TSA Now Permits Airlines to Store Birth Dates, Bringing Relief to Some

The Transportation Security Administration is now permitting airlines to store the birth dates of their passengers. The people who will benefit most from this change are those who have similar names to one on a terrorist watchlist, and who are routinely confused for being a terrorist themselves.

The TSA says that by storing birth dates, the airlines will be able to more quickly verify that you are not the same person on the list.

Right now, TSA keeps two lists: a strict "no fly" list, and another list that flags passengers for special attention at airport check-in and security. Those with names that match those on terrorist watchlists are currently barred from checking in for their flights online. Instead, they must present themselves to an agent at their airport.