Got flagged at TSA once for extra screening. Every single flight. Turned out I needed a redress number.
What It Is
DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program. TRIP. You apply, they investigate, they give you a number.
Add that number to airline reservations. Tells TSA you’ve been cleared. Screening goes back to normal.
Why You Might Need It
Name matches someone on a watchlist. Common names especially. John Smith types have this problem.
Previous immigration issues that were resolved. Background check pops something that’s actually fine now.
Just bad luck with random selection that doesn’t feel random anymore.
How To Get One
Go to dhs.gov/trip. Fill out the form. Upload ID documents. Wait.
Processing takes weeks to months. Government speed. Nothing you can do to rush it.
Adding To Reservations
Once you have the number, add it to your airline profile. Each airline separately. Also add birthdate – helps matching.
Add to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck profiles too if you have those.
Does It Work
Usually yes. My extra screening stopped after I got mine. Occasionally still get random checks but that’s actually random now.
Not a guarantee. But definitely helps if you’re getting flagged consistently.
