A redress number, also known as a Redress Control Number, is a unique seven- digit identifier issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). It is used by the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program to help travelers who have experienced difficulties during air travel security screening, such as being misidentified as a security threat or repeatedly subjected to additional screening. The redress number links the traveler to their redress case and helps prevent future misidentification or travel delays related to watchlist matching issues
. Travelers who frequently face issues like being denied boarding, delayed at security checkpoints, or wrongly flagged due to having the same or similar name as someone on a watchlist can apply for a redress number through DHS TRIP. Once issued, the redress number can be added to flight reservations or frequent flyer profiles to streamline security checks and reduce travel hassles
. It is distinct from a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is related to trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The redress number specifically addresses problems arising from mistaken identity or security screening errors, whereas a KTN is for expedited screening benefits
