COUNCIL OF Brussels, 13 September 2000 THE EUROPEAN UNION

10206/00 ADD 1

LIMITE

FRONT 39 COMIX 540

NOTE from : General Secretariat to : Frontiers Working Party" Subject : Electronic ticketing

Delegations will find enclosed the replies from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and to the following questionnaire of the French Presidency:

1. Are there airlines at your national airports which have installed electronic ticketing systems? What systems, which routes, and since when?

2. If so, what is the procedure followed? When the ticket is issued electronically, is a document sent to the passenger as a matter of course?

(a)If so, what is the content of this document and how is it transmitted (fax, e-mail, post)? (b)Can the sales office of the airline concerned be contacted immediately to confirm that return is guaranteed? (c)When is the boarding card issued to the passenger? Before or after cross-border controls? Before or after security checks?

3. Has this system caused difficulties for security or frontier control? What were they?

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 1 DG H I EN 4. Have you had contacts with your national airline(s) on the subject of electronic ticketing?

(a)Have they informed you of their plans for the development of electronic ticketing: intended timetable, routes contemplated, etc.? (b)Have you raised with them the question of difficulties caused by this system and possible solutions? Which? (c)Have you signed an agreement with them to resolve such difficulties? What is the content of the agreement?

5. Have you also discussed this matter with foreign companies? If so, what was the outcome? Have you, for example, made agreements with those companies?

______

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 2 DG H I EN BELGIUM

QUESTION 1

GENERAL

At BRUNAT (Zaventem) Airport a number of carriers work with E-tickets. First of all there are all the members of the Qualiflyer Group (among others , TAP, Austrian, etc.), then there are other airline companies, such as SAS, which have also already gone down this road. However, this paper only includes information relating to Sabena. Given the short deadline, it was also only possible to consult the Brussels records manager.

WHICH ROUTES?

The list supplied previously now needs to be extended. Sabena works with this type of ticket over: • the whole European network; • the USA (since 1 July 2000) for the following destinations: Þ BOSTON; Þ NEW YORK (JFK + NEWARK); Þ WASHINGTON; Þ CHICAGO; Þ ATLANTA.

QUESTION 2

1. GENERAL

On booking a flight, the passenger is "issued" with a maximum of one E-ticket; this E-ticket exists only in the ad hoc database. Passengers do not as a matter of course receive the ticket in physical form. If they wish, they may receive a copy of the electronic ticket (receipt). (See Annex A.)

2. CONTENT

Any document contains at least the identity of the passenger (limited to the name), flight number, destination and airline code.

3. HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?

Where deadlines permit and only at the customer’s request, the document can be sent by post and/or fax. The possibility is currently being studied of transmitting the E-ticket via electronic mail.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 3 DG H I EN BELGIUM

4 DIRECT CONSULTATION BY THE BORDER CONTROL SERVICE (RETURN FLIGHT)

It is theoretically and technically possible to check all data very quickly and easily; in addition to the return flight, it is also possible to consult all flights booked.

In practice, however, a police service cannot have unconditional access to this database (legislation on the protection of privacy). Endorsement by an examining magistrate is therefore also required where such data are to be used by a police service.

5 BOARDING CARD

The boarding card is always issued before border controls (which also means before security checks).

At BRUNAT the passenger can choose: • either to opt for check-in using a "self check-in" pillar, in which case she or he receives an ATB (= automated ticket and boarding pass) – specimen in Annex B; • or to go to a check-in desk, in which case the company obtains a boarding card – specimen in Annex C.

Both documents carry various markings which indicate that they have been issued on the basis of a E-ticket (ETKT and e>).

QUESTION 3

So far the border control service has encountered no problems.

QUESTION 4

1 INFORMATION

Sabena sends regular updates via e-mail.

2. CONSULTATION

The possible consequences – not so much problems – are regularly discussed.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 4 DG H I EN BELGIUM

3. AGREEMENTS

No agreements have been concluded.

