Technologi

The names released by TSA on regular bases are for individuals said to be a threat to the aviation industry. They are only allowed to travel after thorough checks and verification. The TSA no-fly list search is a headache to frequent flies suspected of being potentially dangerous.

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.

A person who is suspected of any crime is usually investigated and arrested. The people in the selectee lists have not been charged with any crime. This explains why the list keeps changing. The government has no evidence to link them to any criminal activities.

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.

Travel delays are very disturbing to those identified as false positives. They are often stopped in airports, searched, interrogated and in the process delayed from travel. One personality who has suffered such an ordeal is Senator Ted Kennedy who was mistake for T Kennedy and delayed several times because of this similarity.

It is clear that TSA does not update or track people they have listed as aviation security threats. Many people have been delayed on several occasions. Repeated frisking and search should clear the name immediately. A person who flies regularly should not be confronted by the same challenge from time to time. It is expected that the name would be cleared after the first encounter.

There is no platform that offers the list to the public. This means that only an incident at the airport would tell if the name is there or not. Others are regarded as selectees but are allowed to travel on regular basis. It is impossible to foresee the delay happening. The names keep changing from time to time.

Automated check-in system, internet and kiosks in airports are not open to listed individuals. They are required to present themselves personally at the counter when traveling. It is possible to check if you have been listed through the airport personnel though they are not mandated to give you this information.

There is a legal process for reducing suspicion and ensuring that your name is not on the list. A person who suspects that he is there should fill the Traveler Identification Verification Form and submit it to TSA. This process does not lead to total clearance. Some people continue to experience travel hitches despite submitting the form.

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.