Redress Number: What Is It and Do I Need to Apply for One in 2024?

You may have noticed a “Redress Number” field when booking flights. It is usually near the Known Traveler Number field, which may create confusion for trusted travel program members. But the redress number field is not related to popular trusted traveler programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Here is everything you need to know about Redress Control Numbers and if you need to apply for one.

What is a Redress Number?

A redress number is a case number. Entering your number when booking flights allows the TSA’s secure flight program to match it with your case.

The secure flight program aims to keep air travel safe. It identifies those on the watch list; Those on the watch list may be denied boarding or have to undergo additional screening.

Who Needs a Redress Number?

Unfortunately, your may share a name with someone on the watch list. That can lead to the following, per the Department of Homeland Security.

A redress number heavily decreases your odds of being misidentified. Entering your case number when booking flights should clear up the above problems from happening frequently. That does not mean you will never be selected for additional screening, however. It just will not happen because of misidentification issues with someone on the watch list sharing your name.

Further Reading: How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster

How Do I Apply for a Redress Number?

Most people do not need a redress number. You should only apply if you frequently experience issues like being selected for additional screening and delayed or denied boarding. To get started, go to https://trip.dhs.gov/s/. Those who cannot apply online should email [email protected] instead.

1. Enter Basic Details

Take the quiz. After confirming your eligibility, the system will tell you to log in to your Login.gov account. Create an account if you do not already have one.

Enter your basic details.

• Name
• Citizenship Status
• Gender
• DOB
• Mailing Address
• Optional Information (Place of Birth, Eye Color, Hair Color, Height, Weight)

2. Select & Describe Your Travel Experiences

Select why you need a redress number. Have you experienced issues before flying? How about dealing with customs when returning to the United States? Or maybe your personal information was exposed. If you have experienced one or more of those, pick the one that has affected you the most. Hit “save and continue.”

Choose one or more specific things that have happened to you on the next screen. Examples include being denied boarding, receiving SSSS on your boarding pass, and unable to print a boarding pass.

Those who said their issue or issues came from an aviation-related experience can do the following on the next two screens.

• Enter Your Flight Information (Date, Airline, Flight Number)
• A Textbox to Describe the Incident in Detail

I recommend providing as much information as possible. Include your full flight information; Additionally, describe why you want a redress number. If you frequently experience relevant issues before and during travel, explain how it affects you. That will help the DHS figure out the root cause for your delays and other issues.

3. Uploading Proper Identification

U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens may provide a clear image of their unexpired passport’s bio page to satisfy the identification requirement. Other valid forms of identification include passport cards, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, certificates of citizenship, SENTRI cards, and NEXUS cards. Here is the complete list.

The DHS recommends uploading an image of your passport’s bio page, so you should do that if you have one. Before uploading, ensure your documents are valid and have not expired.

4. Finish the Application and Track Your Case

After uploading your documents, click “Save and Continue.” Finish the rest of the application.

Use https://trip.dhs.gov/ to track your case status. To do that, log in and select “my cases.” You’ll see one of the following statuses.

• In Draft (you need to complete the application)
• In Progress (waiting for review)
• Info Needed (you need to submit additional information)
• Closed (your case review is complete)

After approval, you will be able to use your redress case number when booking flights.

5. Finding Your Redress Number

After approval, log in to https://trip.dhs.gov/s/. Find the Redress Control Number section. Your number is also found by clicking your closed case.

Where Do I Enter My Redress Number When Booking Flights?

Enter your redress case number in the redress number field when booking new flights. You should also add it to existing flight itineraries.

While it varies by airline, the redress number field is usually found close to the Known Traveler Number field. If you have trouble finding the redress number field, contact your airline so they can add it for you.

Frequent flyers should add their redress number to their frequent flyer profile. Doing that ensures your number will automatically be added to new reservations with your airline.

What is a Redress Number Not For?

Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, a redress number’s purpose is not to expedite your airport security experience. Here are other scenarios where a redress number will not help you.

You can use a Known Traveler Number and a Redress Number on the same airline reservation because they do not conflict.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Flying is already stressful, and no one wants to undergo additional airport screenings or be denied boarding. If those issues are a pattern for you when traveling, consider applying for a redress case number.