Spain is to bring in new security rules from 13 June 2007, the harshest yet imposed by a European government on intra-EU services.
From that date onwards passengers on all flights to and from Spain will have to supply advance passenger information (API) to the Spanish authorities. British Airways, probably the first airline to highlight this requirement, says that in order to minimise unnecessary delays at the airport, it is essential that, where possible, all customers provide the API prior totravelling: This information is compulsory.
The Spanish authorities require the full given names, surname, nationality, date of birth and travel document details, namely a passport number.
For BA passengers who are reasonably computer literate, this will not prove too much of a problem, the facility being available at ba.com online and normally carried out at the same time as checking in and making a seat selection. For those booking via a travel agent this should be part of the service provided.
At some airports, an option of providing API via a self-service kiosk may be available. However this method is not guaranteed at all airports and staff at check-in desks will also be able to collect API data.
What this in fact does in many ways is harmonise the system with that operated to the United States. It is expected that other European countries will follow suit.