is to help match names to potential terrorists and is expected to reduce the number of false positive matches.

This information should be provided up to 72 hours before the flight. However, if you buy a last-minute ticket, it’s OK. Airlines can send that required information as soon as the reservation is made.

If, for some reason, you don’t provide the information, then you won’t be issued a boarding pass.

If that happens, go straight to the gate agent to provide the details. The best way to prevent a delay is to call the airline in advance and makes sure it has all the correct details.

Every now and then, there may be a discrepancy, like middle initial on your ID that doesn’t match up with your ticket. Don’t  worry. If you’re issued a boarding pass, you’ve passed the Secure Flight requirement.

Find out the latest in our Safety & Security section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here.