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Government access to British Airways booking records.
Where can I find details of access to British Airways booking records by governments?
Under U.S. Law, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will receive certain travel and reservation information, known as Passenger Name Record (PNR) data about passengers flying between the European Union and the U.S.CBP has undertaken that it uses this PNR data for the purposes of preventing and combating terrorism and other transnational serious crimes. The PNR may include information provided during the booking process or held by airlines or travel agents.The information will be retained for at least three years and six months and may be shared with other authorities.
Further information about these arrangements, including measures to safeguard your personal data can be obtained if you click here. This link is to a PDF (size 14k) on an external website, not ba.com. Please note that British Airways isn't responsible for the information contained on this website, and that different terms and conditions may apply.
Airlines are also required by other Governments to provide passenger data to the control authorities. Accordingly, any information we hold about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs, immigration and police authorities of any country in your itinerary, and possibly on occasions, to countries not in your itinerary.
What data do you hold about me which may be accessed?
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.
Who will you pass the data to, and who will they share it with?
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 combating terrorism and other serious criminal offences.
What if I refuse you permission to release my data to the authorities?
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.
Which countries have legislation to permit access to my PNR data?
At present, there is a requirement in several countries including Australia, Canada, UK and the USA which require carriers to grant access to passenger information.
What will the authorities be using the data for?
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.
Are my credit card details included?
If payment has been made by credit card and this data is included in your passenger information record, the authorities may view details.
How long will data be held?
Each country should hold the data for no longer than is required for the purpose for which it was stored.
Will the data be transmitted in a secure fashion?
Yes, British Airways will pass the data to the authorities by secure means.
Legal statement for US flights
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the US Department of Homeland Security requires us to collect information from you for purposes of watch list screening, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. section 114, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Providing this information is voluntary; however, if you don't provide it, you may be subject to additional screening or denied transport/authorisation to enter the post-security area. TSA may share information you provide with law enforcement or intelligence agencies or others under its published system of records notice.
For more on TSA privacy policies, or to review the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, please see the TSA website at www.tsa.gov.
Where can I find further information?
Further information about the disclosure of data to the Border Control authorities in the US, including measures to safeguard your personal data, can be obtained if you click here. (This link is to a PDF (size 14k) on an external website, not ba.com. Please note that British Airways are not responsible for the information contained in this website and that different terms and conditions may apply.)
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UK citizens can get the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site.
Citizens of other countries should check with their own foreign ministries.