An Overview of the TSA’s Secure Flight Program

Air travel watch lists are not a new thing, but it wasn’t until TSA's Secure Flight program that the process became unified and standardized. While it may seem like airport security is more of a hassle than it used to be, the process used to maximize consumer travel safety has done much to keep the wrong people off planes and get the right people on them faster. Your travel agent can provide you with more information about this program and how it works, but here are a few basics:
 
The Reason They Ask for Your Information
When you go to book a flight, you’ll have to provide certain personal information, including your full name, sex, birth date, and any redress or travel numbers you might have. The reason for this is to compare your information against the national watch list to make sure you aren’t on the No Fly List, evading capture, or are a high risk to national security. If there are any red flags, you’ll be tagged for enhanced security. If there aren’t, they’ll actually go ahead and expedite you through the system—which is good news!
 
How They Handle Privacy
Privacy is one of TSA’s main concerns with the Secure Flight program; they take it just as seriously as they take travel threats. TSA has a stringent list of privacy principles and policies that minimizes the chances of your information becoming compromised or shared with anyone who does not strictly need to know. They use three levels of safeguards and provide extensive administrative and staff training on all policies and procedures. Finally, they have an entire staff devoted to the monitoring of the system to make sure all is as it should be and to address any points of concern the moment they happen.
 
There’s no reason to let fear of airport security keep you from taking your dream trip. At Brentwood Travel in St. Louis, we can explain how it really works and set your mind at ease. Contact us today if you need a travel agent, or are interested in cruise deals, all-inclusive vacations, or luxury cruises by calling (314) 439-5700.

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