New Spanish security process kicks in

A new security check for British holidaymakers flying to Spain has been launched this week.

Passengers will now have to provide a set of personal information - known as advance passenger information (API) - before being able to board flights to the country under rules agreed last year.

The information collected comprises every passenger's full name, nationality, date of birth and passport number and it is the responsibility of airlines to gather this data.

While there have been concerns that the process will result in delays at UK airports, a number of hubs, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, are equipped with machines that can read passports for this information in a matter of seconds.

In addition, airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have added a feature to their websites to allow travellers to input their API data online before heading to the airport.

The API collection process has been in operation in the USA since 2005.

See the Department for Transport website for further information on API.

• British Airways boss underlines Heathrow Airport importance
• Emirates completes move to new terminal in Dubai
• United Airlines to resume flights from London to Denver
• British Airways strikes inflight entertainment deal
• Tunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia
• Paphos Airport gets off to good start
• British Airways fliers to "breeze" through JFK
• Winter season underway in Austria
• Ski slopes opening in Alberta
• Air Berlin launches new flights from Stansted Airport