New TSA security measures start today

Credit: alex-s.

By Jeanenne Tornatore

Starting today, November 1, 2010 a new aviation security program, Secure Flight, will go into effect for travelers flying into or through the U.S.  Here’s the lowdown on what the program is all about and how it could affect travelers as we head into the busy holiday season.

What is Secure Flight?
Secure Flight is the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) behind-the-scenes watch list matching program, created to establish a consistent watch list matching system, enhance aviation security and more effectively facilitate air travel for passengers.

How will Secure Flight affect travelers?
Travelers will first encounter Secure Flight when they book their flight.  The program requires the airlines to gather additional passenger information, including the passenger’s full name as it appears on the government issued I.D. they will present at the airport, gender, birth date, and Redress Number (if applicable) when making airline reservations.

To avoid unnecessary delays and prevent misidentifications, passengers must provide complete and accurate information when booking airfare, whether they have booked directly with the airline, a travel agent or an online booking site.

Orbitz requires travelers to input Secure Flight information before a ticket can be booked, so travelers need not worry they will forget to input the data.

What will happen if a passenger’s information does not match the I.D. they present at the airport?
According to the TSA, “At the security checkpoint, TSA strives to ensure your identification and boarding pass are authentic and validate you are who you say you are. Small differences in the name on the boarding pass and ID, like middle initials, should not impact your travel. It is not uncommon for the information printed on boarding passes to differ slightly from the information on IDs, depending on the boarding pass printing practices of individual airlines.”

Chances are, travelers will have no problem making their way through security, but to play it safe and avoid any delays, it’s important to check to make sure Secure Flight information is inputted accurately.

For more information about Secure Flight or how to update your reservation with Orbitz, visit our TSA Secure Flight FAQ.

Jeanenne Tornatore is a senior travel editor at Orbitz Worldwide. A long-time travelerand avid deal seeker, she regularly shares her industry knowledge, practical advice and savvy tips with national print and broadcast media around the country.

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