What Does API Stand for on Airline Tickets?

Regulations for travel have changed.

In 1988, United States Customs, the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and the airline industry teamed together to develop the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS).

Capturing API

"API" is the abbreviation for Advance Passenger Information. API includes a passenger's biographical information like name, birth date and nationality.

Using API

Border Control agencies use API to determine a passenger's eligibility for boarding a plane or even entering a country. API can also be used to identify high-risk passengers who may require questioning upon arrival.

Inconvenient but Necessary

Using API can cause delay.

The use of API can cause delay and inconvenience for passengers. However, it is a system airline carriers use to comply with the laws of countries they fly to.

References

• National Business Aviation Association: Advance Passenger Information System
• Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information (API)