If you are flying to Tenerife from the end of September (or indeed any other Spanish destination) you will be required to provide the authorities with your API prior to boarding the aeroplane.

API stands for Advanced Passenger Information and the airline you are flying to Tenerife with is required to collect this data from you prior to takeoff.

The information submitted to the Spanish Customs Authority is Your Full Name, Date of Birth & Passport Number. This API has been introduced by the Spanish Authorities as a security measure following security scares at Heathrow last year. It is expected that the rest of the EU member states will roll this out over the coming year.

If you have booked your seats in advance, the check-in is the last port of call where this information can be collected so please be aware, there may be slight delays as this new directive is implemented.

Currently there is no standard procedure for collecting the data, some airlines are requesting it at the time of booking or emailing passengers who booked prior to the API coming into force for their details whereas other airlines have the facility to simply swipe your passport at the check-in to acquire the details from the magnetic strip contained within your passport.

However, be ware that you maybe asked to fill out a form at check-in if you are travelling with an airline who may not have the facility to operate any of the above methods. This could lead to delays.

 It is hoped that in the future a standard form will be produced that can be downloaded and completed prior to travel.