Airline travel used to be such a breeze in the United States, but all that changed on 9/11. Since then, airports have been a clogged mess as passengers try to get onto planes while security personnel try to make sure nobody dangerous is doing so as well. The documentation requirements in 2010 are set forth here.
Domestic airline travel may seem like something that would get less attention than international travel. While generally true, it is also true that all the flights on 9/11 were domestic. As a result, travel documentation requirements start here. If you are flying domestically, you will be required to provide your name, birth date and gender when you buy your ticket. Now, you have to be careful. The name on your ticket must be exactly the same as the government document you will be carrying with you on the flight.
For most people, this document will be their driver’s license. If it reads Thomas Allen Ajava, as in my case, then I must buy my ticket using my full name. If I just put Tom Ajava, I am in for a very bad time. Why? They are not going to let me board my flight! Why such a technical interpretation? Well, the authorities are checking every name on a purchased ticket against a list of questionable people who should not be allowed on planes. The veritable “No Fly” list we hear about so much in the media.
What about international travel? Well, the process is both straightforward and complex at the same time. To keep things simple, you should just substitute a passport for your driver’s license in the above example. If you don’t have one, get one as quickly as possible. If you don’t have time, contact the Department of Homeland Security to find out if there are any exceptions you can use to complete your travel.
Domestic airline travel may seem like something that would get less attention than international travel. While generally true, it is also true that all the flights on 9/11 were domestic. As a result, travel documentation requirements start here. If you are flying domestically, you will be required to provide your name, birth date and gender when you buy your ticket. Now, you have to be careful. The name on your ticket must be exactly the same as the government document you will be carrying with you on the flight.
For most people, this document will be their driver’s license. If it reads Thomas Allen Ajava, as in my case, then I must buy my ticket using my full name. If I just put Tom Ajava, I am in for a very bad time. Why? They are not going to let me board my flight! Why such a technical interpretation? Well, the authorities are checking every name on a purchased ticket against a list of questionable people who should not be allowed on planes. The veritable “No Fly” list we hear about so much in the media.
What about international travel? Well, the process is both straightforward and complex at the same time. To keep things simple, you should just substitute a passport for your driver’s license in the above example. If you don’t have one, get one as quickly as possible. If you don’t have time, contact the Department of Homeland Security to find out if there are any exceptions you can use to complete your travel.
Air travel isn’t the breeze it once was, but that is understandable. To avoid problems, make sure you know what is required before you leave.
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