I've been sent to secondary immigration inspection in the windowless, unattractive bowels of JFK T1 and EWR the last two times I've reentered the US -- both times, the surly customs agents have told me I'm on some list, due to my 'common name'. It sure makes me feel safer !! As a US citizen I find it appalling that they've now made me afraid to enter my own country, but that's another story. Short of a legalized name change, is there any way to get off this list? In a few weeks I'm travelling to the Middle East and Central Asia, and I'm fully expecting the intimidating 'welcome' interview upon my return... I might as well warn them now -- can I book an appointment, to avoid the interminable wait at the 'detention zone' lobby ??

As an added note, my father was on the no-fly list last year, for reasons unknown. I've escaped that so far, thank God !!

Apologies if this has been addressed before.

Wow, this must suck

Maybe try calling your senators' or representative's office and seeing if they can assist you? Some people have posted about doing that before; seems like there's a chance that it could be of some help.

Try using your middle name or middle initial when purchasing a ticket.
The same advice should be given to your father. This technique
has been mentioned before on this site.....sometimes, the TSA
themselves or an airline rep will suggest this. What goes on these days is getting ridiculous.

Greg

Using your middle initial when making a reservation will not change anything in this situation. Unfortunately what you are going to have to do is contact the TSA Omsbudman and request the application to have yourself basically investigated to insure you are who you say you are They will need copies of 3 forms of goverment issued identification that have been notorized. I am currently going through this mess and it's taking a long time, but its the only recourse we've got right now. I've heard calling your congressman only causes more delays. Somehwere in a thread here you'll find the phone number to call and it will take several attempts before someone answers. Ask to have the forms faxed to you, not mailed. You can also pick this information up at the airport or at least they were providing it at the DL counter last time I flew. Once you are cleared the TSA will notify the airlines to remove your name from the watch list and you can then again check in on line or use the kiosk. it's strange though because i just returned from Europe and was never once challanged coming back through immigration. Sometimes your return is cleared when you depart, the airlines will provide the TSA with your reservation code and your birthdate tends to clear you from the hold and I think at that time your return is approved too.

Good Luck

thanks for this advice -- you and I must be on different lists, since I've never had any problems checking in online or with the kiosks or with any domestic travel -- all of my problems have happened when entering the US.

Since I still vote in California, one of my senators is the feisty Barbara Boxer -- I should get her working on my case !!
^

She hates them too! Get everyone involved. And while you're at it, complain to the ACLU. I'm sure they're building up a nice case against this bull**** agency.

There i a form you can send to the TSA to ask for removal. You can get it at any airport or I think you can go to the web site and download it.

Thanks for the suggestion. Is the TSA the government body in question in my situation? Wouldn't it be DHS or US Customs?

Hmm.... what about getting a legal name change and using the old one for everything except air travel?