I recently had a rather odd occurrence on a Continental flight from IAH to BWI.

I received an upgrade on this flight, was assigned to seat 2B. Boarded without any issues. However, right before we were about to push back an agent wearing a red coat came on and asked me for my drivers license number and date of birth. He wrote this information on a sheet of paper and left. This request sounds fairly atypical to me, and it was definitely the first time I've seen this happen.

When I asked him why he needed this info he mumbled something about FAA regulations...though seriously, what FAA regulation?

Any ideas?

On a brighter note, I received an upgrade for both my flights! PDX to IAH to BWI. I'm currently a FO (silver) on a G fare (red eye)

Maybe your name matches someone on a no-fly list? usually the only way to distinguish you from another person of the same name on the no-fly is the birthdate.

Weird how they would come ask you this AFTER you have already boarded the plane. Have you ever had any TSA related issues in your previous travels?

Did you provide this information to CO when purchasing your ticket? If not, they would have needed to collect it for the TSA before the flight departed.

More information about the program can be found here - TSA's "Secure" Flight Program.

Still does not explain why they asked for his DL number?? Thats a new one to me

Good catch. I overlooked the DL # part and just saw the mention of his DOB.

Having a DL number is a good way to start financial fraud on someone. I think I'd sooner give up my social security number than my driver's license.

No, I never provided them with that information. I booked it via Travelocity (Flexperks) and did an online check in, avoided the gate entirely.


I asked the gate supervisor at BWI, they stated that it's done randomly and that its' normal.

I've never had an issue in the past. And that's taking into consideration doing a lot international traveling to Asia.

I recall having to specify what type of ID I'd be using when I entered my Secure Flight info. I think I have both passport and driver's license entered, although I don't remember entering the document numbers.