When an individual travels domestically, the airline has the responsibility of matching the information collected in the individual’s reservation to the Federal No Fly and Selectee Lists, which are submitted to the airlines periodically by TSA. If the airline finds that an individual’s reservation information matches or is similar to a name on the No Fly or Selectee List, the airline is required to notify TSA for further instructions. Depending on instructions, that individual may be directed to secondary screening or prohibited from boarding that flight.

The problem is that because much of these lists are classified, the names given to the airlines for matching purposes are minimal at best. And as a result, false matches are occurring. One airline reports over 9,000 false matches a day.

GBTA has long been an advocate for improving today’s broken watch list review process which has inconvenienced tens of thousands of innocent travelers attempting to fly domestically and internationally. The association has engaged the Congress and the TSA concerning the development of Secure Flight, previously known as CAPPS II, since the creation of TSA.

Most recently, GBTA has been the leading travel industry supporter of the FAST Redress bill introduced in the House and Senate. The bill would create a “cleared list” of individuals who have encountered confusion with similarly-named individuals on watch lists. This bill passed the House of Representatives in June of 2008 and is awaiting action in the Senate.
Additionally, GBTA urges TSA and DHS to continue to enhance passenger security and facilitation by:

• Enhancing the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) by implementing an effective communications campaign and reducing processing time for redress complaints to reduce the frequency of secondary screening;
• Working with air carriers and other private sectors players to harmonize the new Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement with Secure Flight; and
• Restoring the background check and risk management aspects of the Registered Traveler program to provide TSA with additional information about a growing number of frequent business travelers and reducing the burden on TSA screeners.

The challenge remains, how do you accurately and precisely pre-screen passengers before boarding?

Read about the Secure Flight program >>