After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 mandated the creation of a no-fly list to prevent dangerous individuals from boarding aircraft. The list’s effectiveness and constitutionality are disputed, and its exact size is unknown. People on the list are not notified and may be denied self-check-in services. Airlines are required to review the list within two hours of updates. Innocent people can be detained or barred from flying, leading to the development of the Traveler Compensation Claims Program.
On September 11, 2001, terrorists used airplanes to carry out acts of terrorism in the United States (USA). Following these events, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 required the development of a no fly list. The purpose of this security measure was to help combat the threat of terrorism by keeping dangerous individuals away from aircraft. The constitutionality and effectiveness of that list is a matter of dispute.
People who are on the do not fly list are not permitted to board aircraft for domestic flights within the United States. These individuals are also not permitted to board airplanes to leave the United States. Additionally, individuals whose names appear on this list are not permitted to fly to the United States.
The exact number of names on the list is generally a matter of speculation. This information is not made public. People who are on the list are not notified and have no way of knowing that they are suspected terrorists. The inability to use self check-in services that should otherwise be available may be an indication that a person’s name is listed, as individuals on the list are denied these privileges.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that “The ‘No-Fly’ list has been an essential element of aviation security: it keeps known terrorists off planes.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has previously sued the US government over the list, says it’s inaccurate because “it’s virtually impossible to know in advance whether a person is a terrorist.” There are no credible statistics to determine how effective the list truly is.
In addition to the TSA, airlines also play a role in helping prevent people listed on the no-fly list from boarding planes. When additions are made to the list, airlines should be notified. The US government requires airlines to review the updated list within two hours of being notified of the change.
While the intentions behind the creation of the no fly list are generally believed to be positive, it has created some problems and attracted criticism. One problem with the no fly list is that innocent people can be detained, interrogated or barred from flying simply because their names raise concern. There have been reports of young children being mistaken for people without flying privileges. The prevalence of this problem has led to the development of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Traveler Compensation Claims Program (TRIP). This allows people who claim to be falsely affected by the flight listing to request resolution of the issue.
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