Currently SAA do not require APIS information for our passengers to travel, (except on routes to/from the USA). All checks are done at check-in when the passport is swiped. SAA do not require a minimum of 72hrs prior to departure to get the checks done.
If the name on the ticket does not match the passport exactly, (not including middle names which are optional), the passenger will not be allowed to travel. We no longer consider up to 2 letters difference in the name acceptable nor do we accept a copy of the marriage certificate when passengers are booked in their married name and travelling on a passport in their maiden name.
This is due to the implementation of APP, (Advanced Passenger Processing). This is a system whereby required data elements are collected and transmitted by airlines to border control agencies at the time of check-in.
Passenger data is checked against warning alerts, and may also be checked against visa and passport data. Border alert processing is done for each passenger as they check in, and a message is returned to the airline advising whether or not the passenger should be allowed to board.
Remember - Any bookings made for travel to USA must have the details entered for Secure Flight Passenger Data.
To change name element details:
NOTE: Name changes cannot be done once the E-Ticket has been issued. The reservation must be cancelled and a new booking made in the correct name for the same dates/classes. If the classes are no longer available then the higher fare must be charged. A refund on the original ticket can be requested and the request must be backed up with the new E-Tickt number and a copy of the passport. Cancellation fees will not be applied but the GBP50.00 refund fee will be charged.
Ticketing time limits (TTLs) vary, based on booking classes, fare type etc. The fare rules will specify the TTLs and once a booking is made the auto-robot system will update the TTL in the booking.
If a parent is travelling alone with their child and they have a different surname, they need to have a letter from the other parent, giving authority for them to take the child out of the country. This will also apply in the case of Grandparents taking a child abroad. They must have a copy of the parents passport showing the signature, to ensure that the signature matches the one on the letter.
This only occurs if the surnames do not match.
IATA regulations state that any child 2 years of age or over must occupy their own seat. Therefore, if a child is under 2 on the outbound flight but reaches their second birthday before the return date of travel, the fare must be constructed as half the infant fare for the outbound journey plus half the child fare for the return journey. Two tickets will need to be issued.
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