Argus Car Hire September Travel News
API Spanish Air Travel Security Procedures
UK and Ireland customers flying to Spain (including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands) from September 19th 2007 are advised to allow extra time for airport check-in on account of new security measures launched by the Spanish Government.
Under the new regulations, airlines must provide the Spanish authorities with certain personal information about passengers before the aircraft departs. This information is known as Advance Passenger Information (API).
The required information is taken from the coded strip at the back of the traveller’s passport and includes:
- Full Name
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Passport Number
Some airlines may require passengers to register their API information before arrival at the airport either through their website or travel agent.
Spain is the EU’s first country to require the collection of API for visitors, but the policy is expected to be adopted by other member states within the next twelve months.
Ryanair Check-In Charges
From September 20th, passengers of no-frills airline Ryanair are to be charged €3 (£2) for check-in at airports. The airline is on a major drive to encourage online check-in, offering a number of incentives for online check-in passengers:
- Passengers who check-in online will board the aircraft before those who choose to check-in at the airport.
- Up to September 20th, Ryanair was charging €6 (£4) for online check-in but is now scrapping the charge.
Ryanair has justified the new charges by saying that they reflect the cost of providing the service. Check-in fees are the latest in a range of changes being introduced at the airline.
- In March 2007, Ryanair introduced charges of €3.50 (£2.50) for carry-on luggage for flights booked online and €7 (£5) per bag if presented without booking at the airport. Subsequent bags cost an extra €3.50 (£2.50) each.
In efforts to reduce excess baggage fees, Ryanair has increased its luggage allowance from 25kg to 30kg, which breaks down as 10kg in carry-on luggage and 20kg in check-in luggage.
Written by mcleare
