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Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System

Understanding the Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System (CAPPS)

Q: Can I appeal a CAPPS decision?

If you believe you have been unfairly flagged, you can contact the airline for clarification and assistance.

Q: Is CAPPS the same as the No-Fly List?

No, CAPPS assesses risk scores for all passengers, while the No-Fly List specifically prohibits certain individuals from flying.

Definition & Meaning

The Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System, commonly known as CAPPS, is a security measure used in the U.S. air travel industry to help identify potential threats to airline safety. Implemented in the late 1990s, CAPPS evaluates passenger information collected during ticket booking, such as name, address, and contact details. This system cross-references the data against various watchlists, including the FBI's ten most wanted list and the No-Fly list, to assign a terrorism risk score to each passenger. Depending on the score, passengers may face additional screening or be asked to contact law enforcement.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

CAPPS is primarily utilized in the context of aviation security and counter-terrorism efforts. It is relevant to federal regulations concerning air travel safety and can involve legal procedures related to passenger screening and security measures. Users may encounter CAPPS in legal discussions about airline responsibilities and passenger rights, particularly regarding privacy and security. Legal forms related to air travel, security waivers, or complaints may be available through platforms like US Legal Forms.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

A passenger books a flight and provides their personal information. CAPPS evaluates this data against security lists and assigns a low-risk score, allowing them to proceed without additional screening.
A different passenger's information raises a higher risk score due to a match with a watchlist, prompting the airline to require extra screening measures before allowing them to board. (hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

CAPPS operates under federal regulations related to aviation security, specifically those enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Key legal references include:

49 USC § 114 - Establishes the TSA's authority to maintain security measures, including watchlists.
49 USC § 44903 - Outlines the responsibilities of air carriers regarding passenger screening.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Difference
CAPPS	A system for screening passengers based on risk assessment.	Focuses on pre-flight security measures.
No-Fly List	A list of individuals prohibited from boarding commercial flights.	Specific to individuals deemed a threat, while CAPPS assesses risk scores.
Watchlist	A broader list of individuals monitored for security reasons.	CAPPS uses watchlists to inform risk scores but is not a standalone list.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself subject to additional screening due to CAPPS, remain calm and comply with the airline's procedures. Ensure you have all necessary identification and documentation ready. If you believe you have been unfairly flagged, consider reaching out to the airline for clarification or assistance. For further guidance, users can explore US Legal Forms' templates for legal documents related to air travel and security issues.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Purpose	To assess potential terrorism risks among airline passengers.
Implementation	Late 1990s by the TSA.
Data Used	Passenger information, watchlists, and risk scoring.
Potential Outcomes	Additional screening or law enforcement contact.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What information does CAPPS use?

CAPPS uses personal information collected during ticket booking, such as name and contact details, and cross-references it against security watchlists.