Amy from TSA Calls

Amy from the Department of Homeland Security's TSA Public Affairs called me today.  I had left her a message yesterday (see DEL posts here).  She was helpful and pointed me to this TSA document online called a Passenger Identity Verification Form (PVIF). 

The downside to the form is that it requires 3 forms of identification, which one needs to be a birth certificate that is certified.  The other two forms of identification would be for me a Driver's License and my passport.  If I didn't have either of these, it would seem a challenge to meet the 3-document requirement.  The other two forms of identification need to be notarized, which will require a $10 fee for me to get from a local notary. 

The certified birth certificate can be had for $18 from the County Hall of Records, if I show up in person.  Otherwise I will need a notary to prove that I am who I am to then pay the $18.  I also get the benefit of receiving the document promptly if I go in person.  So my cost is either $28 or $38 depending on if I want to go in person and wait for 30 minutes in line to get my certified birth certificate.

The PVIF letter states:

"Please understand that the TSA clearance process will not remove a name from the Watch Lists.  Instead this process distinguishes passengers from persons who are in fact on the Watch Lists by placing their names and identifying information in a cleared portion of the Lists. This information is transmitted to the airlines. Airline personnel can then more quickly determine when implementing TSA-required identity verification procedures that these passengers are not the person of interest whose name is actually on the Watch Lists.

Clearance by TSA may not eliminate the need to go to the ticket counter in order to check-in. While TSA cannot ensure that this procedure will relieve all delays, we hope it will facilitate a more efficient check-in process for you. Additionally, TSA has issued guidance to the airlines to clarify further the Watch List clearance protocol."

Even with all of the work involved, it still will not likely alleviate the check-in problems, but rather would allow them to move me forward faster, well maybe. I spoke with Carolyn from Southwest's customer service relations and she recommended that I go through the TSA procedure, but she was not sure if it would solve my problem with their kiosk check-in program.  She did recommend that I book round-trip and as far in advance as possible. 

I will keep you posted once I send the TSA my notarized and certified documents.

Comments

[Dan]

A few years ago, The Atlantic had an article criticizing America's "brittle" airline defense. Our system fails badly, because once on board with a weapon the terrorist can do anything.

The author suggested, instead of such vigorous and alienating screening, just giving knives to all passengers. It certainly would solve that problem!

[Jarrod]

I'm enjoying this bit of personal experience with the TSA. Living abroad, I miss out on things like this. Also interesting to read personal experience with the new government security reforms.

[Jarrod]

Of course there are no hard feelings! Intelligent conversation, even when heated is just about that, intelligence. Exchanging interesting ideas with educated people in order to challenge one's self and learn from it.

[Ed Rice]

I would like to know what foolishness led the TSA to include your name in the first place. That would probably give us some insight into its obviously flawed and abusive program. I haven't heard anything about an apology yet. One thing for sure: If the government is always right, it's wrong from the beginning and will eventually fail.

[Dan]

Looks like you're not the only one upset with the TSA

"Air Security Agency Faces Reduced Role"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A35333-2005Apr7?language=printer

[Javier VM]

Bill

You are not alone - we can group commiserate - it feels impotant to be watched. Had the same experience flying in TX with Southwest.

I'll get my three IDs, spend $20 notarizing the copies and send a PIVF to TSA.