Note: Sabena has been asked how it deals with the Visa-Waver (USA). Belgian tourists do not need to have a visa if they arrive at the border with a return ticket. If they have only an ATB or a boarding card they must have a visa. An answer to this question is expected shortly.

QUESTION 5

Informal discussions and formal exchanges of correspondence have taken place with SAS and Singapore Airlines concerning the introduction of E-tickets.

So far, no agreements have been concluded; experience on the ground shows that this is not required.

______

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 5 DG H I EN BELGIUM ANNEX A

Specimen of Passenger Receipt

______

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 6 ANNEX A DG H I EN BELGIUM ANNEX B

Specimen of Automated Ticket and Boarding Pass linked to E-ticket

______

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 7 ANNEX B DG H I EN BELGIUM ANNEX C

Specimen of Boarding Card linked to E-ticket

______

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 8 DG H I EN DENMARK

The Danish delegation would refer to the attached letter of 10 March 1999 replying to the earlier questionnaire on electronic ticketing systems (SCH/I-Front (99) 10 rev).

With regard to question 2, we can add that SAS offers to send customers confirmation in writing of the issue of a ticket. The airline thus issues a receipt only upon request. Where one is requested, SAS sends it by post, fax or e-mail, as the customer wishes.

With regard to questions 4 and 5, we can add that no formal agreements have been concluded, but there is generally smooth cooperation between the border-control authorities and the relevant airlines over the use of electronic ticketing systems at Copenhagen's Kastrup airport.

Subject: Reply to the questionnaire on electronic ticketing (SCH/I-FRONT (99) 10 rev)

Page 1, 1 Three airline companies have introduced electronic ticketing in :

SAS () on domestic flights, internordic flights and flights to Brussels, London, Milan and Madrid.

GO () on flights till England.

Virgin on flights to European destinations.

Page 1, 2 + 2a At all 3 companies a boarding card is issued at the check-in desk before security control.

At SAS the customer is issued an E-card, which is connected to a computer system holding all the relevant information regarding the specific travel.

Itinerary receipts are only issued on request.

Page 1, 2b Information on persons travelling with SAS can if necessary be obtained around the clock.

Information on persons travelling with GO and Virgin can only be obtained during the airlines opening hours.

Page 1, 2c See under 2 + 2a. At present exit controls are not carried out on a regular basis in Denmark.

Page 2, 1 The introduction of electronic ticketing has not caused any problems so far.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 9 DG H I EN DENMARK

Page 2, 2 – 2c SAS contacted the border control authorities (Copenhagen Police) prior to the introduction of electronic ticketing.

Go and Virgin did not contact the border control authorities prior to the introduction of electronic ticketing in Copenhagen Airport.

No forms of agreement have been signed between the border control authorities and the airline companies issuing electronic ticketing in Copenhagen Airport.

Page 2, 1 See comments above.

______

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 10 DG H I EN GERMANY GERMANY Responses to questions 1 and 2 of the questionnaire regarding ETIX procedures in Germany

I. Airline ETIX -since when? Procedure Receipt? Information/ Information Boarding pass transmitted by regarding -before/after border return flight control -before/after security control May 99 AC procedures Yes Fax or mail Yes Yes Yes At airport check-in American Early 1996 All Sabre reservations are ticketed Yes Itinerary, price/post Yes, on After security control Airlines electronically if not more than 4 segments itinerary involved Augsburg 1996 - only for LH in ETIX procedure See LH Yes Before border control Airways franchise flights Before security control British possible in the systems: Passenger Receipt is sent by mail Yes by mail; contains the Yes Before border control Airways BABS (BA- following info: Before security Reservationsys.) rates, taxes and control Start AMADEUS distance, name of Sabre traveller, address of Galileo issuing agency Cathay July 2000 Only published fares against credit card or cash Yes Per fax, itinerary Yes, if not an Before border and Pacific plus conditions of open flight security control contract Continental July 1999 Only possible through Continental Airlines, not Upon Flight numbers, Yes Before border and Airlines with travel agencies. From Germany, CO only request dates, times, security controls accepts credit card payment booking reference, fares, place of issue, fare restrictions

