DHS To Launch Traveler Redress Mechanism

The Department of Homeland Security on Feb. 20 plans to launch the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program, offering travelers faster means to correct watch list misidentification, point of entry issues or rectify situations where passengers "have been unfairly or incorrectly delayed, denied boarding or identified for additional screening at our nation's transportation hubs," DHS said.

The system uses the online-based Traveler Inquiry Form, which will collect requests for redress by the DHS TRIP office. "This collection serves to distinguish individuals from an actual individual on any watch list used by DHS, and it helps streamline and expedite future check-in or border crossing experiences," DHS noted in the Federal Register early this month. "DHS TRIP will offer the legitimate traveler a clearly-defined process through which to report travel-related discrepancies thus improving the traveler experience overall," said Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff. "Ensuring that personal information is accurate and complete allows us to focus fewer resources on legitimate travelers and more resources on national security and law enforcement issues."

The National Business Travel Association Thursday applauded the system's development as well as the Transportation Security Administration's plan to review the so-called "no-fly" list, noting both initiatives should reduce hassles for business travelers.