For the 2nd time since the TSA implemented it’s "No-Fly" list, I found myself on the list of flyers prohibited from checking in because I present a potential threat to national security. True? Doubtful. Here are my travel credentials: 1K flier with United Mileage Plus, Gold Medallion status with Delta, Silver OnePass with Continental, Platinum with Marriott, etc. Have I painted a sufficient picture? Needless to say, the frequency of my travel should remove me from this list immediately.
The most interesting thing is that I was placed on the list within days of receiving clearance for the Fly Clear card. If you’re not familiar with this program, it requires a significant background check by the TSA, so you’d think it would be safe for me to get on an airplane. Needless to say, for about 2 months I was unable to check in online and had to be manually cleared for check-in before boarding every flight.
Want to avoid being on the list? Here are a few steps you can take
- Check Whether Your Name Appears on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals List
- Check Your Credit Reports For OFAC Alerts
- Check Your Name for Terrorist Matches at S3 Matching Technologies’ TeraMatch
- Use the DHS TRIP Program to Resolve Appropriate Travel Related Issues
- Contact an Attorney, If You are Placed on a No Fly List in Error
- Get Up to Date Information
- Vote For Candidates Who Support Watchlist and Civil Rights Safeguards
My approach was to file a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security TRIP program (#4). This worked and now I’m free to check in online and fly the friendly(?) skies again.
Here are a few celebrities and unlikely terrorists that have also been detained: Nelson Mandela, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), US Rep. Don Young (D-AK), US Rep John Lewis (D-GA), singer Cat Stevens.
You can find the full text of the article here
Not to be outdone by Hyatt, it looks like Marriott Platinum Elite members are eligible for a special one-year complimentary membership to Clear.
Off the Website:
The Clear Card allows you to access a fast lane through airport security at 17 major airports nationwide. As the number of participating airports grows, so does the value of Clear. The first time you breeze through security without the unpredictable, long lines, you’ll marvel at the time you save.
Enrollment in Clear is easy and, for Marriott Platinum Rewards members, complimentary. Start the process online by clicking join now on the left, then bring two forms of government-issued I.D. to any Clear enrollment station, where an attendant will confirm your I.D.s, capture iris and fingerprint images, and take your photograph.
After that, we’ll mail you your card and you’ll be free and clear, ready to speed through airport security, whether you’re on your way to your next Marriott stay, or anywhere else.
While it is not accepted everywhere, it appears to be rolling out to more and more airports each month.
Airports Accepting the Clear card:
- Albany (ALB)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG)
- Denver (DEN)
- Indianapolis (IND)
- Jacksonville (JAX)*
- New York JFK Terminals 1, 4 and 7 (JFK)
- New York LaGuardia Central Terminal (LGA)
- Newark Terminal B2 (EWR)
- Little Rock (LIT)
- Oakland (OAK)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Reno-Tahoe (RNO)*
- San Francisco (SFO)
- San José (SJC)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
- Washington Reagan (DCA)
- Westchester (HPN)
Just enter “Marriott” followed immediately by your Marriott Rewards number in the discount field on the payment information page at the end of the enrollment process and receive your complimentary first year of membership.
Less time in a security line can only be a good thing.
What is a Clear Membership and why would you want one? Think of it as your VIP pass through airport security. I’m pretty certain registration and approval requires a background check and giving up a certain level of personal information. If you’re willing to do it for the convenience of “straight-through processing” at one of these airports then take advantage of this Hyatt only offer for a free one-year membership available to Diamond and Platinum members.
From Clear’s website:
Clear® is the fast pass for airport security. Clear members are pre-screened and provided with a high-tech card which allows them to access designated airport security fast lanes nationwide. Clear members pass through airport security faster, with more predictability and less hassle.
Clear’s first year price is $100 plus the TSA vetting fee of $28 for a total charge of $128.
If you qualify for the offer, you can avoid the first year price. Think of it as try before you buy. Unfortunately I’m not a Hyatt Diamond or Platinum members (this year) so I could not go through the entire process, but this membership could determine whether you make or miss your flight if you happen to be running late at one of the participating airports.
May your security lines always be short.