October 17, 2005

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Releases Form to Distinguish Travelers' Names from Watch Lists

TSA maintains a "Watch List "which identifies individuals who meet certain criteria for increased scrutiny prior to air travel. To facilitate check-in procedures and decrease delays for air travelers whose names are on the TSA Watch List, TSA has recently added the Passenger Identity Verification Form (PIVF) to its website. In the past, travelers were required to contact TSA or the Ombudsman's office to obtain the clearance form. TSA's Watch List is compiled based on recommendations and information received from Federal Agencies and includes the names of individuals who are considered "a threat to aviation" and who must undergo additional screening prior to air travel. Many travelers who have names that are the same or similar as individuals who appear on the watch list have been subjected to delays and multiple screenings at check-in; in many cases flights are missed because of the screenings. The TSA recognize s the hardship this causes travelers and as a result allows travelers to complete a preclearance form to decrease these delays. Those who have encountered this problem are encouraged by TSA to submit this preclearance form. The TSA warns that submission of the PIVF does not actually remove a name from the Watch List but rather places the names and identifying information of individuals in a cleared portion of the Watch List. The information also is transmitted to the airlines. The form can be downloaded at http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/PIV_Form.pdf.

TSA also offers additional information on clearance procedures on its website at http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1829.xml as well as other helpful travel links including information on wait times at security checkpoints http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1683.xml.