Tsa No-Fly List Search Process

By Essie Osborn


TSA releases names of people considered threats to aviation. Prohibition from flying on security grounds has raised pertinent issues on the TSA no-fly list search for frequent travelers. It has been met with skepticism considering that these are just suspects with no criminal record.

Terrorists do not have name tags to identify them. This complicates matters for travel agents and security authorities. A perfect example is the fact that 9/11 attackers lived unnoticed and went on to cause so much damage and death. The people listed in some of these lists are harmless and have never been involved in any crime. Others are in trouble because their names are similar.

Real suspects are dealt with through investigation and arrest. This only happens where evidence can be presented. There is no evidence of any nature for those listed. This justifies the fact that they roam freely and have not recorded any statements about criminal involvement. They are suspects or people with similar names as the real suspects. No record can prove their guilt.

The names given on the lists do not have other details like date and place of birth. This means that a ticketing agent has no idea if the person listed is the same seeking to travel. This does not help in situations where people share names. This is a dilemma many agents have to deal with.

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.

Only by having trouble at the airport does one discover that his name is in the list. Such information is not available before hand. People are allowed to travel if they are listed as selectees. One can therefore not prepare for such delays especially considering that the names keep fluctuating.

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.

Some individuals have managed to reduce the level of suspicion. One is required to fill the traveler identity verification form in order to reduce confusion over similarity in names. The procedure has not been effective in all cases. This has led some people to continue being treated as threats despite handing their details to the Office of Transportation Security redress.

A person who thinks that he has been listed can seek redress through constitutionally provided channels. There are civil organizations helping such individuals to reduce the level of suspicion. This will clear you from constant harassment.




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