WHEN WILL VIRGIN ATLANTIC START COLLECTING ADDITIONAL API?
We started to collect additional API for passengers checking in from 23 February 2006 for flights to the US. The additional information includes your country of residence and the address of your first night's accommodation in the US if you are not a US Citizen or resident.
HOW CAN I SUPPLY MY ADVANCE PASSENGER INFORMATION?
If you are checking in on or after 23 February you are advised to provide your API through the 'Update Booking' section of 'Manage Your Flights' on the left hand navigation of our website.
You can also use DIY Check In online to provide your API between 24 and 2 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time, or use our DIY Kiosks located in the Virgin Atlantic check in area at London Heathrow's Terminal 3.
A final alternative is to provide your API at the airport check in desk, however it is strongly recommended that you provide it in advance of check in using the alternatives above. If you are checking in at the airport and have not already provided your API, please remember to have a note of your address in the US to hand.
If you are travelling with Virgin Holidays, we will already have most passengers' accommodation details, so you will only need to provide your passport information when you check in.
WILL THE REQUIREMENTS CAUSE DELAYS AT CHECK IN?
The system enhancements we've put in place mean that from 23 February 2006 passengers will be able to provide API through the website, travel agents or, if travelling from London Heathrow, at the DIY Check In Kiosks if. This will help to ensure that we will not encounter any undue delays at the airport check in desks.
DO WE EXPECT THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS TO CAUSE DELAYS DURING CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN THE U.S.?
We do not anticipate that passengers will be delayed providing that they have completed their US customs and immigration forms properly, as they do today.
WHAT WILL VIRGIN ATLANTIC DO WITH MY API DATA?
Once we start to collect the data required we will hold it on our system and submit it electronically to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We are bound by UK data protection and privacy laws and will not share this information with anyone unless they have the appropriate security clearances.
WHY ARE SOME OTHER AIRLINES NOT COLLECTING THIS DATA?
This is a US Government requirement which we are obliged to meet, according to a timetable agreed with the CBP. Other airlines are following their own agreed timescales and they too will be complying with the regulations in the future. Virgin takes passenger security very seriously and are pleased to be fully compliant.
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