Canada's largest full-service airline, Air Canada transports more than 32 million passengers a year to more than 170 destinations around the world. (Reference 1) Like many other international airlines, it requires advance passenger information.
The Advance Passenger Information System, which Air Canada follows, requires that an airline collect specific information from every passenger traveling into the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, among other destinations. (Reference 2)
This information includes full name, gender, birth date, nationality, country of residence, passport number and foreign destination address (which is not required for U.S. nationals). (Reference 2)
This information is compared against databases of U.S. Interagency Border Inspection System and the FBI National Crime Information Center to ensure the security and safety of the flight. (Reference 2)
You provide this data by filling out a form at the Air Canada website, using a printed form or by completing check-in at the airport. See Resources for links to the first two forms. (Reference 2)
If you refuse to fill out the form, Air Canada does not allow you to travel on their planes. (Reference 2) Note that both the U.S. and Canadian authorities follow strict privacy and data protection laws when using your information. (Reference 2)
