Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures require all airlines to correctly identify all Customers. As part of this ongoing effort, the TSA has implemented the Secure Flight Program, which requires airlines to ask Customers to provide each Passenger’s full name (as it appears on their government-issued ID), date of birth, and gender when booking a reservation. 

The Secure Flight Program was developed by the government to meet 9/11 Commission recommendations that the TSA take over watch-list name-matching functions from airlines. Secure Flight offers a standardized method for the TSA to compare Passenger name information to TSA watch lists.

Airlines are required to provide this data to the TSA before the carrier can issue a boarding pass (either in advance or at the airport). If you prefer, you can choose to provide the personal data directly to Southwest personnel at the airport each time you travel. However, you will not be able to purchase a reservation online. You also will not receive a boarding pass or be able to travel until the appropriate data has been collected.

Please visit the TSA's website for additional information.