US demands an address - even before you arrive

Airline passengers to the United States will have to declare the address they are staying at before they board their plane under new rules effective today.

But a test run of the requirement has already caused problems for Air New Zealand, with some passengers arguing that it is "none of your business".

Under the Advance Passenger Information System, set up as part of a border security overhaul three years ago, travellers are now expected to give a US address when booking their flights.

Failing that, the information can be given when passengers are checking in, though some airlines have warned this could add to airport queues.

Stewart Milne, executive director of the Board of Airline Representatives, said that in Air New Zealand's test run some passengers had said, "What's it got to do with you?".

"These are understandable reactions, but the fact is the US Government has decided these are the rules so if you want to fly there you've got to meet the requirements," he said.

Airlines that fail to provide the information - or provide an address that does not tally with the one given by a passenger on his or her entry visa - face stiff penalties.

"Carriers should also make every effort to ensure the address submitted appears to be a valid address," says a directive from the US Customs and Border Patrol.

It is not the first time strict rules following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US have upset people. Last year, US border security said that people should not queue outside aircraft toilets.

The new directive said address information was "central to risk assessment and targeting".

Travellers heading straight to a cruise ship, picking up a rental car or who know only their hotel name will not have to give an address.

An Air New Zealand spokesman said "by and large it's been fine - it's just another addition to the information we already collect".