We have a friend with a common enough name that it's landed him on the No-Fly List. As a result, it creates major hassle when checking in for flights, since he cannot check in online and checking in with an agent at the airport usually requires the presence of a manager. Thankfully, the new rule to include middle names on tickets has helped slightly, but the No-Fly List continues to be a headache.

So how do people end up on the No-Fly List? What exactly is the process? It's something we've wondered for a while, and happily the AP mustered their sources for a glimpse into the steps that makes Joe Smith (a sample average name) into Joe Smith, suspected terrorist and No-Fly List entry.

The awesome infographic, after the jump. ]]> JetSetCD 2010-03-16T11:45:58-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/10/16512/1503

We happen to know someone very near and dear to us who is unfortunately on the TSA No-Fly List. Or at least that's what we've surmised every time we've had to travel with him. While his criminal record is non-existent it seems that there is someone else out there with his very common first and last name who has committed some sort of criminal act that has placed him on the No-Fly list.

As it is, our friend is what is called a False Positive, someone with a similar name as a person on the No-Fly list. What this means is our friend cannot check-in online because the airlines have to see his driver's license (or other form of ID) with his birth date and address. This has been happening on and off for about five years.

Now, we're not saying it happens to everyone with a common last name (Jones, Smith, White, etc.) but having that last name doesn't help. Nor does a common first name like Michael or Jennifer. ]]> juliana 2009-06-10T16:21:20-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/