International passenger information requirements

Alaska Airlines is required to adhere to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which mandates the collection of specific information from every passenger traveling to or from the U.S. and other countries. This information is requested for the purposes of ensuring aviation safety and security.

Travelers must supply advance passenger information at time of check-in or they will be prevented from traveling.

The following information is required:

  • Full name (last name, first name, middle name if applicable)
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Nationality
  • Country of residence
  • Travel document type (normally passport)
  • Travel document number (expiration date and country of issue for passport)
  • Destination address in the U.S. (Not required for U.S. nationals, Legal Permanent Residents, or Alien Residents of the U.S. entering the U.S.)

Providing the required information

During purchase
Enter advance passenger information on the traveler information page when purchasing a reservation at alaskaair.com

Prior to check-in
Enter advance passengerinformation by using the manage reservation link, and selecting the 'Enter Required Documentation' link on the reservation confirmation.

During check-in
We highly recommend that travelers complete advance passenger information prior to check-in, but it can also be completed during web or kiosk check-in. Please allow extra time to complete the check-in process.

Privacy

What will the U.S. authorities do with my information?
The advance passenger information data is checked against the combined federal law enforcement database, known as the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS). Names are also checked against the FBI National Crime Information Center wanted-persons database.

The U.S. authorities are bound by data protection and privacy laws so that the information cannot be forwarded to, or seen by, anyone who does not have appropriate security clearances. It will be used only for its stated intended purpose.

What if I don't want to provide APIS information?
Alaska Airlines is required by the various government agencies to collect advance passenger information for all passengers prior to travel to the U.S. from other countries. Passengers who refuse to supply this information will be refused entry and therefore will not be allowed to travel.

Address for the first night in the United States

Do all passengers have to supply a U.S. address?
An address in the U.S. is NOT required for U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, or passengers in transit to other countries. Please note: you are considered in transit if you are staying less than eight hours in the U.S. and have confirmed onward reservations.

What if I don't know the U.S. address?
The U.S. authorities require an address or an indication of where you are staying:

  • If you are returning on the same day
    Provide the address of a location where you will be spending time during your visit to the U.S. (for example, the address of where a meeting you are attending is being held).
  • If your accommodation will be allocated on arrival
    Please provide the name and address of your agent in the U.S.
  • If you are transferring to a cruise ship
    If you are transferring to a cruise ship on the day you arrive in the U.S., you need to provide the name of the cruise ship, cruise line, and your port of embarkation.
  • If you are backpacking
    You should provide an indication of where you will spend your first night.
  • If you are renting a car and do not have an address for the first night
    Provide the information on where you expect to be staying in as much detail as possible.
  • If you are connecting to another flight departing the U.S.
    If your outbound flight leaves within 8 hours of your arrival, provide your flight number and destination.

Why do you collect U.S. destination address when I am only laying over for 8 hours?
The U.S. authorities require an address or an indication of where you are staying if you are in the U.S. for 8 hours or more. If you are remaining at the airport during your layover, please provide the address information for the airport you are connecting in.

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