Apr 23, 2014

Tsa No-Fly List Search Procedures

By Essie Osborn


Many questions have been asked about the names of people prohibited from flying. The number keeps on changing depending on security updates provided. Conducting a TSA no-fly list search does not tell much about the person. The names indicate suspicion and are likely to be wrong in a number of ways.

It is impossible for airline agents and security apparatus to know if a person is a terrorist before hand. The terrorist attacks of September 11 are a clear example of how wrong the intelligence system can be. Many people have been branded as threats to aviation even though they are totally harmless. They have never been caught in any criminal act in the past.

The normal procedure for dealing with a suspect is to investigate and arrest where evidence exists. People listed by the authorities, including the selectees have not been linked to any crime. This explains why they are free. The names are updated on regular basis with numerous names being included while others are struck out. Authorities have no record to prove these people guilty.

Only names are listed without supporting details like dates of birth or place of birth. This presents a huge dilemma to ticketing agents and security personnel. Many people may share the same name. There are no images of the accused persons either. It has led to a lot of inconvenience.

False positives are individuals whose names are similar to those listed. The scenario has been stressful especially for frequent travelers. They endure interrogation, searches and delays at various airports. This has happened several times to Senator Ted Kennedy because of the appearance of a person by the name T Kennedy.

Evidence indicates that TSA does not track the names of those listed as threats to aviation security. The reason for such a conclusion is because the same person may be stopped several times. One would expect that a single mistaken identify is enough to get your name removed. Facing similar delays and frisking on regular basis is very stressful.

A person only discovers if he is on the list or not when he encounters trouble at the airport. It is impossible to verify if you have been blacklisted before hand. Being allowed to travel could also happen if you are listed among the selectees.

Listed individuals are not allowed to use the internet and kiosk or automated check-in systems. Such a person has to personally report to the counter. Some personnel in airports tell individuals if they are listed. The personnel are not obliged to do so.

TSA has provided individuals who suspect that their names could be in the list with the chance to reduce suspicion. They have provided the Traveler Identification Verification Form. It helps clear the name in case it is shared. All people are not completely cleared since some continue to experience difficulties during travel.

Eliminating the name form the list is done through an appeal process. It is constitutional and simplified through the assistance of several civil societies. It saves a person from constant harassment and suspicion.




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