[Classifieds] URGENT and IMPOPRTANT INFORMATION Secure Flight Update

[MBL Classifieds]

Below is updated information for TSA’s Secure Flight Program, as well as steps travelers should take to prepare for Phase I of the program scheduled to start on May 15 th , 2009. 

TSA Secure Flight Update 

The start of Phase I of Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) Secure Flight program has been delayed until May 15, 2009, at which time airlines must begin collecting travelers’ Full Name exactly as it appears on the government-issued I.D. with which they travel. On August 15, 2009, airlines must begin collecting travelers’ Date of Birth and Gende r . Airlines will be mandated to provide the collected information to TSA to allow them time to conduct watch list matching prior to passenger check-in. TSA and the airlines continue to address Global Distribution System (GDS) formatting issues, which could result in additional changes to the program and/or delays. In the meantime, travelers should prepare by doing the following: 

1. Decide what government-issued photo I.D.(s) you intend to travel with (passport and/or driver’s license) and ensure they exactly match. If they do not match, you have two options: 

· Change the name on your driver’s license to match your passport. You cannot change the name on your passport, as it must exactly match the name on your birth certificate/marriage license. 

Or 

· Always carry your passport as your government-issued I.D. (for both domestic and international travel). 
Note: The name on your ticket “must” exactly match the name on your government-issued I.D. If the name on your I.D. reads “Robert Edward Smith”, the name on your ticket “cannot” read “Robert Smith”. However, if the name on your driver’s license reads Robert E. Smith, you will not be required to obtain a new license that shows your complete middle name . You would need to ensure your flight reservation is made using the exact name that appears on the driver’s license: “Robert E. Smith”. 

To avoid potential inconvenience and disruption to travel, you should do the following by May 15 th . 

2. Update frequent flyer account(s) with each airline to exactly match the name on your government-issued I.D. Otherwise, your elite status may not be recognized and/or frequent flyer mileage accrual could be denied. 

3. Update Traveler Profile – Passenger profile pages have been re-formatted to allow collection of Middle Name or Initial; Date-of-Birth ; and Gender . Additional profile re-formatting will be completed by August 15, 2009 to accept redress numbers (if available). 






-- 
Cathy Norton < cnorton at mbl.edu > 
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