Ethics & Photography - T.O.P. Post

I thought you might like to see this post from The Online Photographer: http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/05/splat-an-ethical-conundrum.html

TSA requirements - Seriously??

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has instituted new rules and procedures that require airlines to present the TSA with certain specific identity information for all passengers.  The TSA has branded these new requirements TSA SECURE FLIGHT which goes into effect on 15MAY.  The purpose of this program is for the US government to pre-screen airline passengers against its No-Fly list 72 hours prior to boarding.

 

On 15MAY, airlines will be required to provide the full name of each passenger to the TSA.  The traveler’s name, as it appears on the reservation, must match the ID being presented at check-in EXACTLY.  If the ID contains a middle initial or name, the reservation must also reflect such.  This only applies to reservations made on or after 15MAY.  As the Frequent Flyer Number must also match the reservation name to get flight credit, you may need to contact the airline and have your account name changed to match the ID you will be using. 

 

On 15AUG, Airlines will be required to provide the TSA with the traveler Date of Birth and Gender for all domestic flights.  We would like to start collecting this information as soon as possible so that there will be no rush when this rule goes into effect.  Please be advised that you may decline to give me this information, but such a declination will cause check-in delays, additional airport screening by the TSA and possible denied boarding.

 

On 31OCT, Airlines will be required to provide the TSA with your Date of Birth and Gender for all international flights entering or leaving the US. Please be advised that you may decline to give me this information, but again such a declination will cause check-in delays, additional airport screening by the TSA and possible denied boarding.

 

As your travel management company, we are required to provide this data in a specified format to the airline and they, in turn, provide it to the TSA. 

 

As you are surely aware when it comes to matters involving the TSA we have no ability to impact the processes they adopt  nor how they choose to execute them at the airport on the day of your departure.  However, in an effort to avoid unnecessary delays at check-in, we/I would like to begin entering this information into your traveler profile in advance of these deadlines and would appreciate you clicking on this link to provide me with the necessary information. If you have this information for more than one person, please click on the link again for each new traveler.

 

 In addition, I strongly suggest you review your frequent flyer memberships and ensure the name matches your form of ID EXACTLY.  This will enable you to keep receiving your miles without having to request them after the fact.

 

If you have questions about the TSA Secure Flight Program, please click on the following link to connect directly to the TSA website - http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm

 

 

Shaun N Balani, CTC

President

 

 

1044 New Holland Ave.

Lancaster, PA 17601

(717) 299 6600 Ext. 555

www.trvltime.com