ASTA Alerts Agents to 2009 Secure Flight Changes

In an alert to travel agents, ASTA reminded members that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Secure Flight Program will be phased-in through several stages over the coming year. Selected airlines have volunteered to implement the program beginning in mid-January 2009. Other domestic carriers will be required to participate beginning in May and June, with international carriers joining in late 2009.

ASTA said it is essential that travel agents take steps now to prepare for this new set of procedures and offered specific guidelines agents can use to comply with the new data collection rules. ASTA also said it was working with the Interactive Travel Services Association (ITSA) and the TSA to obtain the essential information travel agents will need to comply with the final rule. Full details are available online.

Visit www.asta.org.