Timeshare Information

There's a veritable firestorm in the media regarding the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration) full body scan and pat-down airport security checks. All of this sudden hoopla regarding TSA security checks is due to the change in procedure in how pat-downs are conducted, put in place by the TSA the beginning of November. The new methods, says ABC News, are much more invasive, with same-gender screeners feeling under breasts and up passengers' thighs to their crotches.

A November 23, 2010 ABC News article attempts to calm the media frenzy a bit by pointing out that the TSA estimates that 2 million people fly each day but that the agency has received only approximately 2,330 complaints specific to these pat-downs since the procedure went into effect nationwide on Nov. 1. Roughly 340,000 people have been subjected to more intense searches - just 1% of the 34 million travelers since the new procedures took effect.

And the truth of the matter is, most passengers will not have to undergo the intensive, privacy-invading, scanners and pat-downs. And if you want to be one of them, ABC News offers this suggestion:

Don't set off the metal detector. Plain and simple. There's certainly no way to ensure that a TSA official won't deem you a candidate for the more intensive security checks, but not triggering the alarm of the metal detector will definitely minimize the possibility.

As reported in the ABC News article, Anne Banas, executive editor of travel web site SmarterTravel, said "there's not a ton you can do" to avoid the pat-downs but that good preparation can lower your odds. "Be really, really smart before leaving the house," she said.

That means putting any spare change and jewelry in your carry-on bag long before the security line. Take off your belt, avoid clothing with excessive zippers, and women - don't wear an underwire bra. If you have screws or plates in your body, declare that upfront to the screener.

ABC News also pointed out that children 12 years old and under who require extra screening will receive a modified pat down; all passengers have the right to request private screening at any point during the screening process; and everybody has the right to have a traveling companion present during the private screening.

For more information about the pat-downs, TSA carry-on rules or anything else about airport security, check out the TSA's traveler tips section.

(Photo credit - theage.com.au)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that as of November 1, 2010, it will now require a full name, which includes first, middle name or initial, and last, exactly as it appears on your government issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport), date of birth, and gender for all passengers traveling on or after November 1, 2010, regardless of when the reservation was booked. Failure to provide this information could result in a reservation being refused by the airline. Airlines may cancel any record which does not contain this information at least 72 hours prior to travel.

To avoid cancellation, potential delays at check in, denied boarding, or additional costs, make sure that all required information is entered into your reservation.
This is part of the federal program Secure Flight. Secure Flight is the TSA's behind-the-scenes watch list matching program that fulfills a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

"By establishing a consistent watch list matching system, Secure Flight enhances aviation security and more effectively facilitates air travel for passengers," states the TSA blog. "By providing complete information, passengers can significantly decrease the likelihood of a watch list misidentification."

The TSA web site lists the objectives of the Secure Flight program as: identify known and suspected terrorists, prevent individuals on the No Fly List from boarding an aircraft, facilitate passenger air travel, and protect individuals' privacy.

Regarding privacy protection, the TSA states that the personal data that Secure Flight collects is protected by the highest set of security protocol standards established by the federal government. "Secure Flight guards the privacy of individuals by adhering to the letter and spirit of privacy law, by treating individuals and their personal privacy information with respect, ensuring a high standard of privacy protection, and responding effectively to public concerns."

If the name you use to make your reservation and that exactly matches your Government-issued ID, but not your frequent flyer account, the airline's frequent flyer system will not recognize your name. If this is true for you, consult the airline frequent flyer program regarding the process to update the frequent flyer account information.