WASHINGTON (PNN) - August 3, 2011 - In a brief notice published in the Federal Register on August 3, TSA makes clear that it collects information from aircraft operators about individuals who are not planning to travel but who are simply entering a “sterile area” at a U.S. airport in order to accompany a minor, assist a passenger with a disability, or patronize a restaurant. The information is gathered to perform “watch list matching” under the Secure Flight program.
The notice says that TSA collects “certain identifying information” from such non-travelers from both U.S. and foreign air carriers, for both domestic and international flights.
“The collection also covers passenger data for charter operators and lessors of aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of over 12,500 pounds,” says TSA. “The collection will also cover a survey of certain general aviation aircraft operators that may be covered by Secure Flight in the future.”