ACCESS TO BOOKING RECORDS (PNRs) FOR US AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS

With effect from Wed, 05 March 2003, the US Government will require access to passenger information held by British Airways and other airlines. Other governments such as Australia and Canada are expected to follow suit soon after.

Passengers therefore need to be told at the time of booking that any information which airlines hold about them will be made available to the US Government and any others who adopt the same or similar policies. A form of wording has been devised by British Airways which should be used to inform British Airways passengers about this policy at the time of booking; as follows:..........

.. Please note that British Airways and other airlines are required by new laws introduced in the US and other countries to give border control agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly any information we hold about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country in your itinerary ....

This form of words should be used by Travel Agents as well as British Airways staff at the time of booking.

Here are some Questions & Answers:
Q1. What data do you hold about me which may be accessed?"
A1." We hold data about you which we require for the purpose of conducting business with you. This may include details you have told us about any medical, disability, or health conditions you may have; payment details; contact information; and, any special requirements you have specified.

Q2. Who will you pass the data to, and who will they share it with?"
A2." The data will be given to the Border Control authorities, for example, Customs, of countries which have a legal right to acquire the data. They may share it with other enforcement authorities for the purposes of preventing and combatting terrorism and other serious criminal offences.

Q3. What if I refuse you permission to release my data to the authorities?"
A3." If you are flying to or through a country which requires the information, we will have to cancel your reservation and will be unable to carry you to or through that country.

Q4. Which countries have legislation to permit access to my data?"
A4." At present, there is legislation in Australia, Canada, UK, and USA requiring carriers to grant access to passenger information. Other countries may follow in the future.

Q5. What will the authorities be using the data for?"
A5." Data is used for enforcement purposes, including use in threat analysis to identify and interdict potential terrorists, and other threats to national and public security; and to focus government resources on high risk concerns, thereby facilitating and safeguarding bona-fide travellers.

Q6. Are my credit card details included?"
A6." If payment has been made by credit card and this data is included in your passenger information record, the authorities may view details.

Q7. How long will data be held for?"
A7." Each country should hold the data for no longer than is required for the purpose for which it was stored.

Q8. Will the data be transmitted in a secure fashion?"
A8." Yes, BA will pass the data to the authorities by secure means.