Traveling by air? Applying for a Redress Number through DHS TRIP online will help prevent delays due to name recognition issues with government watch lists.
This program is from TSA PreCheck and Global Entry and does not expedite airport security processes.
What is a redress number?
Redress numbers (also called Redress Control Numbers) are government-issued identifiers passengers use at airports to expedite security screening processes faster. While similar, redress numbers differ significantly from TSA PreCheck and Global Entry-related KTNs in several key ways.
Travelers can apply for redress numbers through the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program, with applications taking anywhere between one to four months before being processed by mail or online submission of documents. Once approved, travelers will be sent their unique redress numbers that can be used when booking flights.
Redress numbers (redress #s) may not be as common in TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applications, but they’re a valuable solution for travelers who often encounter misidentification problems when flying. For example, sharing a name with someone on the watch list could result in extra screening every time. A redress number makes it clear to security officials that you are not the same individual on that list – thus lessening the chance for future misidentification issues.
Add your Redress Number to airline reservations and frequent flyer profiles. For example, United passengers should enter it in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking new or updating existing flights; additionally, it’s wise to add it directly into their frequent flyer profiles so it will automatically appear when creating new itineraries with them.
Redress numbers won’t give you access to expedited security lanes or free TSA PreCheck, but they may help ease some of the stress of traveling by making it less likely that unnecessary searches will take place. If extra screenings or being told your name is on a watch list are causing you frustration while traveling, applying for a redress number might be worth your while – remember it remains your responsibility to check in at your terminal on time and comply with TSA rules when planning for your trip.
How do I apply for a redress number?
Redress Control Numbers can help travelers pass through security more smoothly at airports and ports of entry into the U.S. A redress number helps prevent misidentification by TSA when their watch lists match up with travelers’ names, making you eligible to travel without misidentification by TSA when searching. Apply for one through their website or email the program directly for more information.
Once assigned a Redress Number, use it every time you travel to ensure your flights are more relaxing and less stressful. While it can’t guarantee that additional screening won’t occur, using it significantly reduces the odds that someone misidentifies you during security screening.
Redress numbers can also come in handy when booking airline tickets online. Most major travel agencies and airline websites allow customers to add their redress number during the booking process, usually appearing when filling in personal data such as their name, date of birth, and address details. You could even add it directly to your frequent flyer account!
The Redress Program was created to make life easier for people subjected to security checks at airports and ports of entry. However, this doesn’t protect everyone from travel issues; even innocent travelers may encounter delays and hassles while traveling abroad or within the U.S.
Redress numbers could be worth applying for if airport security often causes you inconvenience. In particular, if extra screenings occur due to sharing names with someone on a watchlist or frequently being mistaken for another individual, it might be worthwhile applying.
Not everyone requires a Redress Number; if security or port of entry delays don’t affect you, applying might not be worthwhile. But, if additional screening occurs frequently, using is undoubtedly beneficial.
When should I apply for a redress number?
Most travelers know they can use their Known Traveler Number (KTN) to expedite TSA security screenings. Still, many are unaware of another service offered by Homeland Security: Redress numbers issued through Traveler Redress Inquiry Program are designed to alleviate recurring security-related issues like secondary screening or mistakenly flagged on watch lists. While not required for travel or applicable to everyone, Redress numbers could prove especially helpful in alleviating problems at airports and ports of entry if frequent issues have been an issue for them.
Redress numbers (which differ from KTNs used with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry) can be added to airline bookings and frequent flyer accounts to alert airlines of your redress case every time you make a flight booking, giving them a warning in case additional screenings occur or tickets cannot be printed at the check-in counter. Should other screenings occur, the airlines will know that DHS has already cleared you and that DHS should not flag their name.
Redress numbers can be especially beneficial to those whose names resemble those on no-fly and watch lists. TSA often mistakes similar words for security risks and can make for a long and stressful airport experience. However, with a redress number application and supporting documents provided, any confusion should typically be cleared up relatively quickly.
Get your Redress Number For free & Request it Online Today (online request is the fastest route), although postal requests will also work. According to Homeland Security’s estimates, it should take at least 30 business days for their review & approval; some travelers have reported getting theirs sooner! Once approved, add it to airline bookings & frequent flyer accounts so TSA knows you are prescreened, and your name shouldn’t be flagged for additional screening.
How do I use my redress number?
Redress numbers are official documents for travelers registering security issues through DHS TRIP. Travelers experiencing repeated issues at airports and ports of entry should consider applying for redress case numbers to mitigate these problems; once approved or denied, they will receive their redress control number.
Redress case numbers can help ease security hassles at check-in or when traveling by adding them to airline travel reservations. When making travel reservations, most online travel agencies and airline websites provide an option to add your redress number during booking – often right next to where you enter your Known Traveler Number during this process. Travelers enrolled in frequent flyer programs can also add their Redress Case Number as part of their recurring Flyer profile to ensure it always appears when making airline reservations.
As much as adding a redress number can help ease security worries when flying, it should not be seen as a replacement for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs which offer free applications and significantly cut your time at security checkpoints.
Redress numbers address security issues, such as being pulled aside for additional screening or denied boarding due to an inaccurate watch list issue. Unfortunately, they do not guarantee that such problems won’t arise again.
To apply for a redress case number with Homeland Security’s TRIP website and create an account. When doing so, be prepared to provide information such as your name, birth date, gender, and contact phone number, as well as upload documents such as copies of passports, driver’s licenses, or state ID cards that you may require during this process (this could take up to one month).
As with any government agency, no guarantee can be given that your redress number will resolve your security concern. However, providing as much documentation as possible increases your odds of an effective resolution.