I am on a Watch List

I have reported on many occasions that I have been unable to use OLCI. I finally found out what the problem is.

After speaking with the Service Delivery Manager at LHR check-in (Customer Service suggested I ask for them when I phoned them) she confirmed to me that I am on some kind of US Watch List.

I was horrified. I asked for more details and it transpires that rather than this being specifically me that is on a watch list it is my name. This means that everytime I fly in US airspace I need my passport checked to verify that I am not the same person that they are actually looking for.

I asked if there was anything I could do to stop this causing me problems and to allow me to OLCI.

There is, apparently, nothing that can be done until such time as my name is taken off the list or the correct person is found.

Paul

[fozzyo]

Being me, in my common sense world. I can understand that watch list thing. But I would also expect that you travel through to the US once something flagged about you so require the additional checks. Surely after that initial verification they can flag you (ie your passport number) as being you and perfectly safe to travel.

Mat

Stop locking your case![:o)]

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by PVGSLF
Stop locking your case![:o)]

Dude that is just wrong [:(!]

Im sorry to hear that, not wanting to be un PC here, but your name is not one I would of thought would of raised flags, but there you go.

Have you tried talking to the US embassy ?

Originally posted by PVGSLF
Stop locking your case![:o)]

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
I am open to suggestions so Dave do you think that speaking with the US embassy will help? This has been happening for about 3 or 4 years.

To be honest the only real impact I feel is the fact I can't use OLCI and I did get a check-in agent who flately refused the allow me to even lift my case onto the scales until my passport had been checked. Just feel a bit weird being 'watched'

Paul

[mcmbenjamin]

There is a procedure to get off the list. If you think it is a big deal then I suggest you research this.

[Decker]

https://rms.desyne.com/needtodo.htm

Thanks for the info. Back to the TSA again then

Paul

My other half found her way onto the Australian equilivent - It was a nightmare to get her off via the Australian embassy. Couldn't even get a ETA issued to start with....

I wish you good luck but be prepared for a fustrating time if it's anything similar to our experience.....

I got pulled by US immigration around 3 months ago. First time I had been to the USA as PAX since I became crew. I was only with them for about 10 minutes while they only asked a few questions like why I visit the USA so often.

Well you are in good company, Sen. Edward Kennedy was prevented from boarding a plane to DC a few months back as his name had managed to get onto a watch list.

Kind of makes a mockery of the whole concept, but thats Governmental Beauracracy for you, nice ideas, lousy implementation.

[Nottingham Nick]

Not long after the Sept. 11th murders, the West Wing did a special episode called "Isaac and Ishmael". It aired in early October 2001 and one of the main themes was about a person whose name appears on a 'watch list'.

IMHO, The West Wing was just about the finest series ever to grace our screens, and that episode certainly gave food for thought about the value (and dangers) of these lists.

If anyone gets the chance to see it, I would certainly recommend it. It is Season 3 Episode 1, I think.

I hope you get it resolved, Paul.

Nick

Re the TSA web site and their wonderful processes for sorting out this issue; don't hold your breath - it's a joke.

I tried "communicating" with them recently to enquire about some specific documentation they ask for as part of the process (would you send them your Passport, Birth Certificate AND Driving License [:0]), and received a very prompt reply asking me to detail the specific damage to my suitcase I had (actully I hadn't) suffered[?].... but hang on a minute, didn't someone here get the case damaged???[}:)]

Go figure.[:?]

I pity you Paul. From my experiences, the TSA aren't the easiest people to get along with;)

VS.

After speaking with the Service Delivery Manager at LHR check-in (Customer Service suggested I ask for them when I phoned them) she confirmed to me that I am on some kind of US Watch List.

Paul

Blimey, the things V-Flyers will do to be noticed ;);). Actually I'm surprised a few more aren't. Howard Long for example should be on a DP watch list for sure, and if GJ were flying I'd certainly keep an eye on him [:p]

Originally posted by VS045
From my experiences, the TSA aren't the easiest people to get along with

Oh I wouldn't say that. I met a nice one in Albuquerque once.

Have heard of similar experiences - one where a child had the same name as someone on the watch list. Bearing in mind this was a small child, would you not have thought someone might have thought 'ah, not the same person then'? But no.....


It's totally daft - someone urgently needs to sort out these sort of anomalies. But doesn't it just seem the powers-that-be are far more interested in feathering their own nests?

One way to become 'known' is to apply for a visa (even though you don't 'need' one).

It won't speed your passage once you are there but it should help with the sub 'no fly' lists.

Originally posted by FlyCC
I got pulled by US immigration around 3 months ago. First time I had been to the USA as PAX since I became crew. I was only with them for about 10 minutes while they only asked a few questions like why I visit the USA so often.

I had a rather lengthy chat with US immigration on 6/12 when arriving at LAX. I go to the US 2-4 times a year (Always to Vegas). I had about $7000 on me as I play poker at reasonably high levels. It was my fault I suppose as I got a bit lippy with the initial immigration guy. He kept asking me why I visit the US so often and after 4 polite responces from me that "I am on holiday and I play poker" I said "look I have my passport, my Visa Waiver docs, my proof of the hotel in Vegas, what is your problem mate" I got literally manhandled into a booth and body searched. When the $7000 was discovered the fun really started. 2 other "officers" appeared from nowhere and asked me my life history and what I do on my holidays in great detail and why I have so much $ on me. They called the Hotel in Vegas, called Virgin in London (I think they did as I could only partially hear the guy on the phone) and checked every banknote in a UV machine. They finally let me go with a stern warning not to be rude or obstructive to staff (Tossers!! they were the rude ones!!) and that I have been placed on a list (BS scare tactic I think??)

It was quite frightening actually and I was really upset afterwards and quite shaken up.

And missed my connection to Vegas and has to spend a night in LA to boot.