For the 2nd time since the TSA implemented it’s "No-Fly" list, I found myself on the list of flyers prohibited from checking in because I present a potential threat to national security. True? Doubtful. Here are my travel credentials: 1K flier with United Mileage Plus, Gold Medallion status with Delta, Silver OnePass with Continental, Platinum with Marriott, etc. Have I painted a sufficient picture? Needless to say, the frequency of my travel should remove me from this list immediately.
The most interesting thing is that I was placed on the list within days of receiving clearance for the Fly Clear card. If you’re not familiar with this program, it requires a significant background check by the TSA, so you’d think it would be safe for me to get on an airplane. Needless to say, for about 2 months I was unable to check in online and had to be manually cleared for check-in before boarding every flight.
Want to avoid being on the list? Here are a few steps you can take
- Check Whether Your Name Appears on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals List
- Check Your Credit Reports For OFAC Alerts
- Check Your Name for Terrorist Matches at S3 Matching Technologies’ TeraMatch
- Use the DHS TRIP Program to Resolve Appropriate Travel Related Issues
- Contact an Attorney, If You are Placed on a No Fly List in Error
- Get Up to Date Information
- Vote For Candidates Who Support Watchlist and Civil Rights Safeguards
My approach was to file a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security TRIP program (#4). This worked and now I’m free to check in online and fly the friendly(?) skies again.
Here are a few celebrities and unlikely terrorists that have also been detained: Nelson Mandela, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), US Rep. Don Young (D-AK), US Rep John Lewis (D-GA), singer Cat Stevens.
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