TSA Secure Flight program
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun implementation of the Secure Flight program, which shifts pre-departure watch list matching responsibilities from individual airlines to the TSA. The mission of the Secure Flight program is to enhance the security of domestic and international commercial air travel through the use of improved watch list matching. Frequently Asked Questions

Under the new Secure Flight Rule, the TSA mandates that air carriers request specific information from passengers who are booking travel. The required information is known as Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD).

How will Secure Flight affect you?

In December 2009, United will begin to request the following information from all customers when making a reservation:
  • Full name (first, middle name or initial, and last, as it appears on the valid, government-issued photo ID that you will present at the airport);
  • Date of birth;
  • Gender; and
  • Redress number (if applicable).*

*Those who encounter misidentification are invited to apply for Redress at www.dhs.gov/trip to help prevent watch list matching misidentifications in the future.

We will request your Secure Flight Passenger Data each time a reservation is booked, whether online, through United Reservations, or through a travel agency or an online booking agent.

In an effort to simplify the process, we are working toward adding the ability to save this information for use in future reservations. Customers will have the ability to save Secure Flight data to their united.com customer profiles beginning in late February of 2010.

To learn more about the TSA Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA website.


  New: TSA Secure Flight policy
TSA Secure Flight policy requires your airline ticket to match exactly the name on your government-issued ID. If the name on your Mileage Plus account is different, your flights may not credit to your account automatically. Be sure that your Mileage Plus account matches your ID and you'll continue to receive all benefits.
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