PORTLAND, Ore. -- Airline security got even more personal on Friday as part of the government’s plan to improve safety.

The Transportation Security Administration began requiring the full name of air passengers – front, middle and last names, just as it appears on ID cards and passports – for reservations made on May 15 and for the future.

So instead of reservations just listing a last and first name, as in SMITH, JOSEPH, it must now say SMITH, JOSEPH MATTHEW.

Additionally, the reservation listing must match the identification presented at security gates.

The new requirements are part of the first phase “Secure Flight,” a TSA program aimed at providing better passenger regulation in a post-Sept. 11 world.

Beginning in August, passengers must provide their birth date and gender when booking a flight.

The regulations will improve terrorist watch lists compiled by the government, TSA officials said. They are also supposed to reduce the number of people who are questioned because their name is similar to one on the terror list.

But opponents criticized the changes. Privacy advocates said the changes amount to government control that may not result in better security.

Many passengers were unaware of the new rule.

"I had no idea. I didn't see it anywhere when we were booking the flight. I hope we can get onto our flight," said passenger Laura Peal of Vancouver.

"I think it would be good if it helps with security. I'm just glad we booked through a travel agent," said passenger Stephanie Fuller of Vancouver.

The new rule affects domestic flights and will expand to international flights sometime next year.