Originally Posted by
MatthewAMEL
When I started my 1st job at a Regional, I discovered on my 1st attempt to non-rev home during training that I was on the "no-fly" list. This was in November 2003.
I freaked out, but I was removed within two weeks after sending a copy of my passport and birth certificate to the DHS. And yes, I was told by my new company that I had 90 days to get my name removed from the list or I would be terminated.
I find it hard to believe they would be taking this long to remove someone unless there was a legitimate reason.
Your situation sounds different...your name was probably similar to or the same as someone on the list. In your case, all they did was make sure that you were not the person of interest...once that was done, they probably flagged you by DOB, passport, etc as being OK. There are probably other folks out there with your name who would have to go through the same process if they try to fly.
The gentleman in question is not a victim of ambigous identity...he IS the intended target, so now the question becomes one of legitimacy. Does TSA have good reason for their action. It's entirely possible that they have no incriminating info on the guy, but are simply "playing it safe" based on his wife's associations, be they deliberate or coincidental. Is that the right answer? No, probably not. Unfortunately it's hard to have a valid opinion either way without all the info.