New TSA Identification Requirement
TSA issued a press release last week notifying the public that effective May 15, 2009 new identification requirements will be in place. Passengers are required to enter their full name - as it appears on the government issued identification they will be traveling with - when making airline reservations. TSA states that in the near future, small discrepancies - e.g. use of a middle initial (or not) - will be allowed. In the meantime, check your id BEFORE you purchase! Airlines are not likely to offer refunds if a passenger makes a mistake and is not allowed to complete the screening process.
This program results from a 911 Commission recommendation that TSA assume responsibility from the airlines for checking passengers against the "no fly list". A second phase will be implemented effective August 15, 2009, which will require a passenger to enter date of birth and gender when making reservations or purchasing tickets.
For more information, see TSA's web page at http://www.tsa.gov.
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