The Department of Homeland Security requires all airlines to collect the name, date of birth, and gender of all travelers. This is part of the implementation of the Secure Flight Program for air travelers this year. Failure to provide this information when booking a flight will inhibit online check-in and printing of boarding passes. Passengers will also be subject to additional security screening and could possibly be denied boarding. Travel agents, brokers, and airline customer service representatives will most likely ask you for this information at the time of booking in order to comply with the Department of Homeland Security's request for safe air travel.  

For more information on the Secure Flight Program, please visit the following links:

Secure Flight Homepage

Press Release from TSA regarding Secure Flight (August 2007)

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The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is in effect as of June 1, 2009 for land, sea, and air travelers entering or exiting the United States.

Air Travel:

All U.S. citizens traveling by air are required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States.

Land or Sea Travel:

U.S. CITIZENS: U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security .

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of State or the Department of Homeland Security.