SECURE FLIGHT OVERVIEW

 

Dear Valued CTP Clients,

On October 28, 2008 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the final rule for a program called Secure Flight. The purpose of Secure Flight is to enhance the current security of domestic and international air travel through the use of improved government watch list matching.

The Secure Flight program will become effective in two phases: Phase 1 tentative date to start is May 18, 2009.

  • Phase 1- includes flights between two domestic points within the United States.
  • Phase 2- includes flights overflying the continental United States, covered flights to/from the United States, and all other flights (such as international point-to-point flight) operated by U.S aircraft operators not included in first phase.

Upon full implementation of the Secure Flight program, each passenger will be required to provide the following information:

Mandatory Information:

  • Passengers Full Name (as shown on state or government issued identification documents such as a State ID Card, Drivers License or Passport).
  • Date of Birth
  • Gender

Optional Information:

  • Redress Number (if available)
  • Known Traveler Number (program has not yet been defined)

In order to issue a boarding pass, Airlines must transmit the aforementioned data to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 72 hours prior to flight departure for vetting. In the event a reservation is created within 72 hours of departure, traveler information must be provided immediately.

Airline operators will not be able to print boarding passes for passengers until the Secure Flight program completes the comparison of passenger information.

Additionally, web site booking engines and kiosks must display a privacy notice indicating that the information being obtained is a requirement of the Transportation Security Administration of the U.S Department of Homeland Security for purpose of watch list screening.   

 

click here for General Secure Flight Questions (word doc)