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 11 DG H I EN GERMANY

Crossair Summer 1999 Only possible in PARS-System or in Galileo Yes Entire itinerary, Yes At check-in counter system in Switzerland, Amadeus in Germany will telnumber, fare, follow check-in time, contracts Via fax, e-mail or post Deutsche BA See British Airways‘ response Deutsche since November 1996 in ETIC procedure, Itinerary Receipt Yes either by issuing Yes Before border control agency or at the airport Before security AG together with boarding control card September 1998 Check-In via credit card at the gate, then he Yes at the airport together no automatic Before border control directly receives the boarding card with boarding card confirmation Before security on return control flight Swissair September 1999 Only for SR/SN sales in Galileo. No, only all data's concerning the Yes Before or behind both pax directly books via SR/SN, at the airport he on request flight controls directly receives the boarding card after identity Via Fax, E-mail, check mail or at the airport Tyrolian See Lufthansa Airways United October 1998 Yes Via fax, e-mail, post or Yes, if return Either at main check-in Airlines direct in UA office flight exists or at gate US Airways 10. April 1996 Ticketing with FOP cash, check, credit card Yes Customer receives After security control itinerary card and receipt via post

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 12 DG H I EN GERMANY Additional comments in reply to question 3 of the questionnaire

(1) Under Article 6(1) of the Schengen Convention, checks at the external borders of Schengen States must be carried out in accordance with uniform principles. Pursuant to Article 6(2)(c), aliens are subject to a thorough check as defined in Article 6(2)(a); i.e. checks on persons include not only the verification of travel documents, but also the other conditions governing entry, such as residence, work and return.

In accordance with Article 5 of the Schengen Convention, aliens may be granted entry into the territories of the Schengen States for stays of up to three months.

Pursuant to Article 5 (1)(c) of the Schengen Convention, aliens must produce, if necessary, documents justifying the purpose and conditions of their stay and have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the period of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or transit to a third State into which they are certain to be admitted, or be in a position to acquire such means lawfully.

Under point 4.1 of the Schengen Common Manual, it is for the alien to provide on request the reason for his application by producing supporting documents and papers as proof.

In order to provide proof or to establish the likelihood of the reasons given for entry, the checking officer may, pursuant to point 4.1.1.3 of the Schengen Common Manual, ask the alien to produce a return or round-trip ticket for journeys undertaken for the purposes of tourism or for private reasons.

It is questionable whether an "ET" adequately substantiates an application to enter a country or whether a definite booking for a return flight evidences that an alien has sufficient means for the return.

(2) In the case of non-admission or expulsion, the border police authorities may, under Article 82(5) of the Aliens' Law, seize the flight ticket as a security for the alien's return journey.

Seizing an "ET" would defeat the purpose of the seizure. A receipt does not guarantee a return flight, but only confirms that the flight as such has been paid for.

Seizure of an obligation, i.e. that of the "return undertaking", is not possible, as only objects can be seized.

This problem could be solved if airlines agreed to have counters for printing out tickets. According to the information I have, Lufthansa has already done this.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 13 DG H I EN THE NETHERLANDS

Subject: Electronic ticketing - answers to the questionnaire (Telex 3073)

Preliminary remark "Electronic ticketing" is a broad concept. Airlines offer travellers various forms of ticket facilities known as "electronic ticketing". In view of the problems which can arise with regard to external border controls, it is important to mention the types of electronic ticketing which require most attention in that context. In order to make this distinction, the Netherlands delegation suggests using the following definition: electronic ticketing is a ticket system in which the right to transport, on the terms agreed between carrier and passenger, is laid down solely by electronic means by the carrier, without the use of a confirmatory document (travel and baggage ticket).

Questionnaire

1. Are there airlines at your national airports which have installed electronic ticketing systems? What systems, which routes, and since when? Delta Airlines, , Easyjet and SAS make use of electronic ticketing within the meaning of the above definition on non-Schengen flights out of and into Amsterdam airport. The routes involved are as follows: Atlanta-Amsterdam, New York-Amsterdam, Washington (Dulles)-Amsterdam, Copenhagen-Amsterdam, Stockholm-Amsterdam, Oslo-Amsterdam, Liverpool-Amsterdam, London-Amsterdam, Geneva-Amsterdam and vice versa.

