Redress number

A redress number (or Redress Control Number) is a unique identification code issued by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to individuals who have faced difficulties or experienced issues during air travel, particularly with security screening or watchlist matching. It helps travelers avoid similar issues during future trips.

Travelers don’t have to get a redress number. However, if someone has trouble boarding flights, has been repeatedly screened, or has been told they are on a list, they can apply for a redress number through the Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). 

After an identity verification process, the traveler is assigned a unique redress number. It then acts as a clearance mechanism, indicating to airport security personnel that the traveler has undergone additional screening or verification and should not encounter the same issues again.