SECURE FLIGHT PROGRAM - UPDATE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 048256 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ATRN AMGT APER KSEP SUBJECT: SECURE FLIGHT PROGRAM - UPDATE Re: State 031101 ¶1. Summary: This is an update on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secure Flight Program. This update includes revised implementation dates, guidance on updating the online booking system and airline contact information to update frequent flier information. End Summary. ¶2. As noted in reftel,the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is shifting the responsibility from the individual aircraft operators to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for validating basic traveler information against the pre-departure "Watch List." This new TSA responsibility is known as the "Secure Flight Program" and was developed for the traveling public; government employees are not exempt. An overview of the Secure Flight Program can be found on the TSA Web site (http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/securef light/index .shtm). ¶3. DHS has provided the following implementation dates to the airlines: -- By May 15, 2009, domestic airlines must be able to transmit full name (as shown on the valid, government- issued photo identification the traveler will present at airport check-in such as a State Driver's License or U.S. issued Passport) and domestic itinerary to the TSA. -- By August 15, 2009, in addition to the information collected by May 15, domestic airlines must collect and transmit date of birth, and gender for travelers on domestic flights. -- By October 31, 2009, all other airlines with flights to, from, and through U.S. airspace must collect and transmit full name, itinerary, date of birth and gender to the TSA. ¶4. Carlson Wagonlit Travel will implement, May 15, 2009, a custom created Secure Flight section to the GetThere profile where Department of State travelers may document their full name as it exists on their Government issued ID or U.S. Passport, date of birth and gender. Once entered, all new reservations will employ the name provided in the Secure Flight name field. ¶5. Updates of Secure Flight information in the GetThere profile are optional. However, travelers who do not update their profile are at risk for having a mismatch between their boarding pass and their government issued ID resulting in possible delays at airport security checkpoints. ¶6. To ensure effective mileage credits, travelers will need to contact airlines with which they hold frequent flyer accounts to change their account names to match the full name in the Secure Flight field. The process for making a change to frequent flyer accounts varies by airline. Contact information for several major airlines is provided below: -- Air Canada (Aeroplan) - Send a copy of the passport or official identification to Aeroplan as outlined on their web site, http://www.aeroplan.com/help/topic.do?id=1002 . -- American Airlines (AAdvantage) - Contact AAdvantage by email or fax, as outlined on their web site, http://www.aa.com/aa/pubcontent/en_US/utility /nameChange .jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=namechang e. -- Continental Airlines (OnePass) - Name changes must be submitted in writing to the OnePass Service Center. See Continental's web site, http://www.continental.com/web/en- US/content/Contact/onepass/namechange.aspx, for additional details. -- Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) - Name changes can be completed online, or via phone, fax, or email as outlined on the Delta web site, http://www.delta.com/skymiles/about_skymiles/ membership_ guide_program/skymiles_rules/index.jsp#change s. -- Northwest Airlines (WorldPerks) - To change the name on your WorldPerks account, contact the WorldPerks Service Center directly at 1-800-447-3757. -- Southwest Airlines (Rapid Rewards) - Name change requests cannot be made online. Name change requests may be submitted in writing to Rapid Rewards, P.O. Box 36657, Dallas, Texas 75235. The written request must contain your signature and account number. Additional STATE 00048256 002 OF 002 information can be found on the Southwest web site, http://southwest.com/rapid_rewards/rules_and_ regs.html. -- United Airlines (Mileage Plus) - Depending on the type of name change, requests can be submitted via email or postal mail. Additional information can be found on the United web site, http://www.united.com/page/middlepage/0,8680, 1153,00.htm l?navSource=Dropdown07&linkTitle=aboutmileage plus and questions can be directed to the Mileage Plus Service center at (800) 421-4655, or (605) 399-2411. -- US Airways (Dividend Miles) - Members can change their name by calling, emailing, faxing or mailing the current name and address on the account, along with information on recent or latest flight activity and new name to be listed on the account to the Dividend Miles Service Center, http://usairways.com/awa/content/contact/dmil esacct.aspx . In some cases, legal documentation may be required. Additional information can be found on the US Airways web site, http://usairways.com/awa/content/dividendmile s/programde tails/memberguide.aspx. -- WestJet (AIR MILES) - Changes to last name can be completed on the AIR MILES web site, https://www.airmiles.ca/arrow/Home;ARROWSID=K C1Yh6nWM6yQ zdw2qR2vJvwYx8N2JwP1tnbkynJfLGjv1Qqrd41Z!9230 43608?_requ estid=1378596 or by calling (888) 247-6453. Changes to first name may require additional documentation to be faxed or mailed. Travelers can call the number above for additional information. For other airline frequent-flyer programs not listed here, please refer to the airline web site or contact the airline directly for additional information. ¶7. An overview of the Secure Flight program can be found on the TSA web site as noted in para #2. This site provides additional information regarding program implementation and timelines. ¶8. If you have additional questions or need personal assistance please contact transportationquery@state.gov. ¶9. Minimize considered. CLINTON