2. If so, what is the procedure followed?

When the ticket is issued electronically, is a document sent to the passenger as a matter of course?

(a) If so, what is the content of this document and how is it transmitted (fax, e-mail, post)?

In practice, as already stated above, airlines offer various facilities known as "electronic ticketing". The three most important variants which arise are the following: (1) the passenger receives from the airline for the flight a confirmatory document consisting of one part comparable to a traditional ticket and another part intended as a boarding card; (2) the passenger receives from the airline at some time after purchase of a seat on a particular flight a "Customer Itinerary and Receipt (CIR)"; (3) the passenger receives no document from the airline, only a (plastic) boarding card at the time of departure.

(b) Can the sales office of the airline concerned be contacted immediately to confirm that return is guaranteed?

In practice there already exists the possibility of contacting the airline concerned to discover whether the passenger in question has booked a return trip. At present inquiries are under way to discover how in the case of electronic ticketing (in accordance with the definition suggested by the Netherlands delegation) it can be guaranteed that the departure genuinely takes place.

(c) When is the boarding card issued to the passenger? Before or after cross-border controls? Before or after security checks?

In principle, the boarding card is issued at the check-in, i.e. before the border and security checks. On check-in, the airline asks the passenger to prove his identity by means of a travel document.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 14 DG H I EN NETHERLANDS

3. Has this system caused difficulties for security or frontier control? What were they?

As far as we know, there have been no particular problems so far. This has a great deal to do with the air routes on which electronic ticketing is currently being used. If it is extended to other routes which are more sensitive from the point of view of illegal immigration, problems may arise, particularly as regards those forms of electronic ticketing in which the route can no longer be ascertained by means of a physical ticket. Moreover, electronic ticketing means that the border control authorities do not have the possibility of confiscating the ticket temporarily. Finally, in general it may be difficult to ascertain whether a passenger complies with all the entry conditions laid down in Article 5 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement.

4. Have you had contacts with your national airline(s) on the subject of electronic ticketing? Yes, with KLM.

(a) Have they informed you of their plans for the development of electronic ticketing: intended timetable, routes contemplated, etc.?

KLM has experimented with electronic ticketing on the Rotterdam-London (LHR) route. At present there are no plans to extend the system.

(b) Have you raised with them the question of difficulties caused by this system and possible solutions? Which?

Yes. This was the reason for limiting the scope of the electronic ticketing experiment to that particular route.

(c) Have you signed an agreement with them to resolve such difficulties? What is the content of the agreement?

No.

5. Have you also discussed this matter with foreign companies? If so, what was the outcome? Have you, for example, made agreements with those companies?

Yes. Delta Airlines made it known in advance that it intended to introduce electronic ticketing on routes to and from Amsterdam. That airline also made available a specimen of its CIR to the Netherlands border control authorities in advance. As yet no agreements have been made with airlines which use electronic ticketing.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 15 DG H I EN NORWAY

Questionnaire on electronic ticketing

Norway replied to the original questionnaire 8 March 1999, and there are no substantial changes to our contribution. Please find a copy of this note enclosed.

However, one minor modification may be added to question number 1, on which airlines using electronic ticketing and to which destinations. We informed you in March last year, that Braathens airline was planning to expand the use of electronic ticketing during 1999 to flights to some destinations in the Nordic countries and in . Braathens airline has expanded the use of electronic ticketing to destinations in Sweden, but has now no other plans for further expansion to other destinations.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 16 DG H I EN NORWAY Reply to the questionnaire on electronic ticketing (SCH/I-Front (99) 10 rev)

1. Have any airlines introduced the electronic ticketing at your national airports, if so which, on which routes and as of when?

