DHS Now Vetting 100 Percent of Passengers

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that 100 percent of passengers on flights within or bound for the United States are now being checked against government watchlists. This fulfills a key 9/11 Commission recommendation one month ahead of schedule. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it reached 100 percent watch list matching for all domestic airlines on June 22.

Under Secure Flight, the TSA prescreens passenger's name, date of birth and gender against terrorism watchlists before passengers receive their boarding passes. In addition to facilitating secure travel for passengers, the program helps prevent the misidentification of passengers who have names similar to individuals on government watchlists. Prior to Secure Flight, airlines held responsibility for checking passengers against watchlists, the DHS said.

“Each and every one of the security measures we implement serves an important goal: providing safe and efficient air travel for the millions of people who rely on our aviation system every day,” said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “Secure Flight makes air travel safer for everyone by screening every passenger against the latest intelligence before a boarding pass is issued.”

Passengers are required to provide their full name as it appears on the government ID they plan to use when traveling, date of birth, gender and, if applicable, redress number when booking their airline reservations.

Under Secure Flight, 99 percent of passengers are cleared to print boarding passes at home or at a self-serve kiosk, the TSA says. Individuals found to match watchlist parameters will be subject to secondary screening, a law enforcement interview or prohibition from boarding an aircraft, depending on the specifics of the case. Visit www.TSA.gov.