Be prepared for even closer inspections from airport security, and now it's your name and initials that will be scrutinized along with your carry-on articles and demeanor. Known as Secure Flight, this government initiative between the airlines and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration seeks to reduce passengers being misidentified as possible terrorists, in part by standardizing how names are matched, but also by requiring age and gender in passenger profiles.

This new program is being touted as an enhancement to the watch list-matching process expected to reduce delays and misidentifications by more than 99 percent.

Passengers must now buy tickets in the full name that appears on the government-issued ID, such as passport or driver's license, that will be presented at check-in. They must also state date of birth and gender. Domestic airlines are expected to comply by the first quarter of 2010 and international carriers by the end of 2010.

Addressing passengers' concerns, TSA publishes this information on www.tsa.gov:

Why is Secure Flight collecting this information?

TSA determined that the additional data elements of date of birth and gender would greatly reduce the number of passengers misidentified as a match to the watch list. It is to the passenger's advantage to provide the required data elements as doing so may prevent delays or inconveniences at the airport, particularly for those individuals who have similar names to those on the watch lists.

What happens if my airline didn't ask for that information?

Secure Flight will be phased in and each airline will be incorporating the necessary changes 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.

If the name printed on my boarding pass is different from what appears on my government ID, will I still be able to fly?

Boarding passes may not always display the exact name you provided when booking your travel. Small differences should not affect your travel. SecureFlight is a behind-the-scenes process that TSA and airlines collaborate on to compare information you provide against government watch lists. The additional data, such as date of birth and gender, better differentiates you from individuals on the list.

Ensure that the name provided when booking matches the government ID you will use when traveling. However, TSA has built some flexibility into the processes regarding name accuracy. For the near future, small differences between the passenger's ID and the passenger's reservation information should not cause a problem.

How do I know if I am on the No Fly list?

If a passenger successfully obtains a boarding pass, his/her name is not on the No-Fly list. Affected passengers often have the same or a similar name to someone on the watch list. Any passenger who believes he/she has been delayed or denied boarding; delayed or denied entry into the U.S. at a port of entry; or been subject to enhanced screening or inspection may seek redress through the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program, DHS TRIP, at www.dhs.gov/trip. If misidentification is resolved, a redress number will be issued to enter at the time of booking to distinguish a passenger from people on the watch list.

What about children who don't have an ID card or a passport?

Though children need a passport to travel internationally, the TSA does not require those 17 and under to present a photo ID to pass through security. Agents may ask the minor or accompanying adult to state the individual's full name and date of birth instead.

Will Secure Flight affect my frequent flier programs?

It may. To ensure receiving mileage credits, the name on the frequent flier profile must match the name on the ticket/reservation that must agree with the ID to be presented for travel. The easiest resolution is to amend the name, if necessary, on your frequent flier profiles.

Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 45-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.