New EU/US security deal for air passengers

A new agreement between the EU the US over the transfer of transatlantic air-passengers' personal details has come into force as part of the worldwide battle against terrorism. The deal gives the American authorities access to 19 categories of information, supplied by the passenger when booking the ticket. 72 hours before take-off, the airline has to send details like the date the ticket was reserved and issued, passenger names, even the number of bags and the numbers on their labels.

America has demanded similar information since 2003, but this new agreement replaces an earlier one which was cancelled in the European Court of Justice. European governments are planning to introduce a similar register for passengers arriving in the EU.