I don't agree that additional data collection won't add extra time at
check-in. You're assuming passengers who purchase their tickets over the
phone or on the internet will tell the truth. Most passengers may provide
accurate info but those with hidden agendas will not and these discrepancies
will have to be sorted out at check-in.
El Al? How many people to they move per day? If the US instituted their
procedures it would be the death of the airline industry. Everyone riding El
Al is leaving the country but in the US there would be alternatives. You
must have balance and we can't make flying such a hassle that no one will
endure the procedures.
Greg
-----Original Message-----
From: The Airline List [mailto:AIRLINE@LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU]On Behalf Of
Addison Schonland
Sent: Saturday, July 06, 2002 9:33 PM
To: AIRLINE@LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Subject: Re: Travel industry grumbling over proposed data-collection
requirements
This can all be accomplished by adding data to the comment lines in the
original PNR - it will NOT add extra time for check-in at all. BTW it can
(and may be) happening right now and you won't even know it. Don't ask why.
But it makes it safer to fly and the systems do their magic. Else EL AL
will have to lend out their people to every check-in station.
-----Original Message-----
From: The Airline List [mailto:AIRLINE@LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU]On Behalf Of
Travel Pages
Sent: Saturday, July 06, 2002 7:59 AM
To: AIRLINE@LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Subject: Travel industry grumbling over proposed data-collection
requirements
Travel industry grumbling over proposed data-collection requirements
Sat Jul 6, 9:15 AM ET
LONDON - Airlines and travel agents are complaining that a government
proposal to require them to gather more information from passengers for
security purposes could add an hour to flight check-in times.
The Home Office said Friday it wants to require travel companies and
carriers to record airline passengers' date and place of birth and their
gender, among other personal details. The requirement must be approved by
Parliament.
The Home Office said revisions to the data collection requirements were
necessary to combat terrorism following the Sept. 11 attacks on America.
"We recognize it may take time to introduce this," a spokeswoman said on
customary condition of anonymity. "There will be staggered lead-in times to
ensure it is not an imposition."
But travel companies complained the proposed change would add time and
expense to flying, and the Daily Mail newspaper described it under the
headline "Nightmare at Check-In."
"We are being lumbered with something that will cost a tremendous amount to
bring in and we fear holidays will have to rise in price," said a
spokeswoman for the travel company Thomson Holidays.
"The information they are asking will be impossible to gather at an airport
without travel grinding to a halt, so it will have to be done at travel
agents or any other point at which people make a booking," she continued.
Newspapers said many British airlines were also opposing the proposed
requirements, believing they would create red tape without enhancing
security.
The Home Office said Saturday that the industry had not shared such concerns
with the government during consultations about the proposed change, adding
that Home Secretary David Blunkett was inviting airline executives to a
meeting next week to discuss their worries.
"They are operating a business and we acknowledge that, but there was no
talk of chaos for air travelers," a Home Office spokesman said. "We don't
think it will in fact cause an hour's delay."
"Everyone has a part to play in the fight against terrorism," he added. "How
much can asking a couple of questions or sending a letter out cost? It can't
be much."
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