American Airlines became the first airline to require your full name, as it appears on your ID card or driver’s license, as well as date of birth prior to purchasing your airline ticket.

The rule, implemented last week, is applied to all customers, regardless of the way they choose to make their purchase (internet. phone, airport, etc.). This new policy is part of the “Secure Flight”, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program, in an effort to eliminate danger on-board by to identify people that pose a threat.

Secure Flight will be phased-in and each airline will be incorporating the necessary changes into their systems over the coming months. Passengers shouldn’t be concerned if particular airlines don’t ask them to provide the additional information right away; it should not impact their travel. Each airline will request this information as their capability to capture it is integrated into their individual systems.

This new rule will be implemented on all American airports in the coming months. For details on this new rule, please check the TSA website.