The Secure Flight Program was developed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance the security of domestic and international commercial air travel.
About the Secure Flight Program
The Secure Flight ProgramOpens in New Window requires that airlines collect specific information and transmit it to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 72 hours prior to travel (or at time of booking for bookings made within 72 hours of departure) for all passengers travelling:
- to, from or via the U.S.
- on a flight that is flying over the continental United States (excluding flights between two points in Canada) *
Required information is as follows:
- Full name as it appears on the passport (mandatory),
- Date of birth (mandatory),
- Gender (mandatory),
- Redress Number (optional).
APIS information will be required at time of check-in if not provided ahead of time.
* Air Canada collects Secure Flight overflight information for reservations made online and via Air Canada Reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve provided answers to some of the questions you may have about the Secure Flight Program.
What is a Redress Number?
A Redress Number is a unique number you can obtain from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security if you share the same name as someone on the U.S. watch list and have experienced difficulties during your travel screening at transportation hubs - like airports and train stations - or when crossing U.S. borders, including:
- denied or delayed airline boarding,
- denied or delayed entry into and exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border checkpoint,
- repeated additional (secondary) screening.
If you believe you've been mistakenly matched to a name on the U.S. watch list, and wish to avoid future misidentifications, you can apply for a Redress Number through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP)Opens in New Window.
How should my name appear on my ticket?
Your full name must appear exactly as shown on your passport, i.e. first name, middle name(s) if applicable, and last name.
When and how do I provide my additional information?
You’ll need to provide your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth and gender at least 72 hours prior to travel, or at time of booking for bookings made within 72 hours of departure if you are travelling:
- to, from or via the U.S.
- on a flight that is flying over the continental United States (excluding flights between two points in Canada) *
Bookings made directly with Air Canada*:
We require that travellers submit their additional information at time of booking in order to ensure that all necessary information is valid and provided on time, as well as for identification and security purposes.
Other types of bookings:
If you booked your flight through a party other than Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations and your Secure Flight information was not collected (or you are not sure whether or not it was collected), we invite you to complete our online APIS form, which may not meet accessibility guidelines, at least 72 hours prior to travel, or as soon as possible if your booking was made within 72 hours of departure.
* Air Canada collects Secure Flight overflight information for reservations made online and via Air Canada Reservations.
How is my personal information protected?
U.S. and Canadian authorities are bound by data protection and privacy laws so that the information cannot be forwarded to, or seen by, anyone who does not have appropriate security clearances. It is used only for its stated intended purpose.
Read the complete TSA Secure Flight Privacy Notice .