The SAS (Scandinavian Airlines Systems), Widerøe airline in co-operation with SAS, and Braatens airline (from 04.02.99) have introduced electronic ticketing for passengers who are members of one of the mentioned airline's frequent flyer programs. An electronic ticketing readable card is issued to the members of these programs. The card contains personal information about the holder of the card and information in connection with a flight. The system can be used on all the airlines' domestic flights in Norway. In addition, SAS in cooperation with Widerøe has introduced the system to flights within the other Nordic countries. During 1999 Braathens airline is planning to expand the use of electronic ticketing to flights to some destinations within the other Nordic countries and to some destinations in Europe.

In this connection, the "Travel pass"-system introduced by SAS should be mentioned. This system resembles electronic ticketing. The card serves as a ticket, and contains a certain number of pre-paid journeys to pre-determined destinations. This kind of travel is possible on domestic flights as well as on some international flights.

2. If the answer to the above question is yes, what procedure is applied? Is a document systematically addressed to the passenger when the electronic ticket is issued?

Only passengers holding a "SAS Eurobonus" card or "Braatens Wings" card can use the system "electronic ticketing". When booking the ticket all information concerning the flight, reservations, restrictions, travel agency handling the booking and way of payment will be registered automatically in the airline company's database (All relevant information regarding the card owner has been registered earlier). This information will be available by entering the cardnumber or by sliding the card through a card reader. No paper ticket is issued. a) If so, what does it contain and how is it transmitted (by fax, electronic messaging, mail)?

SAS has introduced procedures to confirm reservations. A written confirmation will automatically be printed out and either given directly to the customer, or send to him by mail. This confirmation contains information about flight sigments, flight numbers, fare and ticket number (initeary receipt). The airline company Braatens will only on request confirm the reservation. This is mainly done by E-mail. b) Is it possible to immediately consult the commercial services of the airline concerned to confirm the guarantee of return?

Yes, during office hours. c) At what stage is the boarding pass issued to the passenger? Is it before or after border controls? Before or after security checks?

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 17 DG H I EN NORWAY

Boarding cards are issued before passing both border controls and security controls. However, passengers who are using an "electronic ticket" do not need an ordinary boarding card on flights within or between the Nordic countries. The electronic card serves as a boarding card. Before entering the transit area the passenger slides the card through the card reader. All information which is contained in an ordinary boarding pass will appear on a screen in front of the control officer. Norway is at the time being not performing exit controls.

3. Has this system resulted in any security problems or difficulties at border controls? If so, which?

We have not been informed about any problems in connections with electronic ticketing.

4. Have you had any contact with your national airline(s) on the subject of electronic ticketing?

No. a) Have they informed you of any plans to introduce electronic ticketing : time schedule, proposed routes, etc?

No, only at our request. b) Have you spoken to them about the problems this system can generate and solutions to such problems? If so, which?

No. c) Have you signed any form of agreement to overcome these problems? If so, what is the scope of this agreement?

No.

5. Have you discussed this question with any foreign airlines? If so, what was the outcome? Have you for instance signed any agreements with these companies?

No.

______

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 18 DG H I EN PORTUGAL

(1) Yes, the airlines TAP - Air Portugal, Swissair and Sabena. TAP - Air Portugal uses electronic ticketing between Airport and the following: Amsterdam, London, Geneva, Brussels, Zürich, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, New York and Stockholm. Swissair for the following destinations: Zürich and Geneva. Sabena for Brussels.

(2) A receipt is always issued for the journey purchased.

(b) Yes.

(c) The boarding card is issued before the passenger goes through border control.

(3) No difficulties have arisen to date.

(4) Yes.

(a) Yes, TAP - Air Portugal presented its electronic ticketing plans before they were put into operation.

(b) Yes, especially the need for constant contact with the airline's services whenever any doubts arose concerning a passenger using the system.

(c) No.

(5) The matter has been raised with foreign companies operating at Portuguese airports, at meetings between the Aliens and Frontiers Department and the airlines operating in Portugal. These are regular meetings, at which all operational matters concerning the participants are discussed.

10206/00 ADD 1 HG/scs 19 DG H I EN