[dahdum]

I had the same issue post 9/11 for a few years. I was unable to check-in to flights or receive boarding passes. I had to get a "gate pass" from a baggage agent to go through security and then check-in with the gate agent to be assigned a boarding ticket. This also applied on every connection and they required identification and occasionally additional questions each time.

[wj]

Exact same for me for about four or five years post. I eventually came across my (extremely normal) name in an article about common names that were on the watch list and causing issues for many Americans. Even members of Congress were caught by it. Unfortunately, that article came out a few years of no airline agent being able to tell be why I couldn’t check in for my flight. They were cagey every time I asked.

[dahdum]

One of the gate agents told me I must share a name with someone on a terrorist watch list early on. I have a common name as well so I figured that was it. Most gate agents thought nothing of it but being unable to get a seat assignment until near boarding meant I was stuck in the middle a lot. Several were awesome and took pity by upgrading me, but a few power tripping ones treated it like an interrogation. I can easily see how much worse it was for those with Middle Eastern names or appearance.